Dreamy Bavarian Cream Donuts Recipe: Fluffy Bites of Bliss

Soft, pillowy donuts filled with velvety bavarian cream recipe are the ultimate indulgence for any sweet tooth.

These delightful pastries melt in your mouth with each luxurious bite.

Bakeries around the world have long celebrated this classic treat.

The delicate balance of light dough and rich cream creates a dessert that feels both comforting and elegant.

Homemade donuts allow you to experience a touch of European bakery magic right in your kitchen.

Crisp on the outside and impossibly smooth within, these donuts promise a decadent experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Treat yourself to a batch of these heavenly delights and watch as smiles spread with every delectable mouthful.

Why Fresh Filled Donuts Make Every Morning Sweet

• Craft Homemade Delights: Create restaurant-quality donuts right in your kitchen with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills.
• Master Baker Skills: Learn professional pastry techniques by practicing this recipe, which helps build confidence in baking and filling donuts perfectly.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Impress family and friends with bakery-style fresh donuts that taste better than store-bought versions and showcase your culinary creativity.
• Versatile Party Sensation: Perfect for weekend brunches, birthday celebrations, potlucks, and special gatherings where everyone craves a delicious sweet treat.

Filled Donuts – Everything You’ll Need

• Flour: The primary base that provides structure for the donut dough.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the donuts.

• Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Butter: Creates a tender texture and adds flavor.
• Yeast: Enables the dough to rise and develop a light, airy texture.

• Milk: Forms the base of the Bavarian cream.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream filling.
• Cornstarch, Egg Yolks: Thickening agents that create a smooth cream consistency.
• Vanilla: Provides additional flavor to the cream.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the filling.

• Powdered Sugar: Used for coating the donuts for a sweet finish.
• Oil: Used for deep frying the donuts to achieve a golden brown exterior.

Steps for Making Fresh Filled Donuts at Home

Step 1: Create Dry Mixture

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine flour, sugar, and salt.

Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Step 2: Incorporate Liquid Components

Create a small well in the center of dry ingredients.

• Milk
• Egg
• Softened butter
• Active dry yeast

Step 3: Develop Dough Texture

Blend ingredients until a soft, sticky dough emerges.

Use a wooden spoon or mixer to combine smoothly.

Step 4: Knead Dough Perfectly

Transfer dough to a floured surface.

Knead vigorously for 10-12 minutes until texture becomes elastic and silky smooth.

Step 5: First Dough Proofing

Place dough in lightly oiled bowl.

Cover with clean kitchen towel.

Allow to rise in warm area for 45-60 minutes until volume doubles.

Step 6: Portion Dough

Punch down risen dough.

Divide into 16 equal portions using sharp knife or dough cutter.

Step 7: Shape Donut Rounds

Roll each portion into smooth ball.

Gently flatten each ball to create classic donut shape.

Step 8: Second Rising Period

Arrange shaped donuts on baking sheet.

Cover loosely.

Let rise another 30-40 minutes.

Step 9: Deep Frying Process

Heat vegetable oil in deep pan to 365°F.

Carefully lower donuts into hot oil.

Fry until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 10: Cooling Stage

Transfer fried donuts onto paper towel-lined rack.

Allow excess oil to drain completely.

Step 11: Prepare Cream Filling

In saucepan, warm milk until steaming.

• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Egg yolks

Step 12: Create Cream Base

Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture, whisking constantly.

Return to heat, stirring until thickened.

Step 13: Finish Cream Filling

Remove from heat.

• Unsalted butter
• Vanilla extract

Cool cream completely before filling.

Step 14: Donut Decoration

Dust donuts with powdered sugar using fine mesh sifter.

Step 15: Fill Donuts

Using piping bag, inject Bavarian cream into center of each donut.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Donut-Making Tips for Filled Donuts

• Ensure yeast is fresh and warm milk helps activate it properly for perfect dough rise.
• Knead until smooth and elastic, avoiding over-mixing which can make donuts tough.
• Maintain steady 160-170C for even golden-brown donuts without burning or undercooking.
• Continuously stir cream mixture to prevent lumps and achieve silky smooth Bavarian filling.
• Fill donuts just before serving to keep pastry crisp and cream fresh.

Filled Donut Variations to Try Next

• Gluten-Free Donut Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring same texture and taste.
• Vegan Cream Sensation: Swap dairy milk with coconut milk, use plant-based butter, and replace egg yolks with cornstarch for a dairy-free cream filling.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
• Chocolate Cream Alternative: Modify cream filling by adding cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate for rich, decadent flavor variation.

Serving Filled Donuts to Family and Friends

• Sweet Morning Companions: Pair these fresh donuts with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful breakfast treat.
• Dessert Platter Elegance: Arrange donuts on a beautiful serving plate with fresh berries and mint leaves for an eye-catching presentation.
• Party Crowd Pleaser: Create a donut tower by stacking filled donuts at different heights, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
• Flavor Adventure Station: Set up a filling and topping bar with various cream flavors, chocolate drizzles, and sprinkles so guests can customize their donuts.

Storing Fresh Filled Donuts for Later

• Store filled donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Consume unfilled donuts within 1-2 days when stored in a sealed container at room temperature. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture.
• Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze plain donuts for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Keep Bavarian cream separate from donuts until serving to prevent soggy texture. Store cream in a sealed container in the refrigerator for maximum 3 days.

FAQs

• Why use yeast in donut dough?

Yeast helps donuts develop a light, airy texture and creates subtle fermentation flavor that makes donuts more delicious and soft compared to baking powder.

• How do I know if my dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in size and look puffy. When you gently press the dough with a finger, it should slowly spring back without leaving a permanent indentation.

• What's the best way to handle sticky donut dough?

Use slightly oiled hands or dust your work surface with minimal flour. Work quickly and gently to prevent overworking the dough, which can make donuts tough.

• Can I replace milk in this recipe?

Whole milk works best for richness, but you can use 2% milk. Avoid skim milk as it lacks the fat needed for tender, soft donuts.

Bavarian Cream Donuts Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Bavarian cream donuts bring German pastry magic to your kitchen, offering a delightful blend of light, airy dough and silky custard filling. Rich vanilla-infused cream nestled inside golden fried dough creates a delectable treat you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) fresh milk
• 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
• 1 egg, beaten

Sweeteners and Sugars:

• 2/3 cup (133 grams) sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) white sugar
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar

Fats, Liquids, and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) corn oil or canola oil (for frying)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) lukewarm milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch (optional)
• 3 tablespoons (24 grams) cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a dry ingredient foundation.
2. Create a well in the center and incorporate milk, egg, softened butter, and activated yeast.
3. Blend ingredients until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough develops.
4. Vigorously knead the dough for 10-12 minutes, transforming it into a smooth, elastic consistency.
5. Allow dough to rest and expand in a warm environment for 45-60 minutes, doubling in volume.
6. Gently partition dough into 16 uniform segments.
7. Craft each segment into a rounded shape, delicately pressing to create a slight disc formation.
8. Permit donuts to proof for an additional 30-40 minutes, increasing nearly to original volume.
9. Heat oil to 165°C and fry donuts for 2-4 minutes per batch, achieving a golden-brown exterior.
10. Transfer fried donuts onto absorbent paper towels to drain excess oil.
11. Warm milk in a saucepan until it reaches a gentle simmer.
12. Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a separate bowl.
13. Gradually integrate hot milk into egg mixture, continuously stirring and cooking until thickened.
14. Incorporate butter and vanilla extract, then allow Bavarian cream to cool completely.
15. Delicately coat donuts with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
16. Using a piping tool, inject each donut with prepared Bavarian cream.

Notes

• Keep oil consistently between 160-170°C for evenly golden, crispy donuts without burning.
• Ensure lukewarm milk helps yeast activate properly, creating soft, airy texture.
• Stretch and fold dough to develop gluten, resulting in lighter, more tender donuts.
• Stir constantly when cooking cream to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, silky filling.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg