On September 14 we celebrate, National Cream Filled Donut Day, one of the most famous cream-filled doughnuts is the Boston Cream Donut. This doughnut is liked and loved by any age group because it is loaded with a sweet and creamy texture. Did you know that people usually prefer Boston cream, eclairs, or jelly-filled doughnuts on this day? However, This cream-filled Donut is a butter cake filled with rich vanilla-flavoured custard, deep-fried, and given a layer of chocolate glaze.
History of National Cream-Filled Donut Day
Around the seventeenth century in New Amsterdam donuts came out. During this time, balls of baked dough were eaten in Europe, and also some people used to fill them with jam. Dutch colonists of New Amsterdam had what they called “olykoeks,” which was later translated to “oily cakes.”
Later in the middle of the nineteenth century, the ship captain Hansen Gregory and his mother Elizabeth Gregory made a wicked deep-fried dough and used the spice cargo of nutmeg, cinnamon, used lemon rinds as ingredients, and stored these pastries for long voyages. Also, it is believed that her pastries helped fight scurvy and the cold and she put hazelnuts or walnuts in the centre of the dough, calling them doughnuts.
In the year 1847, Hansen is also said to be the one responsible for the round doughnut with the hole in the middle.
While the person responsible for first injecting cream inside of the doughnuts isn’t known, this culinary decision blossomed in the middle of the nineteenth century. Later on people also even injected the filling in the doughnuts. Besides this, moulded desserts and charlottes were eaten during this time and apples, apricots, and other fruits were also added as desserts were replaced with cream instead. Somehow, some people have attributed this to the French chef Careme, and his idea started a cream trend as more people experimented with pastries.
Now, as of 2024, this is one of the famous and tasty donuts, somehow they’ve become a customary part of our eating habits, consuming them for breakfast or on the go or even some people their day with this. It’s customary for people to bring doughnuts into work to place coworkers in a good mood.
| 1600s (Cakes By Another Name) | Dutch colonists of New Amsterdam brought over the early form of the doughnut called “olykoeks” or “oily cakes.” |
| 184 (In the Middle) | Elizabeth Gregory puts hazelnuts or walnuts in the centre of the dough she bakes and calls them doughnuts. |
| 1800s (Filling You In) | Creams are used inside of pastries and desserts, starting a trend that extends into other culinary areas. |
| 2000s (Cream of the Crop) | Cream-filled doughnuts are going strong as doughnut shops sell them alongside traditional ring-shaped doughnuts. |
Boston Cream Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
Cream Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Glaze:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
How to make
1. Prepare the Donuts:
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter.
- Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface or using a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a donut cutter or a round cutter about 2.5 inches in diameter.
- Place the cut dough on a floured baking sheet, cover with a cloth, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
For the Cream Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but not boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks.
- Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and begins to boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Transfer the cream to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface of the cream to prevent skin from forming), and let it cool to room temperature.
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate and corn syrup. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Set the Donuts:
- Once the doughnuts have cooled, use a small knife or piping bag to carefully fill each donut with the cream filling.
- Dip the tops of the filled doughnuts into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the doughnuts on a wire rack to let the glaze set.
Source: DOGO News
5 Interesting Facts About National Cream-Filled Donut Day
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Whole donut- The excess of leftover dough can make donut holes and fill with cream.
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Ready for jelly- Jelly-filled donuts are one of the most popular flavors of donuts.
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Flavors of donuts- Krispy Kreme has 25 flavors of donuts ranging from the classics to chocolate cake and crullers.
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Hollow donut- Washington Irving’s gothic story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” has one of the earliest literary mentions of donuts.
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Coffee vs. donut- Despite having “donut” in its name, Dunk’ Donuts coffee is popular in its own right.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Cream Filled Donut Day which generally falls on September 14 a fantastic occasion to indulge in one of the most beloved and satisfying pastries around.
Cream-filled donuts, with their soft, doughy exterior and luscious, creamy centre, offer a treat that can appeal to a wide range of taste preferences.
Whether you enjoy the classic Boston cream donut, the rich and custardy eclair, or any of the other delightful cream-filled varieties, this special day provides the perfect excuse to savor these sweet delights.
Beyond just enjoying a delicious donut, it’s also an opportunity to share the joy with friends and family, perhaps making it a fun and festive occasion. You can also visit a local bakery, try your hand at making them at home, or simply enjoy your favourite cream-filled treat from your go-to spot. It is the day to appreciate the artistry and flavour that make cream-filled donuts such a beloved choice.
FAQs
Can I make cream-filled donuts at home?
Yes, you can make cream-filled donuts at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. There are many recipes available online receipt through which you can make the dough, filling, and glazing.
Are there any dietary considerations for cream-filled donuts?
Cream-filled donuts are typically high in sugar and fat, you need to enjoy in moderation, especially if you have dietary restrictions or health concerns. There are also gluten-free and vegan options available if you need alternatives due to dietary needs.
Also, read more about National Chocolate Milkshake Day – September 12, 2024
