As a chef with a deep love for pastry, bomboloni the dreamy Italian cream filled donuts are my kryptonite. These golden pillows of joy are light, fluffy, and oozing with silky filling in every bite. Frying them in my kitchen always brings a warm aroma that feels like a café in Florence. Trust me, once you’ve made these from scratch, you’ll never go back to store bought donuts again.
Why I Love Making Bomboloni
- Soft and fluffy texture thanks to the enriched dough.
- Custom cream fillings like vanilla pastry cream, Nutella, or fruit jam.
- Perfect for any occasion brunch, parties, or a midnight snack.
- Classic Italian flair that impresses with every bite.
These bomboloni share a doughy softness similar to my fluffy homemade donuts and the elegance of classic bombolini, but with a rich filling that melts hearts.
Step by Step Guide to Homemade Bomboloni
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix the yeast with warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well and add yeast mix, eggs, butter, vanilla, and lemon zest.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Punch down dough and roll to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into rounds and let rest on parchment lined tray for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F (180°C) and fry donuts in small batches until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly.
- Fill with cream using a piping bag and dust generously with powdered sugar.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Flawless Bomboloni
- Don’t overcrowd your pot this cools the oil and leads to uneven frying.
- Make sure your dough rises in a warm, draft free area for the best puff.
- Use a thermometer to maintain exact frying temperature (350°F is the sweet spot).
- Fill generously nobody wants a half empty bomboloni!
Want to level up? Fill your donuts with churro cheesecake cream or a rich chocolate ganache inspired by our Reese’s caramel cheesecake recipe. Trust me it’s divine.
“Every bomboloni should burst with flavor and love from the first bite.” @DolciDiChef
Best Fillings and Flavor Ideas
Classic and Creative Cream Fillings
- Vanilla pastry cream with a touch of nutmeg
- Strawberry jam inspired by our strawberry cheesecake
- Chocolate hazelnut spread for that perfect Nutella hit
- Lemon curd for a citrusy, tart surprise
Topping Twists
- Cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar for a churro like feel
- Glazed bomboloni with a thin vanilla or orange icing
- Stuff and dip: Dip filled donuts in chocolate ganache
Feeling bold? Pair bomboloni with sides like homemade crepes or serve with espresso and vanilla pound cake for an indulgent dessert board.
Serving Tips and Sweet Pairings
When to Serve Bomboloni
- Breakfast treat alongside pancakes or croissants
- Afternoon delight with coffee or herbal tea
- Elegant dessert on a dessert board with Japanese cheesecake and fresh fruit
“If you’re serving bomboloni at brunch, expect them to vanish before the main course.” @SweetRiseBaker
Tools for Success
- Dough hook mixer: Speeds up kneading without hand fatigue.
- Round cutter: Use a 2.5″ cutter for perfect bomboloni size.
- Piping bag: Essential for clean, easy filling.
- Thermometer: A must have for oil accuracy.
If you’re serious about bread and doughs, also check out our guide on perfect bread dough great for mastering texture.
Serving Tips, Filling Variations and Pairing Ideas for Bomboloni
When to Serve Bomboloni
These cream filled Italian delights aren’t just desserts they’re event worthy centerpieces. In my kitchen, bomboloni make appearances far beyond breakfast. Their golden finish and soft filling make them perfect for celebrations, Sunday brunch, or a treat yourself moment.
- Brunch Boards: Serve with protein packed egg muffins or fluffy pancakes for contrast.
- Coffee Pairing: Enjoy bomboloni with espresso or a creamy latte for a classic Italian feel.
- Holiday Dessert Tables: Pair with Japanese cheesecake or Reese’s cheesecake for decadent variety.
- Party Platter: Mix mini bomboloni with Nutella doughnuts and cinnamon rolls.
“Serve bomboloni at brunch and watch your guests fall silent with joy right after the first bite.” @SweetTableChef
Filling Flavors Worth Exploring
What makes bomboloni endlessly exciting? Their versatility. While vanilla pastry cream is the most popular, I’ve experimented with all kinds of fillings. Some work beautifully for brunch, others for dessert, and some even blur the line between savory and sweet!
- Pastry Cream: Lightly sweet and creamy, the classic choice.
- Fruit Jam: Strawberry, apricot, or blueberry inspired by berry cheesecakes.
- Nutella or Gianduja: A smooth hazelnut chocolate dream.
- Coconut Cream: Try pairing it with hints from our coconut dessert ideas.
- Churro Cheesecake Filling: Spice it up with cinnamon sugar dust and our churro cheesecake recipe.
Want something fruity and tart? Lemon curd or orange pastry cream makes a bright, zesty bomboloni that cuts through the richness.
Storage Tips and Make Ahead Options
Let’s face it bomboloni are best enjoyed fresh. But if you’re prepping for a crowd or want to plan ahead, you’ve got options. Here’s how I handle leftovers or prep in advance:
- Room Temp: Unfilled bomboloni stay soft in a sealed container for up to 1 day.
- Refrigerated: Store filled donuts for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven to refresh.
- Freezing: Freeze unfilled donuts. Reheat, cool slightly, then fill for best results.
- Dough: Make dough ahead and refrigerate overnight for a slower rise and better flavor.
Just like with banana bread, bomboloni are freezer friendly when managed properly. Avoid microwaving use the oven to keep the crust crispy!
Tools That Make Bomboloni Perfect
Over the years, I’ve fine tuned which tools deliver the best results for perfect donuts. Here’s what I rely on every time I make bomboloni:
- Dough Hook Mixer: Saves time and energy when kneading rich doughs.
- Pastry Brush: Ideal for brushing melted butter on warm donuts (or egg wash pre fry if desired).
- Round Cutter: Ensures uniform size and cooking time.
- Piping Bag with Tip: For clean, no mess filling.
- Cooking Thermometer: Maintains consistent 350°F oil no guesswork.
Just like with our 20 minute bread or skillet breads, great tools mean great results. Don’t skip them if you want consistency.
“A piping bag and the right oil temp are the difference between amateur and artisan.” @FryMasterChef
Creative Presentation and Garnishes
Want to elevate your bomboloni beyond the traditional? Presentation goes a long way. Whether you’re plating for a party or photographing for your blog, here are a few tricks to make your donuts shine:
- Dusted Trio: Use powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, and cocoa powder on different donuts.
- Filling Display: Slightly overfill so the cream peeks out it adds visual appeal.
- Plate with Sauces: Drizzle caramel or raspberry sauce around the plate like in Italian cream desserts.
- Top with Candied Lemon: Inspired by our lemon cake, these add citrus pop and color.
Make each plate an experience. Your guests will remember not just the flavor, but the wow factor.
Pair Bomboloni with These Recipes
I often build full menus around desserts like bomboloni. It’s a showstopper that anchors a meal so what should surround it? Here are my favorite combinations:
- Spinach quiche for brunch alongside mini bomboloni
- Easter bread on a holiday table with bomboloni and jam
- Quick donuts for a mixed style donut platter
- Orange blender cake and cream filled bomboloni for citrus themed dessert bars
Want to go savory to sweet? Serve bomboloni after crispy chicken strips or alongside rustic potato bake for a satisfying contrast.
Creative Ways to Customize
- Holiday bomboloni: Add cinnamon and orange zest to the dough.
- Mini bomboloni: Use a smaller cutter for bite sized donuts.
- Gluten free version: Use a 1:1 gluten free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum.
- Chocolate lovers: Fill with chocolate mousse or ganache and dip in cocoa sugar.
Calories and Nutrition
Each bomboloni contains approximately 250 calories. Fillings and toppings may increase the calorie count depending on the type and amount. For lighter versions, opt for baked donuts and fruit fillings.
FAQs About Bomboloni
Can I bake bomboloni instead of frying?
While traditional bomboloni are fried, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-14 minutes. Brush with melted butter and dust with sugar after baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container for 2 days at room temperature. Reheat in the oven (not microwave) to refresh the texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Let it rise overnight in the fridge, then roll, cut, and proceed with frying the next day.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral, high smoke point oil like vegetable, peanut, or sunflower oil.