Introduction
Brioche donuts with vanilla custard filling are a luxurious, pillowy-soft treat that combines the rich, buttery texture of brioche dough with the silky smoothness of homemade vanilla custard. These indulgent donuts are lightly fried to golden perfection, coated in sugar, and filled with a luscious custard that oozes with every bite. They make for the perfect breakfast pastry, afternoon treat, or celebratory dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Soft & Fluffy Texture – The brioche dough is rich, airy, and buttery
- Creamy Vanilla Filling – Smooth, velvety, and packed with real vanilla flavor
- Perfect for Special Occasions – A delightful bakery-style treat made at home
- Customizable – Can be filled with different flavors like chocolate or fruit jams
- Classic Yet Unique – A gourmet take on traditional filled donuts
Origin of Brioche Donuts
Brioche originated in France, known for its high butter and egg content, making it rich and fluffy. Donuts were popularized in America but have roots in European pastries. The fusion of brioche and custard filling gives this donut a refined and indulgent twist, influenced by both French pastry techniques and classic American donuts.
Ingredients
For the Brioche Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk (warm)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened, cubed)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Vanilla Custard Filling
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 3 egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
How to Make Brioche Donuts with Vanilla Custard Filling
Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt
- Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter, mixing until a soft dough forms
- Knead for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic
- Cover and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Custard Filling
- In a saucepan, heat milk until warm, then remove from heat
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking
- Return to heat and cook on medium-low until thickened, stirring constantly
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and butter, then cool
Step 3: Shape and Fry the Donuts
- Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness and cut into rounds
- Place on a tray, cover, and let them rise for 30 minutes
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry each donut for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown
- Drain on paper towels and coat in granulated sugar while warm
Step 4: Fill the Donuts
- Transfer the custard into a piping bag with a round tip
- Poke a small hole in each donut and fill with custard until slightly overflowing
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve fresh, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate
Cooking Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Tips
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smooth dough
- Fry at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts
- Let the dough rise properly for the fluffiest texture
- Strain the custard if lumps form for a silky filling
- Fill just before serving to keep the donut fresh and prevent sogginess
Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-kneading the dough can make the donuts tough
- Skipping the second rise will result in dense, chewy donuts
- Overheating the custard can cause it to curdle
- Adding too much flour makes the dough dry instead of soft and fluffy
Serving Tips
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or milk
- Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with caramel for extra flavor
- Store in an airtight container and consume within 24 hours for freshness
Health Benefits of Ingredients
- Eggs – High in protein, vitamins, and good fats
- Milk – Rich in calcium, supporting strong bones
- Butter – Provides healthy fats in moderation
- Yeast – Aids digestion and boosts gut health
Interesting Facts About Brioche Donuts
- The word “brioche” comes from the French verb “brier,” meaning “to knead”
- Traditional French brioche is often eaten at breakfast with jam
- The first filled donut dates back to the 16th century in Germany
- Vanilla custard filling is also known as “crème pâtissière” in French pastry
Summarized Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 10 donuts
Ingredients
Flour, sugar, yeast, salt, milk, eggs, butter, vegetable oil, vanilla, cornstarch
Instructions
- Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Combine with flour, eggs, and butter to form a dough. Knead and let rise for 1-2 hours
- Make vanilla custard by whisking egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch with warm milk, then cooking until thick. Let cool
- Roll out dough, cut into rounds, and let rise 30 minutes
- Fry in 350°F (175°C) oil until golden brown. Drain and coat with sugar
- Fill with custard using a piping bag. Serve warm and enjoy
Final Thoughts
Brioche donuts with vanilla custard filling are the ultimate homemade bakery-style treat, bringing together a soft, buttery texture with a rich and creamy filling. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend indulgence, these donuts are sure to impress.
