These homemade Berliners, a classic German-style pastry, are perfect for those cold days when you want something warm and satisfying. Easy to make and worthy of any bakery, these fluffy, filled doughnuts offer a sweet escape right from the comfort of your own home. Filled with a rich custard and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re an ideal treat for staying in and indulging.
Why You’ll Love This:
Berliners are not only delicious but also a fun baking project. The process of making the dough, letting it rise, and filling it with homemade pastry cream is incredibly rewarding. Plus, the warm, sugary aroma that fills your kitchen as you fry them is irresistibly inviting. These doughnuts are perfect for anyone looking to bring a bit of bakery magic into their kitchen.
Perfect Occasion:
These Berliners are fantastic for weekend breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or as a comforting treat during the winter months. They’re also great for sharing at gatherings or serving at festive occasions, where they’re sure to impress with their homemade appeal and delicious flavor.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful and traditional finish, dust your Berliners generously with powdered sugar. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try filling them with different flavors like jam or chocolate spread. A drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can add an extra touch of decadence.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 250 grams all-purpose flour
- 25 grams butter, room temperature
- 9 grams fresh yeast
- 40 grams sugar
- 50 grams egg
- 110 ml milk
- 5 grams vanilla essence
- 1 gram salt
- For the pastry cream:
- 250 ml milk
- 25 grams cornstarch
- 75 grams egg
- 75 grams sugar
- 15 grams butter
- 5 ml vanilla extract
- For serving:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Make a well in the center of the flour. Add yeast, egg, vanilla, and sugar in the middle, and sprinkle salt around the edges.
- Gradually incorporate the milk from the center outward, kneading until fully combined.
- Continue to knead until the dough is smooth and non-sticky, then knead in the room temperature butter.
- Form 50-gram balls, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes, then shape again and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Make the Pastry Cream:
- Mix a quarter of the milk with cornstarch and egg.
- In a pot, boil the remaining milk with sugar, then gradually mix into the cornstarch mixture.
- Return to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, and cool covered directly on the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
- Fry the Berliners:
- Once doubled, fry the dough balls in 160°C oil for about 2.5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain and let cool slightly.
- Assemble:
- Fill the cooled Berliners with pastry cream using a piping bag.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy these delightful Berliners, a treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any chilly day!
