Traditional Baked Cream Donuts: A Delicious Italian-Inspired Treat

Indulge in the delicious flavors of these traditional oven-baked custard donuts. Inspired by classic Italian pastry techniques, these fritters are made from a delicate choux pastry and generously filled with a creamy, rich custard. This baked version offers a lighter alternative to traditional fried pastry, offering the perfect balance of airy texture and creamy filling.

Why you'll love it: These cream donuts are perfect for those who appreciate the elegance of European pastries without the heaviness of frying. The choux pastry puffs up in the oven, creating a light shell that is nicely complemented by the velvety cream inside. Each bite is a blend of subtle sweetness and buttery richness, making these donuts a refined treat for any dessert lover.

Perfect occasion: These donuts are ideal for any meeting or celebration where you want to impress your guests with something a little special. They are perfect for afternoon tea, brunches or as a sophisticated dessert at dinner parties. Their elegant appearance and exquisite taste make them suitable for holiday celebrations or as a luxurious weekend treat.

Decorating Tips: Before serving, dust the donuts with powdered sugar for a classic finish. For a festive touch, you can drizzle them with a light glaze or garnish them with a pinch of finely grated lemon zest to complement the custard. Displaying them on a vintage cake stand or on a tray lined with lace doilies can enhance their charm and appeal.

Ingredients:

• 120 grams of water
• 100 grams of eggs (about 2 medium)
• 75 grams of all-purpose flour
• 60 grams of butter
• A pinch of salt
• For the custard:
  • 500 milliliters of milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 6 tablespoons of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or potato starch
  • 2 tablespoons of flour
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring the water, butter and a pinch of salt to a boil. Remove from the heat and quickly incorporate the flour all at once using a whisk.
2. Return the pan to the heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture dries slightly and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.
3. Let the mixture cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender fitted with a paddle attachment. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Once the dough is shiny and smooth, pour it into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
5. Spread the dough on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, forming rings.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 220 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and continue baking for 30-35 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
7. For the custard, combine the milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, flour and lemon zest in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
8. Once the donuts have cooled, fill them with custard using a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
9. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.

Enjoy these luxurious traditional oven-baked custard donuts, a delicious treat that brings a taste of Italian elegance to your table!