Homemade Italian Bombolone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of all-purpose flour
  • 100 grams of sugar
  • 15 grams of fresh yeast or 5 grams of dry yeast
  • 5 grams of salt
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 100 grams of unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 500 ml of vegetable oil, for frying
  • 200 grams of granulated sugar, for coating
  • 300 grams of strawberry jam, for filling

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and yeast.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract.
  3. Add the salt and mix until a dough begins to form.
  4. Add the butter in small pieces, incorporating it into the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
  5. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 2 hours.
  6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1 inch thick.
  7. Using a round biscuit or cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough and place them on a lined baking sheet.
  8. Let the dough circles rise again for about 30 minutes.
  9. While the dough is rising, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 180 degrees Celsius.
  10. Fry the dough circles in the hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
  11. Roll the fried dough circles in granulated sugar while they are still warm, then let them cool completely.
  12. Once the doughnuts are cool, use a piping bag to fill them with strawberry jam through a hole poked in the side.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients and mix the dough.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat sheet pan used for baking the dough circles.
  • Round Biscuit or Cookie Cutter - A tool to cut out the dough circles in a round shape.
  • Slotted Spoon - A spoon with slots or holes to remove the fried dough circles from the oil.
  • Piping Bag - A bag used for filling the bombolone with strawberry jam.
  • Deep Fryer or Large Pot - A cooking apparatus used for frying the bombolone in vegetable oil.
  • Paper Towels - Absorbent towels used to drain the excess oil from the fried dough circles.

Recipe variations

  • Use different flavored jams or fillings such as raspberry, blueberry, or Nutella.
  • Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
  • Replace the regular all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
  • Experiment with different toppings such as powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
  • Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for added flavor.
  • Make a savory version by omitting the sugar and adding herbs and grated cheese to the dough. Fill with ingredients like tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil for a pizza bombolone.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Instead of frying, bake the bomboloni in the oven for a lighter alternative.
  • Make mini bomboloni by cutting the dough into smaller circles and adjusting the frying time accordingly.
  • Replace the strawberry jam filling with other fruit preserves like apricot, cherry, or apple.

Recipe overview

Welcome to the recipe for Bombolone, a traditional Italian filled doughnut. This sweet treat is well-known for its fluffy texture and delightful jam filling, usually dusted with granulated sugar for a finishing touch. This recipe takes you through the process of making these delightful pastries from scratch. Expect to get your hands a little dirty as you mix, knead, cut out, and fry your homemade bombolone. Don't forget the most fun part - injecting these golden beauties with your favorite jam filling. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this step-by-step recipe will guide you in making your very own delicious bombolone. Enjoy the process and, of course, the mouth-watering end result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can replace the fresh yeast with 5 grams of instant yeast. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package for activating the yeast.
  2. Can I use a different type of jam for filling? Absolutely! While this recipe calls for strawberry jam, you can use any type of jam or filling that you prefer.
  3. Can I bake the bomboloni instead of frying them? Traditionally, bomboloni are fried to achieve their characteristic texture and taste. However, if you prefer a baked version, you can try baking them at 180 degrees Celsius for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
  4. How should I store the bomboloni? The bomboloni are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To retain their texture, avoid refrigerating them.
  5. Can I freeze the bomboloni? Yes, you can freeze the bomboloni. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To thaw, leave them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven at a low temperature.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Hailing from the beautiful country of Italy, Bombolone or Bomboloni is an irresistible treat often enjoyed in the morning with a cup of espresso or as an after-dinner dessert. This doughnut-like pastry is particularly associated with Tuscany, where it's a common sight in bakeries and cafes. Unlike the hole-in-the-middle doughnuts popular elsewhere, Bomboloni are filled with luscious cream or jam, often poking out a bit, indicating the sweet surprise that awaits within. It’s said that the name 'Bomboloni' might have originated from 'bombo', an Italian term for a bomb, quite apt considering each pastry is like a little explosion of flavor! Each bite takes you on a gastronomic journey, echoing the love and passion for good food that is at the heart of Italian culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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