Italian Cream Bombs Recipe
These Mouthwatering Italian Cream Bombs, also known as Bomboloni, are soft, fluffy Italian-style fried doughnuts filled with a luscious vanilla custard. Perfectly golden and dusted with powdered sugar, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion.
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: About 16 Bomboloni 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (or substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 cup Whole Milk (warmed, or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tsp Fresh Yeast (or 1 packet instant dried yeast)
- 1/2 cup Sweet Butter (or margarine for dairy-free)
- 2 Large Eggs
- 4 cups Vegetable Oil (canola oil as alternative for frying)
Custard Filling
- 2 cups Milk
- 1/3 cup Sugar
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Finishing
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for dusting)
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Create a well in the center and pour in the warmed milk mixed with fresh yeast. Allow it to foam for about 5 minutes. Mix in softened butter and eggs thoroughly, then knead the dough for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Bomboloni: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Using a round cutter, cut out circles. Allow them to rest briefly to relax the gluten, making them easier to fry evenly.
- Fry Bomboloni: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry dough rounds in small batches until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make Custard Filling: In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow custard to cool to room temperature.
- Fill Bomboloni: Using a piping bag, carefully pierce each Bombolone and inject the cooled custard filling inside.
- Finish and Serve: Dust the filled Italian Cream Bombs generously with powdered sugar. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- For a dairy-free option, use almond milk and margarine instead of whole milk and butter.
- If fresh yeast is unavailable, instant dried yeast can be used (1 packet equivalent to 2 tsp fresh yeast).
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained at 350°F to achieve a crispy yet airy Bombolone.
- Custard filling can be made in advance and refrigerated; warm slightly before filling if desired.
- Use a round cutter about 3 inches in diameter for traditional Bomboloni size.
Keywords: Italian Cream Bombs, Bomboloni, Fried Doughnuts, Italian Dessert, Custard Filled Doughnuts