Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings smiles to every face, then you must try Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try! These fluffy Italian doughnuts are filled with rich, creamy pastry filling that will make your taste buds dance. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table. I love making these for special occasions or just as a sweet surprise on a lazy Sunday morning.
What makes Bomboloni alla Crema so special? It’s the combination of warm, soft dough and luscious cream that transports you straight to a cozy café in Italy. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you’ll be whipping up these delicious treats in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents will adore these sweet bites. Perfect for sharing!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time and fill them just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and lemon zest gives these bomboloni an incredible flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Bomboloni alla Crema. You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome components that you likely have on hand already. Let’s take a look!
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 can be! Feel free to get creative with your fillings and flavors.
- Try Different Fillings: Swap out the pastry cream for chocolate ganache or fruit preserves for a fruity twist.
- Add Spices: Mix in some cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for extra warmth and flavor.
- Top It Off: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel for an indulgent finish.
How to Make Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Making your Bomboloni alla Crema is easier than you might think! Follow these clear steps, and you’ll be savoring these sweet treats in no time.
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures even rising. In another bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add this mixture into your dry ingredients until everything comes together into a soft dough. Knead it gently until smooth—it should feel slightly sticky but not overly wet.
Step 2: Let It Rise
Once your dough is kneaded, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size—this usually takes about an hour. This step is crucial because it helps create those lovely air pockets that make your bomboloni so light and fluffy!
Step 3: Prepare the Pastry Cream
While waiting for your dough to rise, let’s whip up some pastry cream! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk and half of the granulated sugar until it’s warm but not boiling. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch, remaining sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into this bowl while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Return everything back to the saucepan and cook until thickened. Stir in butter off heat and let cool completely.
Step 4: Shape the Bomboloni
After your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick. Cut out circles using a biscuit cutter or glass—about 3 inches in diameter works perfectly! Place them on parchment paper lined baking sheets and cover again to rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Fry Them Up
In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until hot (about 350°F). Carefully drop in bomboloni—don’t overcrowd them—and fry until golden brown on both sides; this should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Fill the Bomboloni
Once cooled enough to handle but still warm, fill a piping bag with your cooled pastry cream. Poke a hole in each bombolone’s side using a small knife or tip and squeeze filling inside until plump—oh-so-satisfying!
Step 7: Serve
Finally, dust your filled bomboloni with powdered sugar just before serving for that classic touch! Enjoy them fresh as they are perfect alongside coffee or tea.
Now you’re ready to impress friends and family with homemade Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try! Happy cooking!
Pro Tips for Making Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Making bomboloni might seem challenging, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to frying up a batch of deliciousness!
-
Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your yeast is fresh and active. This will help the dough rise properly, giving you light and fluffy bomboloni.
-
Knead Well: Spend a little extra time kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten structure needed for airy, tender pastries.
-
Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the frying oil at 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the bomboloni will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil, making them greasy.
-
Chill the Cream: Allow your pastry cream to cool completely before filling the bomboloni. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy and ensures a delightful contrast in temperatures when you take a bite.
-
Dust Generously: Don’t skip the powdered sugar! A generous dusting not only adds sweetness but also enhances the visual appeal of your bomboloni.
How to Serve Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Serving bomboloni is all about presentation and pairing them with delightful accompaniments. Here are some ideas to make your dish truly shine!
Garnishes
- Zest of Orange: A sprinkle of fresh orange zest adds a citrusy brightness that complements the creamy filling beautifully.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A rich chocolate drizzle creates an indulgent touch that chocolate lovers will adore.
Side Dishes
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the richness of the bomboloni.
- Espresso or Coffee: The bold flavors of espresso or coffee pair perfectly with sweet pastries, making for an inviting breakfast or dessert option.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing guests to create their own delicious combinations.
- Berry Compote: A warm berry compote can add a tangy sweetness that balances out the creaminess of the bomboloni.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress friends and family alike with your delightful Bomboloni alla Crema! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about Bomboloni alla Crema is how perfectly they lend themselves to meal prep! You can easily make these delightful doughnuts ahead of time and enjoy them fresh throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover bomboloni in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If you plan to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to a week.
- To maintain freshness, avoid dusting with powdered sugar until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing
- To freeze bomboloni, first allow them to cool completely after frying.
- Place cooled doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- To reheat frozen bomboloni, remove from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer experience!
FAQs
Have questions? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries about making Bomboloni alla Crema.
Can I make Bomboloni alla Crema ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and fry the bomboloni in advance. Just store them properly as outlined above, and fill with pastry cream just before serving for optimal freshness.
What is the best way to fill Bomboloni alla Crema?
The best method is using a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Simply poke a hole in the side of each bombolone and squeeze gently to fill with your delicious pastry cream.
How do I ensure my Bomboloni are fluffy?
To achieve that light and fluffy texture, be sure not to over-knead your dough. Let it rise until doubled in size, which helps incorporate air into the mixture.
Can I use alternatives for whole milk in Bomboloni alla Crema?
Yes! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free option. The results will still be delightful!
What makes this Bomboloni alla Crema recipe special?
This recipe combines rich flavors from creamy filling and soft doughnuts, making it perfect for all occasions. It’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try making Bomboloni alla Crema at home! There’s something truly special about creating these little pockets of joy filled with creamy goodness. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a delightful dessert for guests, these doughnuts are bound to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every moment of making—and eating—this incredible recipe!
Bomboloni alla Crema
Indulge in the delightful experience of making Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try! These fluffy Italian doughnuts, filled with rich pastry cream, are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy Sunday mornings. With their light and airy texture and a luscious creamy filling, these sweet treats promise to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. The best part? They are surprisingly easy to whip up at home! Impress your loved ones with this indulgent dessert that captures the essence of Italian confectionery.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup warmed whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 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 flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, whisk warm milk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine both mixtures into a soft dough. Knead until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about an hour).
- While waiting, prepare the pastry cream: Heat milk and half of the sugar in a saucepan. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, cornstarch, remaining sugar, and vanilla. Gradually mix in warm milk while whisking continuously. Return to heat until thickened; add butter and cool.
- Roll out risen dough to about ½ inch thick and cut into circles. Let them rise again for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to about 350°F (175°C). Fry bomboloni until golden brown on both sides (around 2-3 minutes each). Drain on paper towels.
- Fill cooled bomboloni with pastry cream using a piping bag through a hole in the side. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
