Description
Classic Bavarian Cream Donuts are soft, golden-fried yeast donuts filled with a rich vanilla custard and dusted with powdered sugar. These indulgent, nostalgic treats are a bakery favorite you can make fresh at home.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- 2 cups whole milk (for filling)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Mix yeast with warm milk and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Whisk in eggs, remaining sugar, butter, salt, and vanilla. Gradually add flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
- Roll out dough to ½ inch thick and cut into 3-inch rounds. Place on parchment-lined trays and rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels and cool completely.
- Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Heat milk until steaming, then gradually whisk into egg mixture.
- Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Fill a piping bag with chilled cream. Make a small hole in each donut and fill with cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F for best frying results.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh or chilled within 1–2 days.
- Use a piping bag for clean and even filling.
- Don’t microwave filled donuts to preserve texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
