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Pastry cream doughnuts

⏱ 4 min🍳 5 min👤 10 pp★★★★☆

These Carnival doughnuts (inspired by a recipe from Alessandra Spisni, a teacher from Bologna to ‘La Prova del Cuoco’) are delicious fried, leavened sweet snacks, usually prepared during Carnival. The doughnuts have a soft, puffy texture, can be of various sizes, and are often filled with the classic apricot or cherry jam. But if you are somebody who has a really sweet tooth, you shouldn’t miss making a doughnut filling with a pastry cream or Nutella! You can have your Carnival doughnuts for a substantial, filling breakfast or simply eat them as lovely mid-morning snack. Now follow our recipe step-by-step and remember to add a sprinkling of sugar when the cakes are hot, because the sugar will better stick to the sides of the doughnut when they’re warm. Your guests will be delighted with your Carnival doughnuts!

Ingredients

Impasto

Ripieno

Decorazione

Nutritional values 380 kcal / serving
Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
48g
Fat
18g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

Information
4 minutes Total time
5 minutes Active time
Serves 10 persons
★★★★☆ Hard

Preparation

Arrange 450g of flour in a well shape and add the egg yolks, vanilla, sugar, melted butter and the yeast dissolved in warm milk. Knead with your hands for at least 10 minutes, until you have a smooth, deep yellow dough. Leave it to rise for at least two hours in a floured bowl covered with a cloth. After this time, transfer the dough to a work surface, knead it again to get it completely deflated, and shape it into a long loaf with a diameter of about 4 or 5 cm. Cut out 20 equal pieces with a spatula, form them into a ball and leave them to rise for another hour on a floured cloth. After the second rising, fry the doughnuts in hot oil until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels, let them cool and sprinkle with icing sugar.

Tips
Pay attention to the temperature of your cooking oil: if it’s too hot it will burn your doughnuts leaving them raw inside.
Trivia
Did you know that pastry cream is used not only as a filling but also as the basis for creating other types of creamy confections? For example, Chantilly cream or a chocolate flavoured fillings.

Step by step

Knead flour and eggs
Knead flour and eggs
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Creme Bombs with Grated Lemon Zest

One of the freshest and most fragrant variations of Creme Bombs is the one enriched with grated lemon zest. This simple adjustment makes the dessert even more aromatic, giving a citrus note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cream. To prepare these bombs, just add the lemon zest to the dough during mixing. The result will be a soft and fragrant dessert, ideal for a special breakfast or snack. If you desire an even more intense flavor, you might also consider adding a few drops of lemon essence. This variation is perfect to be served with a dusting of powdered sugar, for an even more inviting visual and taste effect.

Lucanian Creme Bombs

Creme Bombs have a deep-rooted tradition in many Italian regions, but the Lucanian version is particularly appreciated for its authentic recipe and local ingredients. In Basilicata, the bombs are prepared with a soft and leavened dough, which becomes crispy on the outside and soft on the inside once fried. The cream that fills them is often homemade, using fresh and genuine ingredients, such as eggs and local milk. This variation is perfect for those who want to savor a typical dessert from the tradition, which carries the flavor of the Lucanian land. Served hot and dusted with powdered sugar, these bombs are true comfort food that wins everyone over.

Light Creme Bombs without Butter

For those looking for a lighter version of the classic Creme Bombs, the light recipe without butter is a perfect choice. In this preparation, butter is replaced with seed oil, which makes the dough lighter without compromising the flavor. Additionally, one can opt for a cream based on skim milk and reduced sugar, while still maintaining the sweetness of the filling. This variation is ideal for those following a controlled diet or for those who want to enjoy a dessert without feeling too heavy. Despite the modifications, the final result will still be a soft and delicious bomb, perfect for satisfying a sweet craving.

Benefits of Creme Bombs: Calories and Nutrients

Creme Bombs, while being a delicious dessert, can offer some nutritional benefits when consumed in moderation. The dough is primarily made of "00" flour, which provides carbohydrates for energy, while the egg yolks contribute proteins and essential nutrients such as vitamin D. The cream, made with milk and sugar, offers calcium, important for bone health. However, it is good to keep in mind that a creme bomb can contain about 250-300 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. Consumed occasionally, they can be a pleasant dessert to include in a balanced diet, especially when paired with a meal rich in fruits and vegetables.

Can Creme Bombs be Frozen?

A common question regarding the storage of Creme Bombs is: can they be frozen? The answer is yes, it is possible to freeze them, but with some precautions. It is advisable to freeze the bombs already cooked and cooled, wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in an airtight container. This way, their freshness is preserved. When you want to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature and, if preferred, slightly reheat them in the oven to restore their crispness. However, it is important to note that the cream may not maintain the same consistency after freezing, so it is advisable to consume them fresh for a better experience.