Chocolate Custard Brioche Donuts Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Chocolate Custard Brioche Donuts. These fluffy, soft, and slightly sweet brioche donuts are filled with a rich and creamy chocolate custard that makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent weekend breakfast, these donuts are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. The brioche dough is light and airy, creating the perfect texture that holds up beautifully when fried. With the added surprise of chocolate custard inside, these donuts will be a hit with everyone who tries them.

The process of making these donuts may seem a bit involved, but the results are well worth the effort. The dough is easy to work with and, once it has risen, it forms a soft and rich base that pairs perfectly with the silky chocolate custard filling. The donuts are then fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy outer shell that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy interior. If you’re looking for a decadent dessert or a luxurious breakfast, this recipe for Chocolate Custard Brioche Donuts is just what you need.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chocolate Custard Brioche Donuts are a deliciously indulgent treat that combines the soft, buttery texture of brioche dough with the richness of chocolate custard. The process of making them from scratch might seem like a lot of work, but the outcome is a batch of irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth donuts that are perfect for any occasion. The chocolate custard filling adds an extra layer of flavor that makes each donut even more decadent. Whether you’re making them for a special brunch or simply want to treat yourself, these donuts are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• Warm milk
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate custard

Variations

1. Fruit-Filled Donuts: Instead of chocolate custard, use a fruit filling like raspberry or strawberry jam for a tangy twist.
2. Glazed Brioche Donuts: For an extra sweet touch, dip the fried donuts in a sugar glaze after frying.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Roll the fried donuts in cinnamon sugar for a classic flavor combination.
4. Kahlúa Custard: Add a tablespoon of Kahlúa or another coffee liqueur to the chocolate custard for an adult twist.
5. Vegan Brioche Donuts: Use a plant-based butter and eggs substitute like flax eggs to make the donuts vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Stir everything together until a dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out donut shapes. Place a spoonful of chocolate custard in the center of each round. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal them.

Step 6: Fry the Donuts

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (180°C). Fry the donuts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each donut for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the donuts warm, and enjoy the gooey, rich chocolate custard center paired with the soft, fluffy brioche dough.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. It should feel warm to the touch, around 110°F (43°C).
• Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place to help it rise properly.
• Be gentle when sealing the dough around the chocolate custard to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot while frying. Fry the donuts in small batches to ensure even cooking.
• If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a round cookie cutter and a smaller cutter for the center hole.

How to Serve

These chocolate custard brioche donuts are best enjoyed warm, right after frying. Serve them as a dessert, for breakfast, or as a special treat with a cup of coffee or tea. If you’d like, you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. They’re perfect for any occasion, from family brunches to holiday celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, place a sheet of paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze the donuts for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat leftover donuts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds for a softer texture, though they won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different filling instead of chocolate custard?

Yes, you can fill the donuts with fruit preserves, pastry cream, or even Nutella for a different flavor.

2. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, place it in the fridge to rise overnight. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping the donuts.

3. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

While frying gives the donuts their signature texture, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes for a lighter option.

4. How do I know when the oil is the right temperature for frying?

Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (180°C). You can also test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough; if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.

5. Can I use store-bought chocolate custard?

Yes, you can use store-bought chocolate custard or pudding as a filling if you’re short on time.

6. What type of oil is best for frying donuts?

Vegetable oil or canola oil is ideal for frying donuts, as they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

7. Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour is best for this recipe, but you can experiment with cake flour for an even lighter texture.

8. Can I make these donuts without yeast?

While the dough for these donuts requires yeast to achieve the brioche texture, you can use a non-yeast dough if preferred, though the texture will differ.

9. How can I keep the chocolate custard from leaking out during frying?

Make sure to seal the edges of the dough completely around the custard filling. You can also try chilling the filled donuts in the fridge before frying to help them hold their shape.

10. Can I freeze the chocolate custard?

Yes, you can freeze the chocolate custard for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using it as a filling for the donuts.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Custard Brioche Donuts are the ultimate indulgence, combining the buttery richness of brioche with the decadent, creamy sweetness of chocolate custard. Though they require a bit of time and attention, the result is a batch of donuts that are simply irresistible. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you need a little sweet comfort, these donuts will impress anyone who takes a bite. With their crispy exterior and gooey chocolate filling, they’re a treat that’s worth the effort every time.

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