The Boston Cream Donut from Tim Hortons features a light, fluffy yeast donut filled with smooth vanilla custard and topped with a rich, glossy chocolate glaze, offering a delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and indulgent flavors.
Equipments
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Rolling pin
- Dough cutter or bench scraper
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
- Candy/deep fry thermometer
- Large pot or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Cooling rack
- Pastry bag or piping bag
- Small round piping tip
- Saucepan
- Heatproof bowl
- Spoon (for glazing)
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp or 7g) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (for custard)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for custard)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for custard)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 oz (85g) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Using active dry yeast is essential for achieving the light and fluffy texture of the Boston Cream Donut, so make sure it is fresh and properly activated in warm water or milk. Whole milk and unsalted butter enhance the richness of both the dough and custard, contributing to the authentic creamy flavor you expect from this iconic treat. Precise measurements of sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks are crucial for creating a smooth, thick vanilla custard filling that pairs perfectly with the donut. When preparing the chocolate glaze, use semisweet or bittersweet chocolate combined with unsalted butter for a glossy, indulgent finish that mimics the original. Your pleasure is guaranteed when you follow this detailed Boston Cream Donut copycat menu from Tim Hortons at home.
Instructions
- Warm the milk and water to about 110°F (43°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
- Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture; mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour, mixing with a dough hook (or by hand) until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Knead dough (stand mixer or by hand) for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 1–2 hours).
- Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut out donuts using a round cutter.
- Place donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise until puffy (30–60 minutes).
- Heat oil in a large pot to 350°F (177°C).
- Fry donuts in batches until golden brown (1–2 minutes per side).
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a cooling rack.
- For custard: Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth.
- Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming (not boiling).
- Gradually whisk hot milk into the yolk mixture.
- Pour mixture back into saucepan; cook over medium heat, whisking, until thick and bubbling.
- Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool; transfer to piping bag fitted with small round tip.
- For glaze: Melt chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
- Whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
- Poke a hole in the side of each cooled donut.
- Fill each donut with custard using the piping bag.
- Spoon or dip the top of each donut in the chocolate glaze.
- Let glaze set before serving.
Substitution
The Boston Cream Donut from Tim Hortons copycat menu calls for frying the dough in vegetable oil heated to 350degF (175degC) to achieve that perfect golden exterior. If you don't have a deep fryer, a heavy-bottomed pot with a candy thermometer will work well to maintain the correct oil temperature. For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk in both the dough and custard, but expect a slight change in flavor and texture. When piping the vanilla custard into the cooled donuts, use a small round tip to avoid overfilling and potential custard leakage. Your chocolate glaze can be thickened with additional powdered sugar if it seems too runny, allowing you to adjust the consistency to your liking.
Tips
Ensure the oil temperature is consistently maintained at 350degF (177degC) to achieve the perfect golden-brown color without greasy donuts. Let your dough rise fully in a warm, draft-free area to develop the ideal fluffy texture, which may take 1-2 hours for the first rise and 30-60 minutes after cutting. When filling the donuts, use a small round piping tip to avoid bursting the dough and create an even custard distribution. You'll find using a candy or deep fry thermometer crucial for controlling the frying process and preventing undercooked or overly oily donuts.
Nutritions
The Boston Cream Donut from Tim Hortons contains a significant amount of calories due to its deep-fried yeast dough and rich fillings. Each donut provides carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour and sugars, contributing to quick energy but also potential blood sugar spikes. The vanilla custard filling delivers protein and fat from egg yolks and whole milk, while the chocolate glaze adds additional fats and sugars, enhancing the overall calorie content. To manage your intake, consider this treat as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack.
Storage
Store your Boston Cream Donuts in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying. Keep them refrigerated if not consumed within a day, as the custard filling is perishable and requires cool temperatures to stay safe. Before serving, allow the donuts to come to room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk in the custard to create a dairy-free variation while maintaining a creamy texture. Experiment with frying the donuts at a slightly lower temperature (around 325degF or 163degC) to achieve a more tender and less greasy result. For a different flavor profile, replace the vanilla custard with a raspberry or lemon curd filling, pairing well with the chocolate glaze for a fruity contrast. Swapping semisweet chocolate for white chocolate in the glaze offers a sweeter, more delicate finish to the Boston Cream Donut.
Allergies
The Boston Cream Donut contains common allergens such as wheat (all-purpose flour), eggs, and dairy (milk, butter), which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The chocolate glaze may also contain traces of nuts or soy, depending on the specific product brand. You should exercise caution if you have allergies to any of these ingredients or if cross-contamination is a concern.
Why this recipe?
Boston Cream Donut from Tim Hortons features a rich combination of smooth vanilla custard filling and a chocolate glaze topping that creates a delightful balance of flavors. Its soft, fluffy dough paired with the creamy center offers a satisfying texture that keeps customers coming back. You can easily replicate this classic treat at home, making it a fun and rewarding baking project that captures the indulgent experience of the original. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to customize sweetness and freshness, enhancing your enjoyment of this beloved dessert.