Whats not to love about donuts? These fried dough balls of perfection come in a box of a dozen and can singlehandedly carry you through a down day. While there are as many donut varieties as there are stars in the sky — classic chocolate, cake, cruller, maple frosted, blueberry, etc. — a lot of donut aficionados go for the filled kind.
Jelly donuts like sufganiyot have their own long histories (even being part of religious festivals), but what about the cream-filled kind? Well, if youre going for cream donuts, you have two main choices: Bavarian cream and Boston cream. But while theyre similar in a lot of ways, and the process for making them is virtually identical, these two varieties arent quite the same. While there are multiple points of divergence here — the ingredients are slightly different and Bavarian cream can be eaten on its own along with being a filling — the key difference comes down to one thing in particular: The texture.
Boston cream is essentially a cream filling used in pies, pastries, donuts, etc. Bavarian cream uses gelatine as the setting agent. Boston cream uses cornstarch. Bavarian cream is more solid in texture while Boston cream takes on a creamy nature.
The texture is the biggest difference
Both Boston cream and Bavarian cream are egg custards with a smooth consistency, and both are made by mixing all their ingredients together and whisking like mad, then cooking them on medium heat while stirring continuously. So far, so same.
But the ingredients themselves present the first difference. Bavarian cream involves milk, eggs, sugar, and often vanilla extract, the same as Boston cream. But then the two ingredient lists diverge: Bavarian cream includes heavy cream and gelatin, while Boston cream involves cornstarch. Though this doesnt have a huge impact on flavor, as both are essentially vanilla custards, the texture varies wildly. The use of heavy cream and gelatin means Bavarian cream sets more thoroughly, creating a thicker, richer consistency. Using only corn starch, meanwhile, means Boston cream is a lot runnier — but it also has an extremely silky texture that Bavarian cream cant match.
Additionally, theyre not even eaten the same way. Bavarian cream doesnt have to be part of a donut or a cake to be consumed; people will just eat bowls of the stuff owing to its thick yet light consistency. If someone did that with Boston cream, they would catch some very sidelong glances. (The other difference when it comes to the donuts is the toppings — Boston creams are chocolate-glazed while Bavarian creams are topped with powdered sugar — but were just talking about the cream here.)
Here’s how to make Creamy Bavarian and Boston Crème Donuts
FAQ
Does Bavarian cream taste like Boston cream?
Is Boston cream and Bavarian cream donuts the same?
Is Boston cream white or yellow?
Is Boston cream donut the same as custard?
What is the difference between Bavarian cream and Boston cream?
After mixing all these ingredients together, the Bavarian cream is usually placed into a fluted mold and stored in a fridge until it gets its firm consistency. On the other hand, Boston cream is made by mixing milk, eggs, cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla. These ingredients together create a silky cream mainly used as filling.
What is the difference between Boston & Bavarian cream donuts?
The Boston cream donut and the Bavarian cream donut are two popular donut variations with similar origins but noticeable differences in their cream filling and toppings. While both donuts offer a delightful combination of custard and pastry, the texture and flavors of the creams vary. The main distinction lies in the cream filling.
What is Boston cream?
Boston cream is a custard filling commonly utilized in pies and doughnuts. The doughnut shop offers both chocolate-frosted and plain doughnuts filled with Boston cream. Bavarian cream is often flavored with various additions like fruit purees or liqueurs. The chef created a raspberry Bavarian cream by incorporating a fresh raspberry puree.
Can a Bavarian cream be vegan?
The line between a Bavarian and Boston cream gets a little blurred if you decide to turn your Bavarian cream or Boston cream into a vegan dessert. Things will change a little in the making process. Turning a Boston cream into a vegan treat is an easier process than making a vegan Bavarian cream.