Chocolate Custard Brioche Donuts combine the fluffy, rich texture of brioche with a decadent chocolate custard filling, making for an indulgent treat that is perfect for breakfast or dessert. These homemade donuts are a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, with the custard adding a creamy, chocolatey center that oozes out with each bite. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or impress guests, these donuts are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chocolate custard brioche donuts are the perfect way to elevate your donut game. The brioche dough is incredibly soft and airy, creating a light, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich and velvety chocolate custard filling. The process of making these donuts is a bit more involved than standard donuts, but the end result is worth every step. The combination of freshly fried dough and the creamy custard filling offers an irresistible treat that is both comforting and luxurious. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something indulgent, these donuts will hit the spot.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Sugar
Active dry yeast
Milk
Eggs
Butter
Chocolate custard
Oil for frying

Variations

Different Fillings: While chocolate custard is the star of these donuts, you can switch it up with other custard flavors like vanilla or pastry cream for a different twist.
Toppings: After frying, you can dust the donuts with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate sauce, or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for added flavor.
Glazed Donuts: Instead of chocolate custard filling, you can fill the donuts with a chocolate glaze, or simply coat them in a sweet glaze after frying.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast. Heat the milk until warm (but not hot) and add it to the dry ingredients. Mix well until the dough begins to form.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Butter

Stir in the eggs and softened butter until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out donut shapes.

Step 5: Add the Custard Filling

Place a spoonful of chocolate custard in the center of each donut shape. Be careful not to overfill, as the custard may leak out during frying.

Step 6: Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain. Serve them warm, and enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Ensure the Dough is Well-Kneaded: Kneading the dough properly will ensure it has the right texture and rises well.
Don’t Overfill the Donuts: Only add a small spoonful of chocolate custard to each donut to avoid overflow during frying.
Monitor Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly and may not cook through. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Let the Donuts Rest After Frying: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before serving to prevent burns and allow the custard to set.

How to Serve

These chocolate custard brioche donuts are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer while the dough is still warm and the custard is soft. Serve them on their own as a sweet breakfast or dessert, or pair them with a hot cup of coffee or milk. They are also perfect for sharing with family and friends during a special brunch or celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, they can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the dough.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfilled donuts before frying for up to 1 month. To reheat, fry them straight from the freezer for a slightly longer period. If you have leftover fried donuts, they can also be frozen for up to 1 month. However, the custard filling may not retain its original texture after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat donuts, warm them in a low-temperature oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought custard?

Yes, you can use store-bought chocolate custard or pastry cream if you prefer to save time.

2. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil or sunflower oil for frying if you don’t have vegetable oil on hand.

3. Can I make this dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and frying.

4. Can I make the donuts without custard filling?

Yes, you can make plain brioche donuts and glaze them with icing or chocolate sauce instead of filling them with custard.

5. Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them?

While frying gives the donuts their classic crispy texture, you can bake the donuts at 350°F for 10-12 minutes for a lighter version.

6. What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to old or inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm, not hot.

7. Can I fill the donuts with different fillings?

Absolutely! You can use fruit jams, cream cheese filling, or vanilla custard as alternatives to chocolate custard.

8. How long should I let the dough rise?

The dough should rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

9. Can I use a donut hole cutter instead of a donut cutter?

Yes, you can use a donut hole cutter or a round cookie cutter to shape the donuts.

10. How do I prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil?

Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) before frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the donuts.

Conclusion

Chocolate Custard Brioche Donuts are a deliciously indulgent treat that combines rich, buttery brioche dough with a luscious chocolate custard filling. These donuts are perfect for any occasion, from a special breakfast to a dessert for a gathering. While the process of making these donuts requires some patience, the end result is well worth the effort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will impress with its soft, fluffy texture and irresistible flavor. Enjoy these warm, freshly fried donuts with a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage, and savor the deliciousness in every bite!