Donuts are a beloved treat worldwide, and their many varieties continue to amaze dessert lovers. One of the most indulgent and sought-after types is the chocolate-covered cream-filled donut. These donuts, often round and filled with rich cream, are coated in smooth chocolate, combining the best of both worlds—creamy filling and a luscious chocolate exterior. But what exactly is this donut called? You may have seen them in bakeries or cafes, but the answer might vary depending on where you live.
In this article, we’ll explore the name, history, and variations of this popular donut. We’ll also cover how it’s made, the types of cream used, and the different names it’s known by across regions. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to this treat, you’re in for a sweet, creamy, and chocolatey journey!
What is a Chocolate-Covered Cream-Filled Donut Called?
A chocolate-covered cream-filled donut is often called by various names, but the most common names include:
- Boston Cream Donut: This is perhaps the most widely recognized name for a round donut filled with a custard or vanilla cream and covered in chocolate icing. It is named after the famous Boston Cream Pie, which shares similar flavors and ingredients.
- Bavarian Cream Donut: Some variations of the chocolate-covered cream-filled donut are called Bavarian cream donuts when they are filled with a thicker, richer cream or custard.
- Chocolate Cream-Filled Donut: In some places, the donut is simply called a chocolate cream-filled donut, highlighting the chocolate topping and creamy filling.
- Chocolate-Frosted Cream Donut: Another common name, particularly when the chocolate coating is more of a frosting than a glaze.
The name largely depends on the type of cream filling, the thickness of the chocolate topping, and sometimes the region where it is sold. However, most people recognize the Boston Cream Donut as the quintessential chocolate-covered cream-filled donut.
Boston Cream Donut: The Classic
The Boston Cream Donut is the most famous version of the chocolate-covered cream-filled donut. It is modeled after the Boston Cream Pie, a popular dessert in the U.S. that consists of layers of sponge cake filled with custard and topped with a chocolate glaze.
Origins of the Boston Cream Donut
The Boston Cream Pie was created in the 19th century by French chef Raelyn at Boston’s Parker House Hotel. Although it’s called a pie, the dessert is actually a cake filled with custard and covered in chocolate. This dessert became so popular that it eventually inspired the creation of the Boston Cream Donut.
As donuts gained popularity in America, bakers began to replicate the flavors of this iconic dessert in a more portable form—a fried donut filled with vanilla custard and topped with chocolate glaze. In 2003, the state of Massachusetts declared the Boston Cream Donut as the official state donut.
What Makes a Boston Cream Donut Special?
Several factors set the Boston Cream Donut apart from other donuts:
- Vanilla Custard Filling: The donut is traditionally filled with a rich, smooth vanilla custard. This is a key characteristic that distinguishes it from other cream-filled donuts.
- Chocolate Topping: The donut is topped with a thick layer of chocolate glaze, giving it a rich and indulgent flavor.
- Round Shape: Unlike some other filled donuts that come in different shapes, the Boston Cream Donut is always round, making it instantly recognizable.
Because of its widespread popularity and distinctive flavor, the Boston Cream Donut has become a staple in many bakeries across the U.S. and around the world.
Bavarian Cream Donut: A Richer Twist
Another variation of the chocolate-covered cream-filled donut is the Bavarian Cream Donut. This version is very similar to the Boston Cream Donut, but instead of a vanilla custard filling, it is filled with a thicker, richer Bavarian cream.
What is Bavarian Cream?
Bavarian cream, or crème bavaroise, is a rich dessert made from eggs, sugar, milk, gelatin, and whipped cream. It is similar to a custard, but its texture is much thicker and creamier. This makes it a popular choice for filling pastries and donuts.
Bavarian Cream Donut vs. Boston Cream Donut
While the Boston Cream Donut features a lighter, vanilla custard filling, the Bavarian Cream Donut is known for its denser, richer cream. Both donuts are often covered in chocolate, making them close relatives, but their textures and flavors differ slightly due to the filling.
- Filling: Bavarian cream is thicker and richer than the vanilla custard found in Boston cream donuts.
- Flavor: The cream in a Bavarian cream donut has a more intense, rich flavor compared to the lighter, sweeter custard in a Boston cream donut.
In some regions, these two types of donuts are sold side by side, and customers can choose based on their preference for either a light custard or a thicker, more decadent cream filling.
How is a Chocolate-Covered Cream-Filled Donut Made?
Making a chocolate-covered cream-filled donut involves several steps, including preparing the dough, making the cream filling, frying the donuts, and topping them with chocolate. Here’s a breakdown of how they are made:
Ingredients for a Chocolate-Covered Cream-Filled Donut
Donut Dough:
- Flour: Provides structure for the donut.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the yeast rise.
- Yeast: A key ingredient for making the dough rise and giving the donut a light, fluffy texture.
- Eggs: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- Milk or Water: Hydrates the dough and helps create a soft texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
Cream Filling:
- Vanilla Custard or Bavarian Cream: The filling is typically made from a custard or cream, flavored with vanilla.
- Eggs, Milk, Sugar, Cornstarch: These are the basic ingredients for making the custard filling.
Chocolate Topping:
- Chocolate: Melted chocolate or chocolate glaze is used to top the donut.
- Powdered Sugar: Sometimes added to the chocolate glaze for extra sweetness.
- Butter or Cream: Helps give the chocolate a smooth texture.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Mix the dough ingredients and knead until smooth. Allow the dough to rise for about 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about ½ inch thick.
Step 2: Cut the Donuts
Cut the dough into rounds using a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter. Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Fry the Donuts
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, turning them once, until they are golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Transfer the donuts to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before filling.
Step 4: Make the Cream Filling
While the donuts are cooling, prepare the cream filling. For vanilla custard, whisk together eggs, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Add milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let the custard cool before piping it into the donuts.
Step 5: Fill the Donuts
Once the donuts are cool, use a piping bag fitted with a narrow tip to fill each donut with the vanilla custard or Bavarian cream. Insert the tip into the side of the donut and gently squeeze the piping bag to fill the center.
Step 6: Top with Chocolate
Melt chocolate and butter together to make the chocolate glaze. Dip the tops of the filled donuts into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the donuts on a wire rack to let the chocolate set before serving.
Variations of Chocolate-Covered Cream-Filled Donuts
The beauty of chocolate-covered cream-filled donuts is that they can be easily customized with different fillings, toppings, and flavors. Let’s explore some popular variations:
Chocolate-Covered Donuts with Whipped Cream
For a lighter version, some donuts are filled with whipped cream instead of custard. The whipped cream gives the donut a fluffy, airy filling, making it perfect for those who prefer a lighter treat.
Chocolate-Covered Donuts with Chocolate Cream
For the ultimate chocolate lover, these donuts are filled with rich chocolate cream and topped with chocolate frosting, offering double the chocolate indulgence.
Powdered Sugar Donuts with Cream Filling
Instead of chocolate, some cream-filled donuts are coated with powdered sugar. These are often called powdered cream-filled donuts and provide a lighter, less rich alternative to chocolate-covered versions.
Want to explore how chocolate frosting compares to other frostings? Check out this guide on the difference between Cuban and Mexican Flan that touches on how cultural variations impact sweetness and texture, just as with different frosting recipes.
Why Are Chocolate-Covered Cream-Filled Donuts So Popular?
Chocolate-covered cream-filled donuts are incredibly popular for a variety of reasons:
- Rich Flavor Combination: The combination of rich, creamy filling and decadent chocolate makes these donuts irresistible to dessert lovers.
- Variety: With so many options for fillings, from vanilla custard to chocolate cream, there’s a version of this donut to suit everyone’s taste.
- Portability: Donuts are a convenient, portable snack or dessert that can be easily enjoyed on the go, making them ideal for quick breakfasts or treats.
- Universal Appeal: Both chocolate and cream are flavors that appeal to a wide range of people, making these donuts a popular choice across cultures and regions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate-Covered Cream-Filled Donuts
What’s the difference between a Boston Cream Donut and a Bavarian Cream Donut?
The key difference is the filling. A Boston Cream Donut is filled with a lighter, vanilla-flavored custard, while a Bavarian Cream Donut is filled with a thicker, richer Bavarian cream. Both are typically topped with chocolate.
Can I bake chocolate-covered cream-filled donuts instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake these donuts if you prefer a lighter option. Simply prepare the dough as instructed, shape the donuts, and bake them at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown (about 12-15 minutes). Keep in mind that baked donuts won’t have the same crispy exterior as fried donuts but will still be delicious.
What kind of chocolate is best for topping cream-filled donuts?
Most bakers use a chocolate glaze made from semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted with a little butter or cream for smoothness. You can also use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter topping, or even white chocolate for a fun variation.
Are there vegan or dairy-free versions of these donuts?
Yes! Many bakeries now offer vegan versions of cream-filled donuts. You can make the dough and filling with non-dairy substitutes like almond milk or coconut cream and top the donuts with vegan chocolate.
If you want to explore how chocolate frosting is commonly made with simple ingredients, you can refer to Sally’s Baking Addiction in their Chocolate Frosted Donuts recipe for additional insights.
Conclusion
Chocolate-covered cream-filled donuts, whether known as Boston Cream Donuts, Bavarian Cream Donuts, or by another name, are a beloved treat enjoyed by many. Their combination of rich chocolate topping and smooth cream filling makes them irresistible to dessert lovers around the world. Whether you prefer the classic Boston Cream Donut with its vanilla custard filling or a richer, Bavarian cream-filled version, there’s no denying that this donut is a delicious indulgence. Now that you know more about their history, variations, and how to make them, why not try creating your own at home or treating yourself to one from your local bakery? Either way, you’re in for a sweet, satisfying experience!