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 you must try Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try! These Italian-style cream-filled doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and utterly irresistible. They are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy brunch with friends, or just a sweet pick-me-up after a long day. I promise, once you take a bite of these little clouds of joy, you’ll be hooked!
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delicious flavor but also in the joy it brings when shared. Making Bomboloni can turn an ordinary day into something special. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to whip up at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is simple and straightforward.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these sweet treats—perfect for sharing!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the pastry cream in advance, making it easier to enjoy fresh bomboloni anytime.
- Delicious Flavor: The creamy filling paired with the fluffy dough creates a heavenly combination that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients! The best part about Bomboloni alla Crema is that they use simple and wholesome ingredients, which you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
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 Serving
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Variations
One of the great things about Bomboloni alla Crema is how flexible this recipe can be! You can easily customize it to fit your tastes. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add Flavor to the Dough: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for an extra kick.
- Fruit Fillings: Instead of cream, fill your bomboloni with fruit preserves or compotes for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Lovers Unite: Use chocolate pastry cream instead of vanilla for those who crave rich chocolatey goodness.
- Lemon Zest Boost: Add more lemon zest to both the dough and filling for a refreshing citrus flavor.
How to Make Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well before adding the warmed milk, eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest. Mixing by hand or using a stand mixer will help form a soft dough. Knead it gently until smooth; this step develops gluten which gives your bomboloni their chewy texture.
Step 2: Let It Rise
Once your dough is ready, cover it with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size—about an hour. This step is essential as it allows air bubbles to form within the dough, giving it that light and airy quality we all love.
Step 3: Make the Pastry Cream
While waiting for the dough to rise, let’s prepare the pastry cream. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk and half of the sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch, and remaining sugar until smooth. Gradually add hot milk into this mixture while stirring constantly—this prevents curdling! Return everything to the saucepan and cook until thickened.
Step 4: Cool the Cream
Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter for added richness. Transfer your pastry cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent skin from forming. Allow it to cool completely before using.
Step 5: Shape Your Bomboloni
After your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently to release air. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about half an inch thick. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or glass—this will be your bomboloni base! Let them rest again for about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Fill the Bomboloni
Once cooled enough to handle them without burning your fingers, fill a piping bag with cooled pastry cream. Poke a hole in each bombolone’s side using your piping tip or another small tool; squeeze gently to fill each one generously with cream.
Step 7: Serve
Finally, heat vegetable oil in deep frying pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Fry each bombolone until golden brown on both sides—just keep an eye on them! Once fried perfectly golden brown, transfer them onto paper towels to absorb excess oil. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for that final touch!
And there you have it—Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Pro Tips for Making Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Making the perfect bomboloni might seem challenging, but with a few handy tips, you’ll be a pro in no time!
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Use fresh yeast: Fresh yeast ensures that your dough rises well and results in fluffy bomboloni. Always check the expiration date on your yeast packet for the best results.
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Knead thoroughly: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic is essential. This helps develop gluten, giving your bomboloni that delightful airy texture.
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Control the oil temperature: Make sure your frying oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C). If it’s too hot, your bomboloni will brown too quickly; if too cool, they will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
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Let the cream cool completely: When filling your bomboloni, ensure that your pastry cream has cooled fully. This prevents it from melting the dough and ensures a perfect filling consistency.
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Dust with sugar just before serving: For the best presentation and taste, dust your bomboloni with powdered sugar right before serving. This keeps them looking fresh and prevents the sugar from absorbing moisture.
How to Serve Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Serving bomboloni is all about presentation—these delightful treats can be enjoyed on their own or paired with complementary flavors for an unforgettable experience. Here are some fabulous ideas to make your dessert shine!
Garnishes
- Zest of lemon: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest adds a bright flavor contrast to the sweet cream filling.
- Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling some melted dark chocolate over your bomboloni not only adds richness but also makes them visually appealing.
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the bomboloni.
- Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside creates a delightful temperature contrast and enhances indulgence.
- Espresso or coffee: Pairing these treats with a strong cup of espresso or coffee balances out their sweetness beautifully and complements their flavors perfectly.
- Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream for a light and fluffy companion that enhances every bite.
Enjoy bringing this incredible recipe to life in your kitchen! Each bite of these fluffy bomboloni filled with creamy goodness is sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage
This Bomboloni alla Crema recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy these delightful treats anytime! You can easily store or freeze them, ensuring you always have a sweet surprise ready to go.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover bomboloni in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly.
Freezing
- To freeze bomboloni, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
- For the best results, reheat frozen bomboloni in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- If reheating from room temperature, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Bomboloni alla Crema.
Can I make Bomboloni alla Crema ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and fry the bomboloni ahead of time. Just fill them with cream before serving for the freshest taste.
What is the best way to enjoy Bomboloni alla Crema?
The best way to enjoy Bomboloni alla Crema is fresh out of the fryer, dusted with powdered sugar. They are also delicious when filled with creamy pastry cream!
Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk or oat milk if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. The flavor will vary slightly, but they’ll still turn out delicious!
How do I know when my bomboloni are done frying?
Your bomboloni are done frying when they turn a golden brown color and float on top of the oil. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
Can I add different flavors to my pastry cream filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts or citrus zests, such as orange or almond, to customize your pastry cream filling.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Bomboloni alla Crema! They’re not just treats; they’re little bites of happiness that bring warmth and smiles all around. Enjoy making this recipe and sharing it with family and friends—there’s nothing quite like homemade sweetness! Happy cooking!
Bomboloni alla Crema: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Indulge in the delightful experience of making Bomboloni alla Crema: an incredible recipe that transforms simple ingredients into fluffy, cream-filled doughnuts that are sure to impress. These Italian-style treats are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day. With their soft, airy texture and rich pastry cream filling, each bite is a little piece of heaven. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home! Gather your loved ones and enjoy the joy of creating and sharing these sweet delights together.
- 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 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
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warmed milk, eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest; mix until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth.
- Let It Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about an hour).
- Make the Pastry Cream: Heat milk with half the sugar. Whisk egg yolks with cornstarch and remaining sugar; gradually combine with hot milk. Cook until thickened.
- Cool the Cream: Stir in vanilla and butter; transfer to a bowl to cool.
- Shape Bomboloni: Roll out risen dough; cut into circles. Let rest for another 30 minutes.
- Fill: Use a piping bag to fill each bombolone with cooled pastry cream.
- Serve: Fry bomboloni in heated vegetable oil until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bombolone (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg