Bavarian Cream Donuts

Introduction

Bavarian Cream Donuts are a decadent treat filled with silky-smooth vanilla pastry cream and topped with powdered sugar or chocolate glaze. These donuts are pillowy soft, with a rich, creamy filling that makes every bite indulgent. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up, they bring the flavors of a European pastry shop straight to your kitchen.

I remember the first time I made these donuts; they disappeared almost as quickly as they were made. The combination of the fluffy dough and the luscious pastry cream is downright addictive. Whether dusted with powdered sugar for a light finish or dipped in a rich chocolate glaze for extra indulgence, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them.

What’s great about Bavarian Cream Donuts is how versatile they can be. You can fill them with classic vanilla cream or switch things up with a fruit-flavored filling or even chocolate mousse. Despite their bakery-quality taste, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients and a little patience. Once you’ve had one fresh out of the fryer, you’ll never look at store-bought donuts the same way again!

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• Special celebrations
• Coffee or tea pairing
• Dessert lovers
• Homemade bakery-style treats

Why You’ll Love This Bavarian Cream Donuts

Here’s why Bavarian Cream Donuts will become your new go-to indulgence:

• Fluffy and Soft Dough: Light, airy dough that melts in your mouth.
• Rich, Creamy Filling: Smooth vanilla pastry cream makes these donuts irresistible.
• Customizable Topping: From powdered sugar to chocolate glaze, you can dress these donuts any way you like.
• Homemade Bakery Experience: Skip the store and enjoy fresh donuts from your own kitchen.
• Crowd Pleaser: These donuts are sure to impress friends and family at any gathering.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Bavarian Cream Donuts:

For the Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Bavarian Cream Filling

• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Topping

• Powdered sugar or chocolate glaze (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Whole Milk: Creates a rich and tender dough and a creamy filling.
• Egg Yolks: Key to the silky texture of the Bavarian cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cream filling.
• Butter: Enhances both the flavor and texture of the dough and cream.
• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for frying to golden perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this recipe:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Bloom the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together. Add the yeast mixture and softened butter.
3. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Bavarian Cream:

6. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
7. Mix the Yolks and Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
8. Temper the Eggs: Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
9. Cook the Cream: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
10. Add Vanilla and Butter: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Let the cream cool completely.

Shape and Fry the Donuts:

11. Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out circles using a donut cutter or a 3-inch round cutter.
12. Second Rise: Place the dough rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
13. Fry the Donuts: Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Fill and Finish the Donuts:

14. Fill with this recipe: Once the donuts are cool, use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to fill each donut with this recipe.
15. Dust or Glaze: Dust with powdered sugar or dip the tops in chocolate glaze if desired.

How to Serve Bavarian Cream Donuts

Bavarian Cream Donuts are best enjoyed fresh. Here are some serving suggestions:

• With Coffee or Tea: A perfect pairing for a hot beverage.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them alongside fresh fruit or savory dishes.
• As a Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
• Party Dessert Table: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any celebration.

Additional Tips for Bavarian Cream Donuts

• Chill the Cream – Refrigerate the Bavarian cream for at least 30 minutes before filling the donuts to make it easier to pipe.
• Use Bread Flour – Bread flour gives a chewier, more structured donut compared to all-purpose flour, which results in a bakery-quality texture.
• Check Oil Temperature – Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for even frying. Too hot will burn the donuts; too cold will make them greasy.
• Avoid Overproofing – Let the dough rise just until doubled in size; overproofed dough absorbs more oil and can collapse during frying.
• Dust Off Excess Flour – Before frying, shake off excess flour to avoid burnt bits in the oil.Cool Before Filling – Ensure donuts are completely cool before adding the Bavarian cream to prevent it from melting.
• Use a Pastry Bag – For precise filling, use a piping bag with a long tip to inject the cream into the donut without overfilling.
• Roll in Sugar While Warm – If rolling donuts in granulated sugar, do it while they’re warm for better adherence.
• Double Fry for Crispier Texture – Fry the donuts briefly a second time for an extra-crispy exterior.
• Experiment with Flavors – Infuse your Bavarian cream with flavors like coffee, vanilla bean, or fruit purees for a twist.

Recipe Variations for Bavarian Cream Donuts

Here are 10 ways to change up your Bavarian Cream Donuts:

1. Chocolate Bavarian Cream Donuts: Add melted chocolate to the pastry cream for a chocolate twist.
2. Coffee Bavarian Cream Donuts: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling.
3. Lemon Bavarian Cream Donuts: Add lemon zest and juice for a citrusy filling.
4. Nutella-Filled Donuts: Swap the Bavarian cream for Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread.
5. Caramel Bavarian Cream Donuts: Add caramel sauce to the cream filling.
6. Almond Bavarian Cream Donuts: Add almond extract and chopped almonds for a nutty flavor.
7. Berry Bavarian Cream Donuts: Fold in fresh raspberry or strawberry puree to the cream.
8. Coconut Cream Donuts: Use coconut milk in the filling and top with toasted coconut flakes.
9. Maple Bavarian Cream Donuts: Add a touch of maple syrup to the cream and glaze with maple icing.
10. Pumpkin Spice Bavarian Cream Donuts: Add pumpkin puree and spices to the filling for a seasonal twist.

Freezing and Storage for Bavarian Cream Donuts

• Freezing: Freeze unfilled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven and fill with cream before serving.
• Storage: Store filled donuts in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Special Equipment for Bavarian Cream Donuts

• Stand Mixer: For easy dough preparation.
• Donut Cutter: Ensures evenly shaped donuts.
• Candy Thermometer: Essential for monitoring oil temperature.
• Piping Bag and Round Tip: For filling the donuts.
• Cooling Rack: Helps donuts cool evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Bavarian Cream Donuts

1. Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them?
   Yes, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, but they’ll be more like brioche rolls.
2. Can I use instant yeast?
   Yes, reduce the rising time slightly if using instant yeast.
3. How do I avoid greasy donuts?
   Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F). Too low, and they’ll absorb more oil.
4. Can I make the cream filling in advance?
   Absolutely. The cream can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
5. Can I use another type of filling?
   Yes! Custard, whipped cream, or fruit jam all work well.

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Conclusion

Bavarian Cream Donuts are a luxurious treat that combines soft, fluffy dough with a rich and velvety filling. Whether you prefer them dusted with powdered sugar or coated in a smooth chocolate glaze, each bite is pure indulgence. These homemade delights offer bakery-quality goodness that’s perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to treat yourself.

The best part? Making them at home means you can customize the filling, glaze, or toppings to create your own signature donut. They’re a guaranteed hit for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack.

I’d love to see how your Bavarian Cream Donuts turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to admire your delicious creations. Happy baking!