Cream-Filled Custard Doughnuts (Boston Cream–Style)

Introduction

Boston Cream–Style Doughnuts are a legendary bakery favorite for a reason. Soft, fluffy yeast doughnuts are generously filled with silky vanilla custard and finished with a glossy chocolate glaze instead of powdered sugar. The contrast between the light dough, rich custard, and smooth chocolate topping makes every bite indulgent yet perfectly balanced.

These doughnuts feel elegant enough for special occasions but comforting enough to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a quiet morning.

Why You’ll Love These Doughnuts

  • Classic Boston cream bakery flavor

  • Rich vanilla custard filling

  • Smooth chocolate glaze topping

  • Soft, fluffy yeast dough

  • Perfect for frying or baking

Ingredients

Doughnuts

  • 3¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¾ cup warm milk

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Vanilla Custard Filling

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 4 large egg yolks

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Chocolate Glaze

  • ¾ cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer

  • Saucepan

  • Whisk

  • Rolling pin

  • Round cutter

  • Deep skillet or fryer

  • Piping bag with round tip

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

  2. Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.

  3. Mix until a soft dough forms.

  4. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours, until doubled.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard

  1. Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming (do not boil).

  2. Whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.

  3. Slowly whisk hot milk into egg mixture.

  4. Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.

  5. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla.

  6. Cover with plastic wrap directly on surface and chill until cold.

Step 3: Shape the Doughnuts

  1. Roll dough to ½-inch thickness.

  2. Cut into rounds (no center hole).

  3. Place on parchment-lined tray, cover, and rest 30 minutes.

Step 4: Fry the Doughnuts

  1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Fry doughnuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden.

  3. Drain on paper towels and cool completely.

(Baked option: Bake at 375°F / 190°C for 10–12 minutes.)

Step 5: Fill with Custard

  1. Use a skewer to make a hole in the side of each doughnut.

  2. Pipe chilled custard generously into the center.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Glaze

  1. Heat heavy cream until just simmering.

  2. Pour over chocolate chips and butter.

  3. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

  4. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 7: Glaze the Doughnuts

  • Dip tops of filled doughnuts into warm chocolate glaze.

  • Let glaze set for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Tips for Bakery-Perfect Boston Cream Doughnuts

  • Chill custard fully before filling

  • Fill doughnuts after completely cooling

  • Keep glaze warm but not hot

  • Don’t overproof dough to maintain structure

Variations

Dark Chocolate Boston Cream

Use dark chocolate for a richer glaze.

White Chocolate Boston Cream

Top with white chocolate glaze.

Mini Boston Cream Doughnuts

Make smaller rounds for bite-sized treats.

Espresso Boston Cream

Add espresso powder to the chocolate glaze.

Storage

  • Best enjoyed the same day

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days

  • Glaze may soften over time

Preparation Time

  • Prep time: 30 minutes

  • Rise time: 2 hours

  • Frying & filling: 30 minutes

Estimated Calories

  • Approximately 340–380 calories per doughnut

  • Depends on filling and glaze thickness

Final Thoughts

Boston Cream–Style Custard Doughnuts are soft, creamy, and decadently chocolatey — a true bakery classic you can proudly make at home. From the silky custard center to the glossy chocolate topping, these doughnuts are pure comfort and indulgence.