Chocolate Custard Brioche Donuts

Nothing quite compares to biting into a warm, fluffy Chocolate Custard Brioche Donut filled with rich, velvety chocolate custard. The soft, tender brioche dough combined with the creamy chocolate custard creates a perfect balance of texture and flavor that is simply irresistible. These donuts bring a cozy, indulgent feel to any moment, whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special celebration.

When I first made these, the intoxicating aroma filled the house and everyone kept asking for one more bite. They quickly became a beloved treat that my family looks forward to whenever I make them.

Ingredients

• Granulated sugar: One third cup for the perfect touch of sweetness in dough and custard
• Cocoa powder: Three tablespoons to deepen the chocolate flavor and enrich the custard color, use a high quality Dutch-processed cocoa if possible
• Cornstarch: Two tablespoons to thicken the custard, making it irresistibly smooth and creamy
• Instant espresso powder: Half teaspoon which enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste
• Organic whole chocolate milk: One and one third cup from Straus Family Creamery for richness and the foundation of the custard
• Pure vanilla extract: Half teaspoon to elevate the flavor profile subtly
• Unsalted sweet European style butter: One tablespoon for the custard adds richness and a silky mouthfeel
• Cream-top whole milk: One third cup from Straus for tender and rich dough
• Unsalted sweet European style butter: Two tablespoons for the dough providing softness and flavor
• Instant yeast: One teaspoon essential for the dough to rise and become fluffy
• All-purpose flour: One and a half cups which gives structure while keeping the donuts light
• Granulated sugar: Two tablespoons in the dough supports the yeast and adds a gentle sweetness
• Salt: Half teaspoon balances sweetness and brings out depth in flavor
• Egg: One large to bind the dough and add richness
• Neutral oil: With a high smoke point, perfect for frying the donuts without burning
• Extra granulated sugar: For coating adds a final sweet crunch
• Chocolate shavings: For decorating add a touch of elegance and extra chocolate goodness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Custard:

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, instant espresso powder, chocolate milk, vanilla extract, and butter intended for the custard. Stir constantly to prevent lumps, cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely, as the custard will thicken further while cooling.

Make the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream-top milk, butter for the dough, instant yeast, flour, additional sugar, salt, and egg. Mix until the dough is sticky and just coming together, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten for structure and chew.

Let It Rise:

Place your kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Find a warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough rise until doubled in size. This usually takes between one and one and a half hours depending on ambient temperature.

Shape the Donuts:

Once risen, transfer the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about half an inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes to cut out the donuts and holes. Keep the holes for baking or frying—they make excellent little treats on their own.

Fry the Donuts:

Heat the neutral oil in a deep fryer or heavy saucepan to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Carefully add the donuts in batches, frying each side for two to three minutes until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Fill and Finish:

Once cooled enough to handle, coat the donuts generously in granulated sugar. Using a piping bag fitted with a narrow tip, fill each donut with the cooled chocolate custard. Top with chocolate shavings for a beautiful, indulgent finish.

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Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For the best texture upon reheating, warm them briefly in a toaster oven to regain crispness without melting the custard inside. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the dough and affect the custard’s texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the chocolate milk for almond or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free version but keep in mind that this may slightly change the custard’s creaminess. Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough offers a warm flavor twist while a little orange zest stirred into the custard creates a lovely citrus layer that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts pair wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee or a glass of cold milk. Consider serving them alongside fresh berries or whipped cream for an elegant brunch spread. They also make a fun dessert option for parties, impressing guests with both taste and visual appeal.

Cultural Context

Brioche donuts bring together French pastry techniques with the universal love of donuts, creating a hybrid treat that spans cultures. Brioche dough lends a tender crumb and buttery richness that elevates the humble donut. Filling them with chocolate custard adds an indulgence often reserved for patisserie, making these donuts a perfect fusion of bakery elegance and comfort food joy.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What ingredients create the custard filling?

The custard filling is made with cocoa powder, granulated sugar, cornstarch to thicken, instant espresso powder to enhance depth, whole chocolate milk, vanilla extract, and butter for richness.

→ How is the brioche dough prepared?

The dough combines flour, yeast, cream-top milk, butter, granulated sugar, salt, and egg, kneaded until smooth, then left to rise until doubled in size to achieve its fluffy texture.

→ What frying technique is recommended?

Use neutral oil heated to about 350°F (180°C) and fry donuts in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.

→ Can these donuts be stored and reheated?

Yes, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven to restore crispness without compromising custard texture.

→ Are there variations to customize flavors?

You can substitute chocolate milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option, add cinnamon to the dough for warmth, or incorporate orange zest into the custard for a bright twist.