What’s better than a soft, fluffy donut? A cream-filled donut! Bavarian Cream Donuts take the classic donut to a whole new level. These delectable treats are fried dough, coated in sugar, and filled with the creamiest, dreamiest Bavarian cream filling. With a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, these donuts are totally irresistible and perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious cream-filled donuts!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bavarian Cream Donuts are a true indulgence! The combination of crispy, sugar-coated fried dough and the silky, rich filling makes each bite a decadent experience. They’re surprisingly easy to make, especially with a step-by-step guide that covers everything from making the yeast dough to preparing the Bavarian cream filling. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe will deliver a treat that everyone will love. Plus, they’re perfect for brunches, parties, or just a fun weekend baking project!

Ingredients

Whole milk
Active dry yeast
Granulated sugar
Shortening
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Bread flour
Kosher salt
Baking powder
Baking soda
Pastry Cream (see recipe below)
Heavy cream
Powdered sugar
Oil for frying

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Pastry Cream:

Prepare the Pastry Cream: Start by making your Pastry Cream (the recipe is included below). Once it’s done, let it cool and refrigerate it to chill.

Prepare the Dough:

Make the dough: Combine the yeast, sugar, and warm milk, and let it activate for about 5 minutes. Add the shortening, eggs, vanilla extract, bread flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and stretchy.
Let the dough rise: Coat a bowl with oil, place the dough inside, and flip it to coat both sides with oil. Cover it and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. You can create a “proofing box” by heating the oven for a minute and turning it off, then placing a pan of hot water at the bottom of the oven with the dough on the racks above it.

Shape and Fry the Donuts:

Roll out the dough: Roll the dough out to about 12 inches wide and ½ inch thick. Using a round cutter, cut the dough into donut shapes.
Second rise: Let the shaped donuts rise for another 30-40 minutes, again in a warm, humid environment.
Fry the donuts: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, turning them once they are golden brown. Ensure that the oil stays at a steady temperature for perfect frying.
Coat in sugar: Once the donuts are done, transfer them to a wire rack and coat them generously in sugar. For a fun twist, mix a bit of cinnamon into the sugar.

Make the Filling:

Whip the cream: Beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Add a couple of tablespoons of powdered sugar to sweeten.
Fold in Pastry Cream: Whisk the chilled Pastry Cream to smooth it out, then fold it gently into the whipped cream to create the Bavarian cream filling.

Assemble the Donuts:

Fill the donuts: Use a toothpick, knife, or chopstick to poke a hole in the side of each donut. Insert the piping bag filled with the Bavarian cream and fill each donut generously.
Serve and enjoy: Arrange the filled donuts on a plate and serve them fresh for an irresistible treat!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 donuts
Prep time: 1 hour (for dough and cream)
Cook time: 15 minutes (for frying)
Total time: 2 hours (including rising time)

Variations

Lemon curd filling: Instead of the Bavarian cream, you can use lemon curd for a tangy and fresh flavor.
Nutella-filled donuts: For a rich chocolate twist, pipe Nutella into your donuts along with or instead of the cream.
Jam-filled donuts: A classic option! You can fill your donuts with raspberry or strawberry jam for a fruity alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. The cream filling will soften the donut a bit, but they will still be delicious.
Freezing: Donuts should not be frozen once filled, as the filling will separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze unfilled donuts. Flash-freeze them for 30 minutes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Thaw and reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes before filling with fresh Bavarian cream.

FAQs

What is a Bavarian cream donut?

A Bavarian cream donut is a yeast donut filled with a rich, vanilla-flavored custard, called Bavarian cream. It’s typically rolled in sugar and sometimes topped with chocolate glaze.

Is Bavarian cream donut custard?

Yes, the filling in a Bavarian cream donut is a custard-like cream made with egg yolks, sugar, and milk. It’s lightened with whipped cream, giving it a fluffy texture.

What does Bavarian cream donut taste like?

A Bavarian cream donut has a fluffy, slightly crispy exterior with a smooth, rich, and creamy custard filling. The sugar coating adds a touch of sweetness, creating a perfect balance.

What’s the difference between Bavarian cream and Boston cream?

Both are filled with a creamy custard, but the key difference is in the topping. Bavarian cream donuts are rolled in sugar, while Boston cream donuts are topped with a glossy chocolate glaze.

Can I make these donuts without yeast?

While yeast helps the donuts rise and gives them their airy, fluffy texture, you could substitute the yeast with a baking powder dough for a quicker option, but the texture will differ.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the Bavarian cream filling can be made in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to pipe it into the donuts.

How do I know when my oil is the right temperature for frying?

Use a candy thermometer to ensure the oil is around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it rises to the surface and sizzles, the oil is ready.

Can I use a different flavor of filling?

Absolutely! You can get creative with fillings like chocolate, jam, or even Nutella. Just be sure to choose something that complements the light texture of the donuts.

How do I store filled donuts?

Filled donuts are best eaten the same day, but if you must store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Don’t store filled donuts in the fridge, as the filling can get too soft.

Can I freeze the filled donuts?

It’s not recommended to freeze filled donuts, as the filling will separate. However, you can freeze unfilled donuts, and fill them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Bavarian Cream Donuts are the ultimate indulgence—a fluffy, sweet donut filled with the creamiest vanilla custard. Perfect for any occasion, these donuts are sure to impress your friends and family. The process may seem long, but the reward is absolutely worth it! Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the fryer or at a family gathering, these decadent cream-filled treats are guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy!

Bavarian Cream Donuts