Italian Cream Bombs Recipe
Italian Cream Bombs, also known as bombolones, are luscious fried doughnuts filled with a smooth vanilla custard. This recipe features a soft, yeast-risen dough that is deep-fried to golden perfection and filled with a homemade creamy custard. These delightful treats are perfect for dessert or a special snack and offer a rich, indulgent Italian-inspired flavor.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Dough
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Whole Milk, warm
- 1 tbsp Fresh Yeast or Instant Dried Yeast
- 1/4 cup Sweet Butter, softened
- 2 large Eggs
- Vegetable Oil for frying
Custard Filling
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 5 large Egg Yolks
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Create a well in the center and add warm milk mixed with yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating yeast activation. Then mix in softened butter and eggs until combined. Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and place in a warm spot. Let it rise until doubled in size, about 90 minutes.
- Shape the Dough: Roll out the risen dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut circles. Arrange them on a lined tray, lightly cover, and rest for about 10 minutes to proof slightly.
- Fry the Bombolones: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry each dough round carefully until golden brown on both sides, around 3-4 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Custard Filling: Heat 2 cups of whole milk over medium heat. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually whisk hot milk into the egg yolk mixture to temper. Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Cool completely.
- Fill the Bombolones: Using a piping bag with a round tip, puncture each fried dough and fill with the cooled custard. Dust the filled bombs with powdered sugar.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious dessert experience.
Notes
- Ensure the yeast is properly activated by checking for foam after mixing with warm milk.
- The oil temperature must be maintained around 350°F to ensure even and quick frying without oil absorption.
- Allow the custard to cool fully before filling to prevent melting the dough.
- You can substitute fresh yeast with instant dried yeast if preferred.
- For best results, consume the bombolones fresh on the same day.
Keywords: Italian Cream Bombs, Bombolones, Fried Doughnuts, Custard Filled Doughnuts, Italian Dessert, Yeast Doughnuts