What Is a Donut with Cream Called?

Donuts are a beloved treat worldwide, and while classics like glazed or jelly-filled donuts get plenty of love, there’s something special about cream-filled donuts. These soft, pillowy pastries hide a luscious, creamy center that makes each bite irresistibly indulgent. But what is a donut with cream called? Depending on where you are, these treats go by different names Boston Cream, Bavarian Cream, Bismarck, Long John, and more.

In this article, we’ll explore the various names for cream-filled donuts, their different fillings, how they’re made, and why they’re such a favorite among donut lovers. We’ll also cover popular brands that sell these sweet delights, nutritional insights, and some frequently asked questions about these treats.

Introduction to Cream-Filled Donuts

What Defines a Cream-Filled Donut?

A cream-filled donut is a soft, deep-fried pastry typically made with yeast-based dough, though some variations use cake dough. Unlike traditional ring-shaped donuts, these are usually round or long and injected with a creamy filling. The exterior is often coated in powdered sugar, granulated sugar, or chocolate glaze, depending on the type.

Unlike jelly-filled donuts, which are packed with fruity fillings like raspberry or strawberry jam, cream-filled donuts contain rich, smooth fillings like Bavarian cream, pastry cream, or whipped cream. Some versions even feature flavored creams like vanilla, chocolate, or caramel.

Why Are They Popular?

There’s something irresistible about biting into a soft donut and discovering a creamy, velvety filling inside. This unique texture contrast fluffy dough paired with silky cream creates a luxurious dessert experience.

Moreover, cream-filled donuts come in a variety of flavors and styles, making them a versatile choice for different palates. Whether you prefer the custard-like Bavarian cream, the light and airy whipped Holland cream, or the rich and dense Boston cream, there’s a version for everyone.

How They Differ from Other Filled Donuts

While all filled donuts share a similar concept, cream-filled donuts stand out due to their ingredients and texture. Here’s how they compare to other popular varieties:

  • Jelly-Filled Donuts – These are stuffed with fruit-based fillings, such as raspberry or lemon, rather than cream.
  • Custard-Filled Donuts – Sometimes confused with cream-filled ones, custard fillings are typically thicker and egg-based.
  • Frosted or Glazed Donuts – These have toppings but no filling inside.

Now that we understand the basics, let’s move on to the various names for donuts with cream and explore their delicious diversity!

Common Names for Donuts with Cream

Boston Cream Donut: A Classic Choice

A close-up of a Boston Cream donut cut in half, showing its smooth custard filling and glossy chocolate glaze.
A Boston Cream donut sliced open, revealing its creamy custard center.

One of the most famous cream-filled donuts is the Boston Cream donut. It features a light, fluffy yeast dough filled with smooth pastry cream and topped with a rich chocolate glaze. Inspired by the classic Boston Cream Pie, this donut has been a favorite in bakeries for decades.

The Boston Cream donut is so popular that it was named the official donut of Massachusetts! If you’ve ever wondered, what is a donut with cream called?, chances are this is one of the first names that comes to mind.

Bavarian Cream Donut vs. Boston Cream: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, the Bavarian Cream donut might look like its Boston counterpart. However, the difference lies in the filling. Bavarian cream is a custard-based filling made with eggs, milk, and gelatin, giving it a firmer texture. In contrast, Boston cream is more like a soft, pourable pastry cream.

Bavarian Cream donuts are often dusted with powdered sugar instead of being covered in chocolate glaze, making them a lighter, less sweet alternative to Boston Cream donuts.

Bismarck Donut: A Lesser-Known Name

If you travel to certain parts of the Midwest or Canada, you might hear people call cream-filled donuts Bismarcks. Traditionally, a Bismarck donut can be filled with cream, custard, or jelly. The name comes from Otto von Bismarck, the former German chancellor, though the exact origin of the name remains unclear.

Long John: The Rectangular Cream-Filled Treat

Unlike most round-filled donuts, Long Johns are long, bar-shaped pastries. They are typically filled with whipped cream, custard, or pudding, and topped with icing. You’ll often find them in vanilla, chocolate, or maple flavors at donut shops.

Regional Variations: Berliner, Bomboloni, and More

Different cultures have their own versions of cream-filled donuts:

  • Berliner (Germany): A round, sugar-coated donut filled with vanilla cream or jam.
  • Bomboloni (Italy): A soft, deep-fried donut filled with pastry cream.
  • Sufganiyah (Israel): Traditionally filled with jelly, but sometimes made with custard or cream.

Now that we’ve covered the names, let’s explore the delicious cream fillings used in these donuts!

Types of Cream Fillings Used in Donuts

Pastry Cream vs. Whipped Cream: Key Differences

The two most common types of donut fillings are pastry cream and whipped cream. But what sets them apart?

  • Pastry cream is a thick, rich custard made with egg yolks, sugar, milk, and cornstarch. It’s often found in Boston Cream and Bavarian Cream donuts.
  • Whipped cream, on the other hand, is light and airy, made by whipping heavy cream with sugar. It’s commonly used in Long Johns and Bismarcks.

If you’ve ever wondered, what is a donut with cream called?, the answer partly depends on the type of cream inside it!

Holland Cream: The Sweet White Filling

Unlike Bavarian or Boston Cream, Holland Cream is a non-dairy, sugar-based filling. It has a smooth, fluffy texture and is commonly used in commercially produced donuts. This filling is especially popular in store-bought and mass-produced donuts because of its longer shelf life.

Bavarian Cream: The Custard-Based Delight

Bavarian Cream is a thicker, firmer custard made with gelatin, giving it a slightly jiggly consistency. It’s often found in European-style pastries and is perfect for round, powdered sugar-coated donuts.

Crème Pâtissière: The French Connection

The French take on pastry cream, crème pâtissière, is a luxurious, egg-thickened custard used in high-end patisserie donuts. It has a rich, velvety mouthfeel and can be infused with vanilla, chocolate, or coffee flavors.

Modern Variations: Flavored Creams and Unique Twists

Today’s donut shops experiment with all kinds of flavored creams, from matcha and caramel to peanut butter and cookies & cream. Artisanal bakeries also create fusion fillings, combining traditional flavors with modern trends.

Now that we’ve covered fillings, let’s dive into how these delicious donuts are made!

How Cream-Filled Donuts Are Made

The Dough: Yeast vs. Cake Donuts

When it comes to cream-filled donuts, the dough plays a crucial role in their texture and taste. There are two main types of donut dough:

  • Yeast-based dough: Light, airy, and slightly chewy, this dough rises before frying, making it ideal for Boston Cream, Bavarian Cream, and Long Johns.
  • Cake-based dough: Dense and rich, this type is leavened with baking powder or baking soda, creating a more crumbly texture. Though less common for cream-filled donuts, some bakeries use it for a unique twist.

Most classic cream-filled donuts use yeast dough, as it provides a soft and stretchy texture that pairs well with creamy fillings.

Filling Techniques: Injecting the Cream Properly

Ever wondered how bakeries get all that delicious filling inside a donut without cutting it open? They use a pastry injector or a piping bag fitted with a long, narrow nozzle.

The process involves:

  1. Frying the donut to a golden-brown perfection.
  2. Letting it cool to avoid melting the filling.
  3. Injecting the cream by piercing the side or bottom of the donut with a piping tip.
  4. Sealing the hole naturally as the dough slightly contracts.

Popular Glazes and Toppings for Cream-Filled Donuts

While the star of these donuts is the creamy center, the exterior also adds to the flavor experience. Here are some of the most popular toppings:

  • Chocolate glaze (as seen on Boston Cream donuts)
  • Powdered sugar (common for Bavarian Cream donuts)
  • Granulated sugar (adds a slight crunch, often used for Berliner donuts)
  • Vanilla or maple icing (popular on Long Johns)

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Which One Tastes Better?

While store-bought donuts offer convenience, homemade cream-filled donuts provide a richer, fresher taste. You can customize the dough, filling, and glaze to your liking. If you’re interested in making your own, check out this cream donut history, recipe, and best places to buy them.

Most Popular Cream-Filled Donuts by Brand

Dunkin’ Donuts: Boston Kreme and Bavarian Kreme

Dunkin’ Donuts has long been a go-to for cream-filled donuts. Two of their most popular varieties are:

  • Boston Kreme – A yeast donut filled with pastry cream and topped with chocolate icing.
  • Bavarian Kreme – Similar in appearance but filled with thicker Bavarian cream instead of pastry cream.

These two are customer favorites, offering a balance of rich filling and sweet glaze.

Krispy Kreme: Their Take on Cream-Filled Donuts

Krispy Kreme is known for its light, melt-in-your-mouth donuts, and their cream-filled varieties are no exception. Some of their top picks include:

  • Original Filled Doughnut – A twist on their classic glazed donut, injected with vanilla or chocolate cream.
  • Chocolate Iced Custard Filled – A yeast donut with thick custard filling and a chocolate glaze.

Local Bakeries and Artisan Creations

Many local bakeries take cream-filled donuts to the next level with gourmet fillings like:

  • Matcha cream
  • Peanut butter custard
  • Salted caramel pastry cream
  • Cookies & cream mousse

For those who prefer unique, small-batch donuts, visiting a local bakery can be a delicious adventure.

Nutritional Information and Health Considerations

Caloric Content of Cream-Filled Donuts

If you love cream-filled donuts, you might be wondering just how many calories they pack. The truth is, these delicious treats are high in calories, sugar, and fat.

On average:

  • Boston Cream Donut – Around 300–350 calories per piece.
  • Bavarian Cream Donut – Slightly higher, at 350–400 calories.
  • Long John with Cream Filling – Can reach 400+ calories, depending on the glaze.

The filling, glaze, and frying process contribute to the high calorie count.

Sugar and Fat Content: How Unhealthy Are They?

Besides being high in calories, cream-filled donuts contain a large amount of sugar and saturated fats. A single donut can have 20–30 grams of sugar close to the daily recommended limit!

The frying process also adds trans fats, which can raise cholesterol levels if consumed frequently. Plus, fillings like custard and whipped cream add extra fat, making these donuts more indulgent than their jelly-filled counterparts.

Are There Any Healthier Alternatives?

If you’re craving a cream-filled donut but want a healthier option, here are some alternatives:

  • Baked donuts instead of fried.
  • Greek yogurt or coconut cream filling instead of traditional pastry cream.
  • Sugar-free or lightly glazed options.

That way, you can still enjoy the flavor without the extra guilt!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a donut with cream called?

The answer depends on where you are and what type of cream is inside! Some of the most common names include:

  • Boston Cream Donut – A chocolate-glazed, custard-filled classic.
  • Bavarian Cream Donut – A thicker, richer version of Boston Cream.
  • Bismarck – A regional name for filled donuts.
  • Long John – A bar-shaped donut often filled with whipped cream or custard.

What is the white cream inside donuts called?

The white cream filling in some donuts is usually Holland Cream, a sweet, non-dairy filling that’s lighter than custard.

Are all cream-filled donuts made with the same type of dough?

No, but most cream-filled donuts use yeast-based dough for a soft, airy texture. Some bakeries, however, experiment with cake dough, offering a denser bite.

Which is more popular: cream-filled or jelly-filled donuts?

It depends on personal preference! Some people love the smooth, rich filling of cream-filled donuts, while others prefer the fruity tang of jelly-filled ones.

Can you make vegan or dairy-free cream-filled donuts?

Absolutely! Many bakeries now offer dairy-free versions using coconut cream, almond milk custard, or plant-based whipped cream.

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