If you’ve ever wandered the streets of Germany, you’ve likely stumbled upon a charming bakery wafting the sweet scent of freshly fried Berliner. These delightful German donuts, also known as Berliner Pfannkuchen, are filled with luscious jam and rolled in sugar, making them a beloved treat across the globe. They are soft, pillowy, and utterly irresistible, making them perfect for any occasion. Today, I’m excited to share my take on this classic recipe, so you can experience the joy of making Berliner (German Donuts) right in your own kitchen!
Why This Recipe Works
This Berliner (German Donuts) recipe is a labor of love that yields fluffy, flavorful donuts. The combination of instant yeast and warm milk creates a light and airy texture, while the addition of lemon zest adds a refreshing brightness. The dough is enriched with egg yolks and butter, resulting in a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with your favorite jam filling. Frying these donuts in a neutral oil ensures they come out golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside. With just a little patience and the right technique, you’ll have a batch of irresistible Berliner to share (or not!).
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup milk, room temperature, plus more as needed
- 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon quality pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup raspberry jam, or jam/filling of choice
- Granulated sugar, about 1 cup
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup
- Oil for frying, choose a neutral tasting oil with a high smoke point like avocado or canola.
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Stand mixer: Optional, but helps with kneading the dough.
- Frying thermometer: To ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
- Slotted spoon: For safely removing the donuts from the oil.
- Cooling rack: To let the donuts cool after frying.
- Piping bag: For filling the donuts with jam.
Mastering Berliner (German Donuts): How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, lemon zest, and kosher salt. Mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, egg yolks, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed with the dough hook for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness and cut out circles using a biscuit cutter or a glass. Place the circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Step 6: Fry the Donuts
In a deep pot or heavy skillet, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few donuts at a time, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a cooling rack lined with paper towels.
Step 7: Fill the Donuts
Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to fill each donut with raspberry jam (or your favorite filling).
Step 8: Coat in Sugar
In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar with a pinch of cinnamon. Roll the filled donuts in the sugar mixture until coated. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Substitutions by Diet
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Substitute the egg yolks with flax eggs and use plant-based butter.
- Low-sugar: Replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
- Different fillings: Use chocolate ganache, custard, or any other jam of your choice.
Troubles You Can Avoid
- Ensure your yeast is fresh. Expired yeast will not rise properly.
- Monitor the oil temperature closely to avoid greasy donuts – too hot and they’ll burn, too cool and they’ll absorb oil.
- Don’t skip the second rise; it’s essential for a light and airy texture.
- Fill the donuts just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
Storing Tips & Timelines
Berliner (German Donuts) are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the donuts without filling in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be kept for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and fill with jam before serving.
Quick Q&A
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and frying.
What kind of oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado or canola oil, to achieve the best frying results.
Can I bake Berliner instead of frying them?
While traditional Berliner are fried, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes for a healthier alternative, although the texture will differ.
What other fillings can I use besides raspberry jam?
Feel free to experiment with various fillings such as chocolate, custard, lemon curd, or any fruit preserves you love!
Before You Go
There’s something undeniably special about making and sharing Berliner (German Donuts). Whether it’s for a festive occasion or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, these donuts are sure to bring joy to your table. With this recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these delightful treats that everyone will adore. Don’t forget to experiment with different fillings and toppings to make them your own! Happy frying!
Berliner (German Donuts)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, lemon zest, and kosher salt. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, egg yolks, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed with the dough hook for about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness and cut out circles using a biscuit cutter or a glass. Place the circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- In a deep pot or heavy skillet, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few donuts at a time, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a cooling rack lined with paper towels.
- Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to fill each donut with raspberry jam (or your favorite filling).
- In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar with a pinch of cinnamon. Roll the filled donuts in the sugar mixture until coated. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
- Monitor the oil temperature to avoid greasy donuts.
- Don’t skip the second rise for a light texture.
- Fill donuts just before serving to prevent sogginess.
