Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings smiles to everyone around the table, then you have to try Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try. These Italian doughnuts are filled with a rich and creamy pastry cream that is simply irresistible! Whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch, a family gathering, or just a sweet indulgence after a busy day, these bomboloni will surely impress your loved ones.
What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to create these heavenly treats at home. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make them; just follow the simple steps, and you’ll have warm, fluffy bomboloni ready in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious doughnuts without any fuss.
- Family-friendly: Everyone loves doughnuts! They are perfect for kids and adults alike, making them great for gatherings.
- Make-ahead option: The pastry cream can be prepared in advance, saving you time on the day of serving.
- Customizable flavors: You can add your favorite zest or spices to the cream for a unique twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Bomboloni alla Crema is all about using simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
For the Pastry Cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Frying and Dusting
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Variations
One of the best things about Bomboloni alla Crema is how versatile they are! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:
- Add some spice: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the pastry cream for a warm flavor twist.
- Fruit-infused cream: Swap out some milk for fresh fruit puree to give your filling a fruity kick.
- Chocolate lovers unite: Mix in cocoa powder or melt chocolate into your pastry cream for an indulgent chocolate version.
How to Make Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large bowl. This gives your bomboloni their structure and sweetness. In another bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine both mixtures until you form a soft dough. Kneading it well helps develop gluten, making your bomboloni fluffy and light!
Step 2: Let It Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about an hour. This step is crucial for achieving that airy texture we love in doughnuts!
Step 3: Make the Pastry Cream
While waiting for the dough to rise, prepare your luscious pastry cream. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk and sugar until warmed up. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually add some of the warm milk mixture to temper the eggs before pouring everything back into the saucepan. Stir constantly until thickened—this will give you that velvety filling.
Step 4: Shape Your Bomboloni
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface. Use a round cutter to cut out circles of dough. Place them on parchment paper and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: Fry Away!
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Carefully fry each dough circle until golden brown on both sides—about 2-3 minutes per side. Remember not to crowd the pan; this ensures they cook evenly.
Step 6: Fill the Bomboloni
Once cool enough to handle, fill a piping bag with your chilled pastry cream. Poke a hole in the side of each bombolone and squeeze gently to fill them up with that creamy goodness.
Step 7: Serve
Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving! These treats are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored covered at room temperature for later enjoyment.
Now that you’ve learned how to make Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try, I can’t wait for you to taste them! Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Making bomboloni is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your homemade treats to the next level!
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Use fresh ingredients: Ensuring that your yeast is fresh and your eggs are at room temperature will help achieve the best rise and texture in your doughnuts.
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Knead thoroughly: Kneading your dough until it is smooth and elastic is crucial. This develops the gluten, leading to light and airy bomboloni.
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Monitor oil temperature: Keeping your frying oil at the right temperature (around 350°F) ensures that the bomboloni cook evenly without absorbing too much oil, resulting in a perfectly golden exterior.
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Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing your dough to rest before frying lets it puff up nicely, creating that signature fluffy texture we all love.
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Fill generously: When filling your bomboloni with cream, don’t be shy! A generous filling ensures each bite is creamy and satisfying.
How to Serve Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Serving bomboloni can be as fun as making them! Here are some creative ideas to present this delicious treat beautifully.
Garnishes
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Powdered sugar: A classic finish, dusting with powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also gives a beautiful presentation.
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Zest of citrus fruits: Adding a sprinkle of lemon or orange zest on top can brighten up the flavors and add a pop of color to your dessert.
Side Dishes
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Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad with berries, melon, and citrus complements the sweetness of bomboloni while adding freshness to the meal.
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Coffee or espresso: Serving these sweet doughnuts alongside a cup of rich coffee or espresso creates an excellent balance of flavors and enhances the overall experience.
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Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream makes an indulgent side that pairs perfectly with bomboloni’s richness. Its light texture adds an extra layer of delight!
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Chocolate sauce: For chocolate lovers, offering a side of warm chocolate sauce for dipping can turn your bomboloni into an extra decadent treat.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to impressing family and friends with your incredible Bomboloni alla Crema! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Bomboloni alla Crema recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later. You can make the dough and pastry cream ahead of time, ensuring a sweet treat is always within reach!
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover bomboloni in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If you have filled bomboloni with cream, keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness, consuming within 1-2 days.
Freezing
- To freeze bomboloni, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Avoid filling them with cream before freezing; instead, fill them after thawing for the best texture.
Reheating
- To reheat frozen bomboloni, let them thaw at room temperature before warming.
- Heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Bomboloni alla Crema:
Can I prepare Bomboloni alla Crema ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and pastry cream ahead of time. Just store them properly as mentioned above.
What makes Bomboloni alla Crema special?
Bomboloni alla Crema are unique because they are light, fluffy Italian doughnuts filled with a luscious pastry cream, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Can I use different fillings for my Bomboloni alla Crema?
Yes! While this recipe features a classic pastry cream filling, feel free to experiment with flavored creams or fruit preserves that suit your taste.
How do I ensure my Bomboloni turn out fluffy?
To achieve fluffy bomboloni, ensure your yeast is fresh and allow sufficient rising time for the dough. The warm milk helps activate the yeast effectively.
What’s the best way to enjoy Bomboloni alla Crema?
These delicious treats are best enjoyed fresh! Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for that extra touch of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Bomboloni alla Crema! They are not just a treat but a way to bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces. This recipe is special because it combines comfort with creativity, making every bite an experience. Enjoy making these fluffy doughnuts and don’t hesitate to share your results! Happy baking!
Bomboloni alla Crema
Experience the delight of homemade Bomboloni alla Crema, a classic Italian doughnut that is sure to bring smiles to any gathering. These fluffy, golden pastries are filled with a rich and creamy pastry cream that melts in your mouth. Perfect for brunch, family get-togethers, or a sweet treat after dinner, these bomboloni are easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite flavors. With just a few simple steps and wholesome ingredients, you don’t need to be a pastry chef to create these indulgent delights. Dust them with powdered sugar for an irresistible finish and enjoy them fresh for the best taste!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- 2 cups whole milk for pastry cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar for pastry cream
- 4 large egg yolks for pastry cream
- ¼ cup cornstarch for pastry cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for pastry cream
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In another bowl, whisk warmed milk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine both mixtures until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about an hour).
- Prepare the pastry cream by heating milk and sugar in a saucepan. Whisk egg yolks with cornstarch; temper with warm milk before thickening on the stove.
- Roll out risen dough, cut into circles, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Fry each circle in vegetable oil until golden brown (2-3 minutes per side). Cool before filling with pastry cream using a piping bag.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg