Boston Kreme Donut from Dunkin' features a soft, fluffy yeast dough filled with smooth, rich vanilla custard and topped with a glossy layer of decadent chocolate frosting, delivering a classic combination of creamy and sweet flavors with a light, airy texture.
Equipments
- Stand mixer (with dough hook)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter or doughnut cutter
- Baking sheet/tray
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap (for dough proofing)
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Piping bag (with filling nozzle)
- Saucepan
- Heatproof spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup whole milk (for custard)
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for custard)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for custard)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for custard)
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Active dry yeast must be fresh and properly activated in warm milk to ensure the dough rises correctly for the soft, fluffy texture that defines the Boston Kreme Donut from Dunkin'. Use whole milk and unsalted butter to create a rich, tender dough and smooth vanilla custard filling, which relies on precise measurements of egg yolks and cornstarch for the perfect creamy consistency. Vegetable oil should be heated to the right temperature for frying to achieve a light, airy donut without absorbing excess grease. The chocolate glaze combines semisweet chocolate chips, butter, and powdered sugar to form a glossy, decadent topping that complements the custard filling. Your successful Boston Kreme Donut from Dunkin' copycat menu will depend on careful ingredient selection and precise technique throughout each step.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Warm 3/4 cup milk until lukewarm.
- In mixing bowl, combine warm milk, 2 1/4 tsp yeast, and 1/4 cup sugar; let sit until foamy (5-10 mins).
- Add 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract; mix.
- Add 3 1/2 cups flour and 1/2 tsp salt; knead using stand mixer with dough hook for 5-7 minutes until dough is smooth.
- Transfer dough to greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place until doubled (1-2 hours).
- Prepare custard: Heat 1 cup milk in saucepan until steaming.
- Whisk 3 egg yolks, 1/3 cup sugar, and 2 tbsp cornstarch in bowl until pale.
- Gradually whisk hot milk into egg mixture.
- Pour mixture back into saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat; stir in 1 tbsp butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Transfer custard to bowl, cover with plastic wrap (touching surface), chill.
- Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness on floured surface.
- Cut dough into circles with cutter; place on baking sheet, cover, and let rise until puffy (30-45 mins).
- Heat oil in deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry donuts in batches, 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown; drain on cooling rack.
- Cool donuts to room temperature.
- Fill piping bag with custard; use nozzle to poke and fill each donut with custard.
- Make glaze: Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 2 tbsp butter, and 2 tbsp milk in saucepan, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat, whisk in 1 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla until glossy.
- Dip tops of filled donuts in chocolate glaze; set on rack until set.
Substitution
The Boston Kreme Donut from Dunkin' copycat recipe uses yeast dough, which requires proofing time for the dough to rise properly; if your kitchen is cool, place the dough in a slightly warmed oven to speed this process. If you don't have stand mixer dough hooks, hand kneading the dough is possible but requires about 10 minutes of vigorous effort to develop gluten for the fluffy texture. For frying, a deep fryer offers consistent temperature control, but using a heavy-bottomed pot and a thermometer can ensure even cooking and prevent soggy donuts. If you lack a piping bag for filling the custard, a resealable plastic bag with a small corner cut off can work as a substitute. Your glaze can be adjusted by swapping semisweet chocolate chips with bittersweet chocolate to control sweetness according to preference.
Tips
Ensure milk is lukewarm (95-105degF) to activate yeast without killing it, which is crucial for dough rising. Knead dough sufficiently using the stand mixer dough hook to develop gluten, resulting in a soft, elastic texture that holds air pockets. When frying, maintain oil temperature at 350degF to cook donuts evenly and achieve a golden exterior without absorbing excess oil. Fill donuts only after cooling to prevent custard from melting, and dip in glaze while it's still warm for a smooth, shiny coating.
Nutritions
Boston Kreme Donuts from Dunkin' provide approximately 300-350 calories per donut, with a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins derived from the yeast dough, rich vanilla custard, and chocolate glaze. The donuts contain around 15-20 grams of fat, including saturated fat from butter and egg yolks, contributing to their creamy texture and flavor. You will also find about 35-45 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from all-purpose flour, sugars, and powdered sugar glaze, providing quick energy. Despite their indulgent taste, these donuts offer minimal dietary fiber and moderate sodium, so enjoy them as an occasional treat within a balanced diet.
Storage
Store your Boston Kreme Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent the custard filling from drying out. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 3 days, but allow the donuts to come to room temperature before serving to preserve their soft texture. Avoid freezing as the custard may separate and affect the quality of the frosting upon thawing.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk in the custard for a dairy-free version without sacrificing creaminess. For a twist on the chocolate glaze, try melting dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a richer, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet filling. Instead of deep-frying, bake the donuts at 375degF for 10-12 minutes to reduce oil content while maintaining a tender texture. Using a piping bag with a smaller nozzle allows you to control custard filling amount precisely for consistent, creamy bites.
Allergies
The Boston Kreme Donut from Dunkin' contains several common allergens including wheat (all-purpose flour), dairy (whole milk, butter), and eggs, which may trigger reactions in those with sensitivities. The chocolate frosting includes milk and potentially soy lecithin, which could also affect individuals with milk or soy allergies. You should carefully review ingredient labels and consult with the manufacturer if you have specific allergen concerns before consuming.
Why this recipe?
Boston Kreme Donut from Dunkin' features a soft, fluffy yeast dough filled with rich vanilla custard and topped with smooth chocolate glaze, delivering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Fans appreciate its indulgent taste reminiscent of a classic Boston cream pie, making it a nostalgic and satisfying treat. Making a copycat version allows you to customize freshness and sweetness to your liking while enjoying the premium quality ingredients at home. Your homemade Boston Kreme Donut can elevate dessert options and impress friends with an authentic Dunkin' experience.