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 Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try is just what you need! These Italian cream-filled doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and simply irresistible. They are perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or even just a cozy weekend at home. Trust me, once you try these sweet delights, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite!
You can easily whip up this recipe on busy weeknights or impress your friends at brunch. With every bite, you’ll be transported to a charming café in Italy, savoring the rich taste of creamy goodness. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making Bomboloni alla Crema!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, so even if you’re a baking newbie, you’ll feel like a pro!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these sweet treats. They’re perfect for sharing!
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the pastry cream in advance and fill the bomboloni when you’re ready to serve.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and lemon zest gives these doughnuts an extraordinary taste that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and wholesome—perfect for creating something special right from your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need to make 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
One of the best things about Bomboloni alla Crema is how flexible this recipe is! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add Some Spice: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spiced flavor.
- Change Up the Filling: Swap out the pastry cream for other fillings like chocolate ganache or fruit preserves.
- Top It Off: Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Make Them Mini: Create bite-sized bomboloni for an adorable twist that’s great for parties!
How to Make Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well before creating a well in the center. Pour in warmed milk, eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest if using. Combine until a soft dough forms. Kneading is key here—it helps develop gluten which gives your bomboloni their lovely texture.
Step 2: Let it Rise
Cover your dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size—about 1 hour. This step is crucial as it allows air bubbles to form inside the dough. The result? Light and airy bomboloni.
Step 3: Make the Pastry Cream
While waiting for the dough to rise, let’s prepare our creamy filling! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk and granulated sugar until warmed but not boiling. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually add warm milk mixture to egg yolks while whisking continuously. Return this mixture back to the saucepan and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter.
Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface to about half an inch thick. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or glass—this is where you can get creative with shapes! Place them on parchment paper covered with flour.
Step 5: Fry Them Up
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Carefully drop in your prepared dough rounds, frying until golden brown on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side. Using a slotted spoon makes this easier!
Step 6: Fill the Bomboloni
Once cooled enough to handle but still warm, fill a piping bag with your delicious pastry cream. Poke a hole in each bombolone’s side and squeeze gently to fill with cream—ahh! This is where all the magic happens!
Step 7: Serve with Love
Dust your filled bomboloni with powdered sugar right before serving them up warm. Trust me; watching friends take their first bite will be absolutely priceless!
Enjoy making Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try with those you love—it’s sure to create sweet memories!
Pro Tips for Making Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Making bomboloni alla crema can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips!
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh yeast and high-quality flour make a noticeable difference in the dough’s rise and flavor. They ensure that your bomboloni are light and fluffy.
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Don’t rush the rising time: Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving that airy texture, so be patient!
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Maintain the right frying temperature: Keeping the oil at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking. Too hot, and they’ll burn; too cold, and they’ll absorb oil and become greasy.
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Fill them while warm: Filling the bomboloni with cream while still warm helps to melt the cream slightly, making it easier to pipe in and enhancing the overall flavor experience.
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Experiment with flavors: While lemon zest is optional, adding different flavor extracts like almond or orange can give your bomboloni a unique twist that surprises your taste buds!
How to Serve Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Serving bomboloni alla crema can turn a simple dessert into an elegant treat that impresses! Here are some lovely ideas to elevate your dish.
Garnishes
- Powdered Sugar: A classic finish that adds sweetness and visual appeal, making each bombolone look irresistibly tempting.
- Cocoa Powder: For those who love chocolate, a light dusting of cocoa powder provides a rich contrast to the creamy filling.
- Zest of Orange or Lemon: A sprinkle of citrus zest not only enhances flavor but also adds a pop of color to your presentation.
Side Dishes
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Fresh Berries: A side of strawberries or raspberries brings freshness and acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the bomboloni.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream complements the pastry’s sweetness while providing a delightful temperature contrast.
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Coffee or Espresso: Serving these bomboloni alongside a cup of rich coffee enhances their flavors beautifully and creates a comforting dessert atmosphere.
With these serving suggestions, you can create an unforgettable experience around your bomboloni alla crema. Enjoy every sweet moment!

Make Ahead and Storage
Bomboloni alla crema is a fantastic recipe for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious treats at your convenience. Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or simply want to indulge during the week, these delightful doughnuts can be made in advance and stored with ease.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover bomboloni in an airtight container at room temperature.
- They will keep well for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
- To maintain their fluffy texture, avoid refrigerating them as this can dry them out.
Freezing
- Allow the bomboloni to cool completely before freezing.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- To reheat frozen bomboloni, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds, but this may make them slightly less crispy.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful bomboloni.
What is Bomboloni alla Crema?
Bomboloni alla crema are Italian filled doughnuts that are light and fluffy. They are typically filled with a rich pastry cream and dusted with powdered sugar.
Can I make Bomboloni alla Crema ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and fill the bomboloni with cream ahead of time. Just follow the storage instructions to keep them fresh.
How do I ensure my Bomboloni alla Crema turn out fluffy?
To achieve a light texture, ensure your dough rises properly before frying. Also, don’t overcrowd the fryer to maintain consistent oil temperature.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making these Bomboloni alla Crema—they’re truly a special treat! Their fluffy texture and creamy filling make them irresistible. Enjoy every moment of creating this delightful recipe, and don’t hesitate to share it with loved ones. Happy cooking!
Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
If you’re craving a delightful treat that brings a taste of Italy to your home, Bomboloni alla Crema is the answer! These luscious cream-filled doughnuts are light, fluffy, and simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, planning a brunch with friends, or enjoying a cozy weekend at home, these bomboloni will become your new favorite dessert. With their rich pastry cream filling and a dusting of powdered sugar, each bite transports you to a charming Italian café. Plus, this recipe is easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for seasoned bakers. Let’s explore how to create these indulgent delights!
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)
- For 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
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Make a well in the center and add warmed milk, eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest. Combine until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the pastry cream: Heat milk and sugar in a saucepan until warm but not boiling. Whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch in another bowl. Gradually mix in the warm milk mixture while whisking continuously. Cook until thickened; remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to about half an inch thick. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter.
- Heat vegetable oil to medium temperature in a deep pot. Fry dough rounds until golden brown on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Fill each bombolone with pastry cream using a piping bag.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bombolone (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
