There’s nothing quite like the sound of a sizzling doughnut being gently lowered into hot oil, and the anticipation builds as you wait for that golden-brown transformation. I first discovered these Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts during a weekend bake-off with friends, and little did I know that they would become the star of our gatherings. Each fluffy bite bursts with creamy vanilla bean goodness, perfectly complemented by flavored sugars that dance on your palate.
These delightful treats are not just a feast for the eyes but a celebration of flavor! With the ability to infuse your pastry cream with extracts like cocoa or pumpkin spice, every doughnut can be a unique experience. They’re ideal for parties or a cozy brunch, inviting everyone to indulge without a hint of guilt. Trust me; you’ll want to share—though you might just find it impossible to resist having one (or two) for yourself! Let’s dive into crafting these irresistible mini wonders together.
Why make Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts?
Irresistible Flavors: These doughnuts are not your average treat; they burst with vibrant flavors thanks to infused extracts like cocoa and pumpkin spice.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties, these mini delights are the ultimate way to please a crowd, ensuring everyone’s cravings are satisfied.
Easy-to-Make: With straightforward instructions, it’s simple to whip up a batch, even if you’re a novice in the kitchen!
Decadent Filling: The silky vanilla bean pastry cream adds an indulgent twist, making these doughnuts simply unforgettable.
Versatile Options: Whether you prefer classic flavors or adventurous infusions, you can customize them to match your taste.
Texture Sensation: The contrast of crispy exteriors and soft interiors makes for an irresistible bite—one you won’t want to share!
Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts Ingredients
For the Brioche Dough
• Strong bread flour – Essential for a rich and buttery texture that holds up well during frying.
• Active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise, creating a light and airy structure.
• Milk – Adds moisture and richness, enhancing the dough’s softness.
• Eggs – Provide richness and a beautiful golden color to your doughnuts.
• Butter – Use unsalted for ultimate control over flavors and a tender crumb.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough to balance the savory notes.
For the Pastry Cream
• Vanilla bean paste – Infuses a luxurious, aromatic flavor into your cream for decadent filling.
• Egg yolks – Give the cream a rich and velvety consistency.
• Sugar – Sweetens the filling perfectly, balancing the flavors of the doughnut.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the cream, ensuring it holds its shape when piped into the doughnuts.
• Whole milk – Provides creaminess and depth to the pastry cream.
For the Infused Flavors
• Heilala Vanilla Extracts (Cocoa, Coffee, Oak Aged Vanilla, Pumpkin Spice) – Personalize each batch of pastry cream, making your mini doughnuts truly unique.
• Regular vanilla extract (as an optional substitute) – A reliable alternative if special extracts aren’t available.
For the Coating
• Flavored sugars (e.g., Strawberry Sugar, Coffee Sugar) – Elevate your doughnuts with fragrant sweetness that enhances their flavor profile.
• Confectioners’ sugar – A simple option for a classic powdered sugar coating, if desired.
These Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts make every gathering more special, showcasing a delightful fusion of flavors and irresistible textures that everyone will adore.
How to Make Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts
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Prepare the Brioche Dough: Start by mixing strong bread flour, active dry yeast, milk, eggs, butter, and sugar in a bowl. Knead until smooth, then let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
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Shape the Doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and cut out mini rounds with a cutter. Arrange them on a floured surface, cover, and let rise again until puffy, usually about 30-60 minutes.
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Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer, pour in oil and heat it to a precise 350°F (175°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust without greasy results.
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Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully drop doughnuts into the hot oil, frying for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
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Make Pastry Cream Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and whole milk over medium heat. Stir constantly until thickened, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla bean paste and your chosen infused extracts.
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Fill the Doughnuts: Once the doughnuts are cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to inject the luxurious vanilla pastry cream into each doughnut. Aim for a good filling without overstuffing!
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Coat in Flavored Sugar: Finally, roll each filled doughnut in your choice of flavored sugars to completely coat the outside, enhancing the sweetness and delightful flavor bursts.
Optional: For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the coated doughnuts before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts
Room Temperature: Store doughnuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: If you have filled doughnuts left over, place them in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, note that they may lose some of their fluffy charm.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfilled doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen mini pastry cream filled brioche doughnuts, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through for the best texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts are perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy days! You can prepare the brioche dough up to 24 hours in advance by allowing it to rise, then shape and refrigerate it for the second rise. Alternatively, you can make the pastry cream and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just ensure to cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let the dough come to room temperature before frying. Once filled and coated in flavored sugars, they will be just as delicious as if freshly made, allowing for an effortless treat that impresses!
What to Serve with Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts?
These delightful doughnuts are sure to take center stage at any gathering, but the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience!
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries provide a tart contrast to the sugary doughnuts, brightening each bite. Their natural sweetness complements the creamy filling perfectly.
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or rich espresso pairs beautifully, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the doughnut’s flavors, creating a cozy moment.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzled melted chocolate adds decadence, enriching the doughnuts while providing a delightful contrast with the pastry cream. It’s an absolute must for chocolate lovers!
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Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that pairs well with the doughnuts, enhancing the indulgence of each bite. You can even flavor it with a hint of vanilla extract for added depth.
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Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest over the doughnuts offers a refreshing zing, cutting through the richness and adding an unexpected bright note.
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Dessert Platter: Serve your doughnuts alongside a variety of mini pastries, such as macarons or eclairs, inviting guests to indulge in a sweet tasting journey.
These pairing suggestions promise to enhance your Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts experience, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile and satisfied taste buds!
Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts Variations
Customize your mini doughnuts for an even more delightful experience!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil and use almond or soy milk for the dough and pastry cream.
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Gluten-Free: Replace strong bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring your measurements align for best results.
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Flavor Infusion: Try adding almond or coconut extracts to the pastry cream for a tropical twist that’s sure to impress.
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Chocolate Lovers: Fold in cocoa powder into the pastry cream for a rich filling, perfect for those who can’t resist chocolate.
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Zesty Citrus: Add a few drops of lemon or orange extract to the dough for a bright, refreshing flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the sugar coating for a warm, inviting twist that echoes cozy baking traditions.
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Savory Touch: Swap the flavored sugars with a mix of powdered sugar and sea salt for a unique sweet and salty experience.
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Mini Toppings: Top with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture and flavor, elevating these doughnuts to a whole new level!
Expert Tips for Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts
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Oil Temperature Check: Always verify your oil temperature reaches 350°F (175°C) with a thermometer; this prevents greasy doughnuts and ensures even frying.
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Proper Filling Technique: Use a piping bag to gradually fill each doughnut. Overfilling can lead to messy bursts, so aim for just the right amount of pastry cream.
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Dough Resting Time: Allow the doughnut rounds to rise until puffy but don’t rush this step. A good rise brings out the light and airy texture of your mini pastry cream filled brioche doughnuts.
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Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to create your own unique flavor combinations by mixing different infused extracts into the pastry cream for a personalized touch.
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Cooling Time Matters: Let the fried doughnuts cool on a wire rack to maintain their crispness. If left on paper towels too long, they can become soggy.
Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ingredients for my brioche dough?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients for your brioche dough, opt for strong bread flour to ensure a rich and buttery texture. Fresh active dry yeast is vital for that lovely rise, while using whole milk enhances the moistness of the dough. Look for unsalted butter as it allows you to control the flavors better. Eggs should be at room temperature for optimal mixing and aeration—this ensures a beautifully fluffy doughnut!
How should I store my filled doughnuts?
Very! Store your Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, they are best consumed fresh! If you need to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, though they may lose some softness. Just remember to allow them to come back to room temperature before serving to regain some fluffiness.
Can I freeze my brioche doughnuts? How do I do it?
Absolutely! For optimal storage, freeze your unfilled doughnuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag, where they can last up to 1 month. To enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, and they’ll be delightfully warm and inviting!
What if my doughnuts are greasy or heavy after frying?
Ah, a common concern! If your doughnuts turn out greasy, it’s often due to the frying oil being too cold. Make sure to double-check that your oil is at a consistent 350°F (175°C) before adding the doughnuts. If you notice they’re heavy, it may be due to not allowing the dough to rise adequately during the second proofing. Make sure to give the dough a generous time to puff up before frying!
Are these doughnuts suitable for dietary restrictions?
Very! Feel free to customize the Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts to suit different dietary needs. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the strong bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use coconut milk in the pastry cream and dairy-free butter in the dough. Remember that any substitutions might alter the texture slightly, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find what works best for you!
Mini Pastry Cream Filled Brioche Doughnuts for Sweet Sharing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Brioche Dough: Mix strong bread flour, active dry yeast, milk, eggs, butter, and sugar in a bowl. Knead until smooth, then let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Shape the Doughnuts: Punch down the risen dough and cut out mini rounds with a cutter. Arrange on a floured surface, cover, and let rise again until puffy, usually about 30-60 minutes.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Drop doughnuts into hot oil, frying for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Make Pastry Cream Filling: Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and whole milk over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla bean paste and infused extracts.
- Fill the Doughnuts: Use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to inject the pastry cream into each doughnut.
- Coat in Flavored Sugar: Roll each filled doughnut in your choice of flavored sugars to coat.