Chocolate Custard Brioche Donuts

These Chocolate Custard Brioche Donuts offer a perfect combination of soft, fluffy brioche dough filled with rich, velvety chocolate custard. With every bite, you experience a delightful dance of textures and flavors, creating a treat that feels both indulgent and comforting. These donuts are wonderful for special occasions or simply lifting your everyday dessert game with a touch of homemade bakery magic.

I remember making these for a weekend brunch and how the house filled with the most inviting chocolate aroma. It quickly became a family favorite with my friends asking for the recipe right away.

Ingredients

• Granulated sugar: sweetens both the dough and custard giving just the right amount of sweetness
• Cocoa powder: provides deep chocolate flavor and beautiful color to the custard, choose unsweetened for richness
• Cornstarch: thickens the custard ensuring it becomes luscious and smooth without lumps
• Instant espresso powder: enhances chocolate flavor subtly without tasting like coffee, a little secret for depth
• Organic whole chocolate milk: creaminess forms the base of the custard, pick a fresh, high-quality milk for smooth taste
• Vanilla extract: adds a floral, sweet aroma boosting the flavors in the custard
• Unsalted European style butter: gives richness to both dough and custard, using high-fat butter improves texture
• Cream-top whole milk: enriches the dough making it tender and soft, fresh is always better
• Instant yeast: the rising agent that creates fluffy, airy brioche, fresh yeast ensures good rise
• All-purpose flour: the structure builder for the dough, use good quality flour for light results
• Salt: balances sweetness and improves flavor complexity
• Large egg: binds ingredients and enriches dough texture
• Neutral oil for frying: choose one with high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil to get perfect golden donuts
• Granulated sugar for coating: finishes donuts with a sweet crystalline texture
• Chocolate shavings: decorative and adds extra chocolate indulgence on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Custard:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, espresso powder, chocolate milk, vanilla, and butter. Stir constantly as the mixture heats up and thickens into a smooth custard. Once thickened to a creamy consistency, remove from heat and allow to cool at room temperature.

Make the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine cream-top milk, butter, yeast, flour, sugar, salt, and egg. Stir until a sticky dough forms then turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about five minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Let It Rise:

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm spot. Allow the dough to double in size which typically takes around one to one and a half hours depending on your kitchen environment.

Shape the Donuts:

Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface to about half an inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out donut shapes. Keep the holes to bake or fry separately for a little treat.

Fry the Donuts:

Heat neutral oil in a deep pan or fryer to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit (one hundred eighty degrees Celsius). Gently place donuts in hot oil and fry until golden brown, around two to three minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.

Fill and Finish:

After the donuts cool a bit, coat them in granulated sugar. Fill each with the cooled chocolate custard using a piping bag or a small tip. Top with chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.

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My absolute favorite part is the chocolate custard filling. It has a velvety texture and intense flavor that makes the whole donut special. I still recall the smiles around the table when I surprised a brunch guest with these. Moments like those are what make cooking truly rewarding.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover donuts protected in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their tenderness for up to two days. If you want to refresh them, gently reheat in a toaster oven for a few minutes to crisp up the exterior while preserving the luscious custard inside.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the whole chocolate milk for almond or oat milk to make the custard dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess. You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough if you like warm spice notes or zest from an orange into the custard for a subtle citrus twist.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or hot chocolate. For brunch, adding fresh berries or a light whipped cream complements the rich custard perfectly. They also shine as an after-dinner dessert when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tips

• Prepare the chocolate custard first so it can cool while the dough rises, making your work efficient
• Do not rush the dough rising step, patience here ensures airy, soft brioche texture
• Avoid skipping the step of coating fresh donuts with sugar right after frying for the perfect sweet finish

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What gives the donuts their fluffy texture?

The brioche dough includes yeast, eggs, and butter, which together create a light, airy crumb perfect for frying.

→ How is the chocolate custard made creamy yet thick?

Cornstarch thickens the custard while cocoa powder and espresso add depth, resulting in a smooth, rich filling.

→ Can these donuts be made without dairy?

Yes, by substituting chocolate milk with almond or oat milk, the custard and dough maintain flavor with a dairy-free profile.

→ How should the donuts be stored?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep freshness.

→ What is the best way to reheat leftover donuts?

Reheating in a toaster oven for a few minutes restores crispiness without compromising the custard inside.

→ Why is espresso powder added to the custard?

Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor subtly without imparting a coffee taste, enriching the overall depth.