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+ servings
A bitten donut resting on top of a stack, showing its smooth pistachio cream spilling onto the marble surface.

Pistachio-Filled Donuts with Silky Pastry Cream

Soft vegan donuts filled with smooth pistachio pastry cream, made from plant milk, maple syrup, and raw pistachios, then rolled in warm sugar for an elegant and indulgent treat.
12 Servings

Ingredients

For the Vegan Donuts

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup unsweetened plant milk warmed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup vegan butter melted
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Oil for frying sunflower or vegetable

For the Pistachio Pastry Cream

  • ½ cup raw pistachios shelled and unsalted
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened plant milk
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of turmeric optional, for color

For Coating

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough

  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm plant milk with the yeast and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Stir briefly and allow the mixture to stand for 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough begins to form, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and allow it to rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Pistachio Pastry Cream

  1. While the dough is rising, prepare the cream filling. Blend the pistachios with ½ cup of plant milk until the mixture is smooth.
  2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pistachio mixture, remaining plant milk, maple syrup, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and a pinch of turmeric if desired. Cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency (approximately 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat, allow it to cool completely, then refrigerate until needed.

Shape and Fry the Donuts

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out to a ½-inch thickness. Using a donut or biscuit cutter approximately 3 inches in diameter, cut out circles of dough.
  2. Arrange the dough portions onto parchment-lined trays, cover lightly, and allow them to rise a second time for 30–40 minutes.
  3. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in small batches for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined tray to absorb excess oil, then roll the donuts in granulated sugar while still warm.

Fill the Donuts

  1. Place the chilled pistachio pastry cream into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Using a skewer or similar tool, make a small opening in the side of each donut. Insert the piping tip and fill each donut generously with the pastry cream.
  2. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Notes

To adapt this recipe to a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that includes xanthan gum for structure. The dough may be slightly softer and less elastic, so handle it carefully and avoid overworking it. Frying time remains the same, but gluten-free donuts tend to brown more quickly, so monitor closely. The pistachio pastry cream is naturally gluten-free and requires no adjustments.
Bitty