Bavarian Cream Donuts

Bavarian Cream Donuts are a delightful treat that combines the light, fluffy texture of a fried donut with the rich, creamy filling of Bavarian cream. Here’s a recipe to make these delicious donuts at home:

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bavarian Cream:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
• 3 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

Making the Bavarian Cream:

1. Heat Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Split the vanilla bean, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the bean to the milk mixture (or add the vanilla extract). Heat until just simmering, then remove from heat.
2. Mix Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until pale and thick. Add the cornstarch and whisk until smooth.
3. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour about 1/3 of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Then, pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
4. Cook the Cream: Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until smooth.
5. Cool the Cream: Pour the cream into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until completely chilled.

Making the Donuts:

1. Prepare the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the softened butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Donuts: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out donuts. Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
6. Fry the Donuts: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
7. Fill the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to fill each donut with the chilled Bavarian cream.
8. Optional: Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar or glaze them with your favorite icing.

Enjoy your homemade Bavarian Cream Donuts!