5 Stars Recipe

If you’re searching for a dreamy Italian treat that truly deserves a place on your “favorites” list, look no further than these Bomboloni alla Crema! Every bite features soft, pillowy doughnuts filled with luxurious custard cream and finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. They’re pure comfort—so irresistibly delicious it’s easy to see why this recipe consistently earns a solid 5 Stars from anyone lucky enough to try it. Follow this guide to create homemade Italian bomboloni and bring a taste of sweet indulgence to your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This bomboloni recipe is delightfully simple, relying on classic ingredients that all play a key role in the result: golden, tender doughnuts oozing with creamy custard. Get these ready and you’re well on your way to earning 5 Stars from every bite!

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives bomboloni their signature fluffy interior and perfectly chewy bite.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough, balancing the rich cream filling.
• Fresh yeast (or dry yeast): Key for that ultra-light, puffed-up texture—use fresh if you want extra lift, but dry yeast works great too.
• Large eggs: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the dough.
• Salt: Just a pinch elevates all the flavors, highlighting both the sweetness and richness.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Makes the dough luxuriously soft and adds a buttery undertone.
• Whole milk, lukewarm: Warms up the yeast and gives moisture and flavor to the dough.
• Vegetable oil, for frying: Ensures the bomboloni become perfectly golden and crisp outside, while staying soft inside.
• Powdered sugar, for dusting: Adds a snowy, sweet finish that melts in your mouth.
• Custard cream (homemade or store-bought): The luscious center—creamy, smooth, and absolutely essential for that 5 Stars effect!

How to Make 5 Stars

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start your journey to 5 Stars by dissolving the yeast in lukewarm milk with just a touch of sugar—you’ll see it come to life as it gets frothy in under 10 minutes. This magical mixture sets the stage for a beautifully risen dough, ensuring each bombolone is feather-light.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the eggs, softened butter, and activated yeast mixture. Mix everything until it just comes together; your dough will be sticky but that’s perfectly normal. This is where all the love and flavor begin.

Step 3: Knead & Rise

Move your dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes—think of this as quality time with your dough! It’ll transform from sticky to silky-smooth, and after a cozy rise in a greased bowl for 1.5 to 2 hours, it’ll double in size and practically beg to be shaped into something spectacular.

Step 4: Shape the Bomboloni

Roll the dough out to about half an inch thick and cut out circles (a 3-inch cutter works beautifully). Lay them on a parchment-lined tray, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rest and puff up again for an extra 30 minutes.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C)—the perfect temperature for a golden crust without overcooking the inside. Fry the bomboloni in small batches for about 2–3 minutes per side, then transfer them to paper towels. The anticipation is real, but you’re only minutes away from homemade 5 Stars perfection!

Step 6: Fill and Finish

Let the bomboloni cool slightly before making a small hole in the side of each. Fill generously with custard cream using a piping bag, then give each one a loving shower of powdered sugar. Serve warm for the ultimate 5 Stars experience!

How to Serve 5 Stars

Garnishes

The finishing touch for true 5 Stars bomboloni is a snowy sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also add a little grated lemon zest or shaved chocolate for a surprising twist. These light toppings let the custard cream shine while adding their own pop of flavor!

Side Dishes

While these treats steal the show on their own, you can pair bomboloni with a creamy espresso, hot chocolate, or even a fresh fruit platter. The balance of rich and tangy flavors will make your dessert spread worthy of 5 Stars reviews at any gathering!

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling them high on a vintage cake stand, filling each with a different custard flavor (think lemon, hazelnut, or chocolate), or serving them with little pots of dipping sauces. For a true celebration, sprinkle edible flowers over the top—they’ll look like patisserie jewels, earning you another round of 5 Stars from your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Extra bomboloni can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or in the refrigerator for up to three days. For the freshest 5 Stars taste, enjoy them within the first 24 hours—just like at a classic Italian bakery!

Freezing

If you’ve made a big batch, you can freeze the unfilled fried bomboloni. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags. When you crave a 5 Stars treat, thaw them at room temperature, then fill and dust just before serving.

Reheating

To revive that just-made magic, warm bomboloni in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible; it can soften their texture too much. Fill and dust after reheating for the most authentic 5 Stars experience!

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of fresh yeast?

Absolutely! Substitute 25 grams of fresh yeast with 2 1/4 teaspoons of dry instant yeast. The dough will rise beautifully and deliver the same 5 Stars result.

What’s the best way to fill the bomboloni without overfilling?

Use a piping bag with a medium round tip, and gently squeeze custard into each bombolone until you feel just a little resistance. This method keeps the bomboloni neat and loaded with the perfect mouthful of cream—worthy of 5 Stars every time.

How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

350°F (175°C) is your goal for frying. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a tiny bit of dough into the oil: it should sizzle gently and rise to the surface in about 3 seconds. The right temp ensures both fluffiness and that coveted 5 Stars golden color.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and frying for fresh bomboloni whenever you’re ready for a 5 Stars treat.

Are there alternative fillings I can use?

Definitely! While classic vanilla custard is a 5 Stars favorite, you can try Nutella, raspberry jam, whipped cream, or thick chocolate pudding for fun variations. Each adds a creative touch to your bomboloni platter.

Final Thoughts

Few things beat the charm of freshly made Bomboloni alla Crema shared with family and friends. Give this recipe a try—even if it’s your first time making doughnuts from scratch, you’re just a few steps away from your own legendary 5 Stars moment. Happy baking and buon appetito!

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