Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will make your taste buds dance, then you absolutely must try Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try! These Italian-style cream-filled doughnuts are not just an indulgence; they’re a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re planning a cozy family gathering or simply craving something sweet after dinner, these fluffy delights are sure to impress.
What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of soft, pillowy dough filled with luscious pastry cream. They are perfect for any occasion—be it a festive celebration or a casual weekend brunch. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll want to share them with everyone you know!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, you’ll have these delicious treats ready in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy filling and soft exterior.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the pastry cream in advance for even easier assembly!
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite flavors or toppings to the doughnuts.
- Deliciously Indulgent: The rich, creamy filling is pure bliss with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple and wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need to create these delightful Bomboloni alla Crema:
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
This Bomboloni recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your fillings and flavors. Here are some fun ideas:
- Add some zest: Incorporate orange zest into the pastry cream for a citrusy twist.
- Try different fillings: Use chocolate pastry cream or fruit preserves for a unique flavor experience.
- Top it off: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel on top for an extra sweet treat.
- Go nuts: Roll the bomboloni in finely chopped nuts before dusting with powdered sugar for added crunch.
How to Make Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the yeast evenly throughout the dough. In another bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, eggs, and melted butter until well combined. Slowly pour this mixture into your dry ingredients while stirring until a soft dough forms. Kneading it brings everything together beautifully!
Step 2: Let It Rise
Once your dough is kneaded and smooth, place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—this usually takes about an hour. This step is crucial because it develops that light and airy texture we all love!
Step 3: Make the Pastry Cream
While your dough rises, let’s whip up that luscious pastry cream! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk and granulated sugar. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Once the milk mixture starts steaming but not boiling, slowly pour it over the yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This process tempers the eggs so they don’t scramble! Return everything to the saucepan and cook until thickened. Stir in vanilla extract and butter until creamy.
Step 4: Shape the Bomboloni
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles of dough—about 3 inches wide should do! Place them on parchment paper to rise again for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: Fry Those Doughnuts!
In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop in a few dough circles at a time—don’t overcrowd! Fry them until golden brown on both sides; this will only take about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them and drain excess oil on paper towels.
Step 6: Fill the Bomboloni
Once cooled enough to handle, fill a piping bag with your cooled pastry cream. Poke a hole in each bombolone’s side and squeeze gently to fill them up with that heavenly cream!
Step 7: Serve
Finally, dust those filled bomboloni generously with powdered sugar before serving! They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later if needed.
Now that you’ve got this incredible recipe at hand, I can’t wait for you to enjoy every delicious bite of these Bomboloni alla Crema! Happy baking!
Pro Tips for Making Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Making bomboloni can be a delightful experience, especially when you follow these handy tips!
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Use Fresh Yeast: Ensuring your yeast is active will give your bomboloni that perfect rise, making them fluffy and light. Check the expiration date on the packet before starting.
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Knead Well: Kneading the dough thoroughly develops gluten, which results in a chewier, more satisfying texture. Aim for about 8-10 minutes to ensure it’s smooth and elastic.
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Temperature Matters: Letting the dough rise in a warm environment helps it to double in size. A cozy kitchen or a slightly warmed oven (turned off) works wonders!
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Cool Before Filling: Allowing the bomboloni to cool completely prevents the cream from melting and leaking out. This keeps your treats beautifully filled and less messy.
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Experiment with Flavors: While classic vanilla cream is delightful, don’t hesitate to add lemon zest or orange extract to your pastry cream for a refreshing twist!
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 ideas on how to present this delicious treat.
Garnishes
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Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes the bomboloni look irresistible.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dairy-free chocolate and drizzle it over the top for an indulgent touch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.
Side Dishes
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus adds brightness and balances the richness of the bomboloni.
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Coffee or Tea: Serving your bomboloni with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea creates a lovely afternoon treat that’s sure to please.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For those who want an extra indulgence, pairing bomboloni with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream takes dessert to another level.
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Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and fluffy coconut cream makes an excellent companion. It complements the sweetness perfectly while adding a tropical flair.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll not only create amazing bomboloni alla crema but also present them in style. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Bomboloni alla Crema recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make these delightful cream-filled doughnuts in advance, ensuring you have a sweet treat ready to go whenever the craving strikes.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover bomboloni in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If you notice them getting a bit dry, consider wrapping them in plastic wrap to retain moisture.
Freezing
- To freeze bomboloni, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
- For best results, fill them with cream after thawing.
Reheating
- To reheat frozen bomboloni, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
- Warm them gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until just heated through.
FAQs
Have questions about making Bomboloni alla Crema? We’ve got you covered!
Can I use different flavors for the cream filling in Bomboloni alla Crema?
Absolutely! You can experiment with flavors like chocolate, coffee, or fruit-infused creams. Just ensure the base remains creamy and thick.
How long do Bomboloni alla Crema stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature, Bomboloni alla Crema are best enjoyed within 2 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
What is the best way to fill Bomboloni alla Crema?
The easiest way is by using a piping bag. Simply poke a small hole in each bombolone and squeeze your cream filling until it fills up nicely!
Can I make Bomboloni alla Crema without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or another egg replacer of your choice for a similar texture.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe for Bomboloni alla Crema inspires you to whip up something delightful! These little doughnuts are not only delicious but also bring joy with every bite. Enjoy the process of making them as much as you enjoy eating them. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!
Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
If you’re in search of a delightful treat that will elevate your dessert game, look no further than Bomboloni alla Crema! These Italian-style cream-filled doughnuts are fluffy, indulgent, and perfect for any occasion. With a soft, pillowy exterior and a rich pastry cream filling, these bomboloni are ideal for family gatherings or a sweet ending to dinner. Once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 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
- 2 cups whole milk for pastry cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, whisk warmed milk, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add to dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Knead until smooth and let it rise in a greased bowl covered with a towel until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- While the dough rises, prepare the pastry cream by heating milk and sugar in a saucepan. Whisk egg yolks and cornstarch together; temper with hot milk mixture before returning to heat until thickened.
- Roll out the risen dough and cut into circles. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry dough circles until golden brown on both sides. Drain excess oil.
- Fill each bombolone with cooled pastry cream using a piping bag and dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bombolone (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
