Introduction

Raspberry Custard Heart Donuts are a delightful blend of fluffy, golden pastries filled with luscious vanilla custard and a vibrant raspberry jam center. These tender treats offer the perfect balance of creamy sweetness and tart berry goodness, all dusted with a light coating of powdered sugar for an irresistible finish. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply indulging in a homemade treat, these donuts are guaranteed to impress with every bite.

The first time I made these, I was amazed at how rewarding the process was. From frying the soft, pillowy dough to carefully piping in the rich custard and tart raspberry filling, each step built anticipation. The final touch—a dusting of powdered sugar—made them look as elegant as they were delicious. Watching my family take their first bite and seeing their eyes light up was the best part.

What I love most about Raspberry Custard Donuts is their versatility. You can swap the raspberry jam for strawberry, blueberry, or even a hint of chocolate for a new flavor twist. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat, or surprise loved ones with a batch fresh from the kitchen. However you enjoy them, these donuts are sure to bring joy and a touch of sweetness to any day.

Perfect for:

Special occasions (Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays)
Brunch or dessert
Gifting sweet treats
Tea or coffee pairings
Lovers of fruity and creamy pastries

Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Custard Heart Donuts Recipe

Here’s why Raspberry Custard Heart Donuts will become your new favorite homemade treat:

Soft & Fluffy: The yeast-raised dough creates a light, pillowy texture.
Rich & Creamy Filling: Velvety vanilla custard pairs perfectly with tangy raspberry jam.
Beautiful Heart Shape: A charming touch that makes these extra special.
Better Than Store-Bought: Freshly fried and filled, these taste superior to any bakery donut.
Customizable: Swap the jam, add chocolate drizzle, or coat with sugar for variety.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including dough rising)
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Carbs: 35g, Fat: 10g, Protein: 5g

Ingredients

For the Donut Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
½ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

1 cup whole milk
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 egg yolks
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Raspberry Filling:

½ cup raspberry jam or preserves
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tartness)

For Topping:

Powdered sugar, for dusting
Optional: White or dark chocolate drizzle

Ingredient Highlights

Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise for a soft and airy texture.
Milk & Butter: Enrich the dough for a tender bite.
Cornstarch: Thickens the custard for a creamy consistency.
Raspberry Jam: Adds a bright, fruity contrast to the rich custard.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add eggs, vanilla, and softened butter.
Knead the Dough: Gradually add the yeast mixture and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape and Fry the Donuts:

Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out donuts.
Second Rise: Place donuts on a parchment-lined tray, cover lightly, and let rise for 30 minutes.
Heat Oil: In a deep pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Donuts: Fry each donut for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Prepare the Custard Filling:

Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until steaming (do not boil).
Mix Egg Yolk Base: In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously.
Thicken the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter. Let cool completely.

Fill the Donuts:

Prepare a Piping Bag: Fill one piping bag with custard and another with raspberry jam.
Make a Hole: Use a skewer or piping tip to poke a hole in each donut.
Fill the Donuts: Pipe custard into one side and raspberry jam into the center.

How to Serve Raspberry Custard Heart Donuts

Dust with Powdered Sugar – Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the donuts for a classic, elegant touch.
Drizzle with White Chocolate – Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the donuts for a beautiful and sweet finishing touch.
Serve with Fresh Berries – Plate the donuts with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a vibrant and fruity presentation.
Dip in Raspberry Sauce – Serve with a side of raspberry coulis or jam for dipping to enhance the berry flavor.
Pair with Whipped Cream – Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side or pipe a swirl on top of each donut for extra indulgence.
Sprinkle with Freeze-Dried Raspberries – Crush freeze-dried raspberries and sprinkle them over the donuts for a pop of color and tartness.
Arrange on a Dessert Board – Create a sweet charcuterie board with heart-shaped donuts, macarons, chocolates, and fresh fruit for a beautiful spread.
Serve with Ice Cream – Pair a warm donut with a scoop of vanilla, raspberry, or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Garnish with Edible Flowers – Decorate the plate with edible flowers like roses or violets to make the presentation extra special.
Pair with Coffee or Tea – Serve alongside a cup of espresso, cappuccino, or herbal tea for a perfect afternoon treat.

Additional Tips for Raspberry Custard Heart Donuts

Check the Oil Temperature: Keep oil at 350°F (175°C) for even frying.
Let the Dough Rise Properly: A well-risen dough ensures soft, fluffy donuts.
Use a Thermometer for Custard: This prevents curdling and ensures the right consistency.
Cool Donuts Before Filling: Warm donuts can cause the filling to melt and leak.
Use a Star-Tip Nozzle: This makes piping the filling easier and more even.

Recipe Variations for Raspberry Custard Heart Donuts

Chocolate Custard Donuts: Swap vanilla custard for a rich chocolate pastry cream.
Strawberry Heart Donuts: Replace raspberry jam with strawberry jam.
Lemon Raspberry Donuts: Add lemon zest to the custard for a citrusy twist.
Nutella-Filled Donuts: Use Nutella instead of jam for a chocolate-hazelnut variation.
Almond Raspberry Donuts: Add almond extract to the dough and garnish with sliced almonds.
Baked Version: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of frying for a lighter option.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar.
Raspberry Cream Cheese Donuts: Swap custard for a tangy cream cheese filling.
Glazed Raspberry Donuts: Coat with a simple sugar glaze instead of powdered sugar.
Coconut Raspberry Donuts: Add shredded coconut to the filling or as a topping.

Freezing and Storage for Raspberry Custard Heart Donuts

Freezing: Store unfried dough in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and let rise before frying.
Storage: Keep filled donuts in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm in a microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-bakery taste.

Special Equipment for Raspberry Custard Heart Donuts

Stand mixer (optional, for kneading)
Heart-shaped cookie cutter
Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
Piping bags with a filling tip
Thermometer (for oil and custard temperature control)

FAQ for Raspberry Custard Heart Donuts

Can I make these donuts without yeast? Yes, use a baking powder-based dough for a quicker, cake-like version.
How do I prevent the custard from getting runny? Ensure you cook the custard long enough to thicken properly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight and fry fresh the next day.
What oil is best for frying? Use neutral oils like vegetable or canola for a clean taste.
Can I bake instead of fry? Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for a healthier alternative.

Conclusion

Raspberry Custard Heart Donuts are a delightful combination of soft, golden dough, creamy vanilla custard, and tangy raspberry jam. These homemade treats offer the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making them an irresistible addition to any dessert spread. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate, these heart-shaped delights are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Perfect for special occasions or simply as a sweet indulgence, these donuts are well worth the effort. Their fluffy texture and luscious filling make them a standout treat, best enjoyed fresh and made with love.

I can’t wait to see your Raspberry Custard Heart Donut creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your take on this sweet classic. Don’t forget to share your tips and variations in the comments. Happy baking!

Raspberry Custard Heart Donuts