Fluffy overnight donuts filled with apple compote and vanilla bean custard cream. A labour of love worth every step.
Ingredients
Apple Compote
2 large apples, diced
1/4 cup brown sugar
Cinnamon to taste
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
Vanilla Bean Custard Whipped Cream
32g cornstarch
120g granulated sugar
375g whole milk
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
3 egg yolks
30g salted butter
1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
200g cold heavy whipping cream
Dough
50g sugar
Zest of 1 orange
500g all-purpose flour
15g instant yeast
250ml warm milk
1 egg, room temperature
1 egg yolk, room temperature
60g softened butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Method
1For the apple compote, cook diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and orange zest until soft and glossy. Blend slightly if preferred then cool completely.
2For the custard, whisk cornstarch, sugar, milk, egg yolks, salt, and vanilla in a pot. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in butter, strain, cover with plastic wrap and chill.
3For the dough, mix sugar and orange zest with fingers to release oils. Add flour and yeast, then mix in warm milk, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Knead until smooth, then add butter and knead until soft and elastic.
4Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
5In the morning, bring dough to room temperature, then roll, cut, and proof the donuts.
6Heat oil to 350°F. Fry donuts a few at a time for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels and toss in cinnamon sugar while still warm.
7Fill each donut with apple compote and custard cream using a piping bag.