Fluffy vanilla donuts (bomboloni)

Fluffy Vanilla Doughnuts (Bomboloni)

Who can resist a fluffy doughnut filled with a smooth vanilla cream? These bomboloni, as they are known in Italy, are a true delicacy that will delight your taste buds and make you fall hopelessly in love with them. Whether you serve them for breakfast, as a dessert, or simply as a delicious snack, fluffy doughnuts are perfect for any occasion. Plus, making them is a rewarding activity that will bring the whole family together around the table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 doughnuts

Ingredients

For the doughnuts:
- 500 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 whole eggs
- Zest of one lemon or orange
- 250 ml sour cream

For the vanilla cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 3 whole eggs
- 125 g sugar
- 45 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- Lemon zest
- Vanilla extract

Step by step

Preparing the doughnut dough
1. In a large bowl, crack the 3 eggs and whisk them until frothy.
2. Add the 2 tablespoons of sugar and the crumbled fresh yeast, mixing until well combined.
3. Add the sour cream and lemon zest, continuing to mix.
4. Gradually add the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
5. When the dough becomes too difficult to mix with a whisk, switch to kneading with your hands. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes soft and elastic.
6. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place, away from drafts.

Preparing the vanilla cream
1. In a saucepan, whisk the eggs with the sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
2. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until the mixture starts to boil.
3. When it begins to bubble, gradually add the flour while constantly whisking to prevent lumps.
4. Continue cooking the cream until it thickens, then remove it from the heat and cover it with plastic wrap, allowing it to cool.

Forming the doughnuts
1. Once the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on a clean work surface and roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick.
2. Use a glass or a cookie cutter to cut circles from the dough.
3. Place a tablespoon of vanilla cream in the center of each circle, moistening the edges with water.
4. Cover each circle with another circle of dough and press the edges firmly to seal the filling.

Frying the doughnuts
1. Place the doughnuts on a greased baking sheet and let them rise for another hour.
2. In a deep pot, heat the oil to 180°C.
3. Fry the doughnuts on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
4. Remove the doughnuts and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Serving
Fluffy vanilla doughnuts are best served warm, dusted with powdered sugar, but for an extra touch of sophistication, you can also add chocolate sauce or fruit syrup. They are perfect alongside a fragrant coffee or a scented tea.

Practical tips
- Yeast: Make sure to use fresh yeast, and if you don’t have any, you can opt for dry yeast, using half the amount.
- Flour: You can test the flour before using it; it should be fine and free of impurities.
- Oil temperature: It’s important not to fry the doughnuts at too low a temperature, as they will absorb too much oil. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Variations: You can experiment with various fillings, such as chocolate cream, fruit jam, or even chestnut cream.

Nutritional benefits
Fluffy doughnuts are a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates in the flour, and the vanilla cream adds protein and healthy fats, especially if you use quality sour cream. However, it’s good to know that these delicacies are high in calories, so enjoy them in moderation.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?
Yes, but yogurt will give the doughnuts a denser texture.

2. How can I store the doughnuts?
It’s best to consume them fresh, but you can keep the doughnuts in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat them slightly before serving.

3. Is it possible to freeze the doughnuts?
Yes, you can freeze them before frying. When you want to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature and then fry them.

These fluffy vanilla doughnuts are a perfect choice to delight your family and friends. Making them can become a lovely weekend tradition, and each bite will bring smiles and pleasant memories!