Custard Donuts Recipe

Make bakery-quality custard donuts at home with this easy recipe featuring soft, fluffy dough and a rich vanilla pastry cream filling. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or special occasions, these classic fried donuts are coated in sugar and filled with smooth, creamy custard. Find out how to create light, airy donuts with simple ingredients and tips for perfect frying. Great for brunch menus, birthday parties, and holiday treats.

Ingredients

For the Custard

• 2 ½ cups whole milk (600g)
• ¾ stick butter (85g)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup white sugar (100g)
• 5 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Donuts

• 5 cups all-purpose flour (600g)
• ½ cup white sugar (100g) + extra for coating
• 1 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
• 2 packets active dry yeast (14g) or instant yeast
• 1 cup whole milk (240ml / 230g)
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ stick butter (75g, melted)
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

Prepare the Custard

1. Follow the Vanilla Pastry Cream recipe to make the custard ahead of time. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Make the Donut Dough

1. Warm the milk to body temperature. Stir in the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. (Skip this step if using instant yeast.)
2. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the remaining sugar, eggs, and salt. Pour in the milk-yeast mixture and mix briefly to combine.
3. Add the flour and mix on low speed for about 1 minute.
4. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while mixing.
5. Increase speed to high and knead for 3–5 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides. If the dough is too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead lightly by hand until smooth.
7. Place the dough into an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size (about 1–2 hours).

Shape and Proof the Donuts

1. Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
2. Cut out rounds using a 2½–3 inch cookie cutter.
3. Place the cut dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each donut.
4. Cover loosely and let rise again for about 45 minutes, until puffy.

Fry the Donuts

1. In the last 10 minutes of proofing, heat at least 2 inches of oil in a deep saucepan to 350°F (180°C).
2. Fry 2–3 donuts at a time. Cook until golden brown on one side, flip, and fry the other side.
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove donuts and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
4. While still warm, roll donuts in a bowl of white sugar to coat completely.

Fill the Donuts

1. Once cooled, use a metal straw or chopstick to poke a hole in the side of each donut, moving it slightly to create space inside.
2. Transfer the custard to a piping bag fitted with a nozzle.
3. Insert the nozzle into the hole and gently fill the donuts until slightly heavy and custard peeks out.

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Tips

• Don’t overheat the milk; it should feel warm, not hot, to the touch.
• Use a thermometer to keep frying oil between 340°F–360°F for even cooking.
• Proofing is key—make sure the dough doubles in size for light, fluffy donuts.
• Fill after cooling to prevent the custard from melting inside the donuts.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap vanilla custard for chocolate, coffee, or lemon pastry cream.
• Use jam, Nutella, or whipped cream as an alternative filling.
• Dust the donuts with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar instead of plain sugar.
• Make mini donuts for bite-sized treats—adjust frying time accordingly.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, refrigerate overnight. Let it come back to room temperature before shaping and frying.

Can I bake instead of fry?
While baking is possible at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, frying gives the classic donut texture.

Why did my donuts come out oily?
Oil temperature likely dropped. Always monitor and adjust heat during frying to maintain 350°F.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve fresh on the day they are made for the best taste and texture.
• Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk.
• Arrange on a platter dusted with extra powdered sugar for parties and brunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Homemade bakery-style donuts with rich, creamy custard.
• Soft, airy dough that’s perfectly golden and tender.
• Simple ingredients with a professional-quality result.
• Perfect for celebrations, brunches, or a weekend baking project.