Delight in these fluffy square donuts filled with a rich and creamy pastry cream. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these unique square-shaped treats are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the donuts:
- 2 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 warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the pastry cream:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and the egg. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the pastry cream:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk until it starts to steam.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
- Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until completely cool.
- Shape and fry the donuts:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface.
- Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into square shapes using a knife or a square cookie cutter.
- Place the squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F.
- Fry the donuts in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Fill the donuts:
- Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, fill each donut with the cooled pastry cream.
- Dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Square Donuts Filled with Pastry Cream!
