Bavarian cream-filled donuts are the epitome of indulgence. With their soft, pillowy dough and rich, creamy filling, these donuts offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or serving them at a party, these donuts are sure to impress with their light, fluffy exterior and smooth, sweet cream inside. The best part? This recipe will guide you through creating these bakery-quality treats right at home!

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This recipe uses bread flour to achieve that perfect chewiness in the donut, while the active dry yeast ensures that the dough rises beautifully, creating a light and airy texture. The dough itself is slightly sweet, complementing the richness of the Bavarian cream filling. Each donut is fried to golden perfection in canola oil, then dusted with a light layer of powdered sugar for that classic finish. The contrast between the fluffy donut and the creamy filling makes every bite an indulgent experience.

What sets these Bavarian cream-filled donuts apart is the homemade pastry cream filling. Made from heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract, this pastry cream is rich, velvety, and perfectly sweet. Once the donuts have been fried and cooled, they are filled with the luxurious cream, creating that signature surprise inside. The addition of vanilla adds a fragrant, comforting note to the pastry cream, making these donuts even more irresistible.

Bavarian cream is a classic filling often used in pastries, tarts, and cakes. Originating from the region of Bavaria in Germany, this smooth and creamy dessert is made from a blend of milk, cream, and egg yolks, thickened with cornstarch or gelatin. It’s typically flavored with vanilla, giving it a sweet, comforting taste. In this recipe, the cream is piped into each donut, creating that delicious, creamy center that everyone loves. Paired with the fluffy donut, it’s a match made in heaven!

Nutritional Information (Per Donut - 1 Cream-Filled Donut):

• - Calories: 320 kcal
• - Fat: 18g
• - Carbohydrates: 35g
• - Protein: 5g
• - Sugar: 18g

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Storage Tips:

- Store leftover Bavarian cream-filled donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving, or enjoy them chilled.

- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, as the cream filling can cause the dough to become soft if stored for too long.

Fun Fact:

Did you know Bavarian cream dates back to the 19th century? This traditional dessert was once considered a delicacy in royal courts and was often served as a luxurious treat at banquets. Today, Bavarian cream is enjoyed worldwide and is commonly found in pastries like éclairs, donuts, and cakes.

A Closer Look at the Donut-Making Process:

Making the perfect Bavarian cream-filled donut involves several key steps, starting with the dough. The combination of active dry yeast, bread flour, and a bit of sugar ensures that the dough rises well, resulting in that light, fluffy texture we love. The dough is then fried in canola oil until golden brown, creating a crisp outer layer that holds up to the rich cream filling. The pastry cream is made separately, using whole milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, velvety texture. Once both components are ready, the donuts are filled with the cream and dusted with powdered sugar for that classic bakery finish. The balance between the light, airy dough and the rich, creamy filling is what makes these donuts truly special.

Serving Suggestions:

- Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish, or drizzle with chocolate for a more decadent twist.

- Serve with a side of fresh berries or whipped cream for a complete dessert.

- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a spiced variation on the traditional Bavarian cream-filled donut.

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Fluffy Bavarian Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• - 1 large egg
• - 1 large egg yolk
• - 3 tbsp active dry yeast
• - 1/2 tsp baking powder
• - 1/2 tsp baking soda
• - 3 1/4 cups bread flour
• - 5 tbsp granulated sugar
• - 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• - 1/4 cup shortening
• - 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• - 12 cups canola oil (for frying)

For the Bavarian Cream Filling:

• - 3/4 cup heavy cream
• - 1 batch pastry cream (homemade or store-bought)
• - 1 cup whole milk
• - 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, shortening, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

6. Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles of dough.

7. Heat the canola oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F. Fry the donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

8. Remove the donuts from the oil and drain on paper towels. Allow them to cool completely.

9. Meanwhile, prepare the Bavarian cream filling by whipping together the heavy cream and pastry cream until smooth and fluffy.

10. Using a piping bag fitted with a small tip, fill each donut with the Bavarian cream.

11. Dust the tops of the donuts with powdered sugar and serve.

These fluffy Bavarian cream-filled donuts are the perfect combination of light, airy dough and rich, creamy filling. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!