Embark on a culinary journey to Italy with our Authentic Italian Bomboloni, delectable fried doughnuts that will entice your taste buds. Originating in Tuscany, these pillowy-soft treats are filled with luscious pastry cream and dusted with powdered sugar, making them a popular indulgence throughout Italy. Whether served as a breakfast treat, dessert, or snack, these Bomboloni are sure to add a touch of Italian sweetness to your table. Prepare to taste the joy of homemade fried doughnuts with this irresistible recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Bomboloni Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Pastry Cream Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Activate Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, warm milk, eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, salt, and activated yeast mixture.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Shape Bomboloni:
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and divide it into equal-sized portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball.
- Cover the shaped dough balls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Make Pastry Cream:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the pastry cream filling. In a saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth and pale yellow.
- Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Fry Bomboloni:
- In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Carefully add the risen dough balls to the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the fried Bomboloni from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Fill with Pastry Cream:
- Once the Bomboloni have cooled slightly, use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to fill each doughnut with the chilled pastry cream. Insert the tip into the side of each doughnut and squeeze gently until filled.
- Serve:
- Dust the filled Bomboloni with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Tips for Serving:
- Variations: Experiment with different fillings such as chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or Nutella for a variety of flavors.
- Freshness: Bomboloni are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: If serving leftovers, reheat Bomboloni in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Take a trip to the streets of Italy with our Authentic Italian Bomboloni, irresistibly fluffy fried doughnuts filled with creamy pastry cream. Whether served as a special breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or indulgent dessert, these Bomboloni will delight your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth. Gather your ingredients and try this delicious recipe for homemade Italian goodness!