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Finished Bavarian Cream Doughnut served in white kitchen with daylight and apartment view of skyscrapers.

Bavarian Cream Doughnut: Best 45-Minute Bakery-Style Treat

  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 16–20 doughnuts 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Brioche Doughnuts:

4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 ¼ tsp instant yeast

3 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

½ cup salted butter, softened

1 cup water

1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

1 tsp cinnamon or ½ tsp vanilla powder

48 oz canola oil (for frying)

Custard Filling

3 large egg yolks

½ cup granulated sugar

⅛ tsp salt

¾ cup whole milk

2 tbsp salted butter

Whipped Cream:

1 ⅓ cups heavy whipping cream

¼ cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Make the Brioche Dough
    • In a stand mixer, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add eggs, yolks, butter, and water.
    • Knead using dough hook for 6–8 minutes until smooth. Dough should be tacky, not sticky.
  2. Proof the Dough
    • Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled.
  3. Shape and Second Rise
    • Punch down dough. Divide into 16–20 pieces, roll into balls, place on parchment-lined tray.
    • Cover and let rise 30 minutes until puffed.
  4. Fry the Doughnuts
    • Heat canola oil to 360°F. Fry 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Coat in Sugar
    • Toss warm doughnuts in cinnamon or vanilla sugar. Cool on wire rack.
  6. Make the Custard
    • Whisk yolks, sugar, salt, and milk in saucepan. Cook over medium-low, stirring, until thick (6–8 mins).
    • Stir in butter. Let cool completely.
  7. Prepare the Whipped Cream
    • Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  8. Combine & Fill
    • Fold whipped cream into cooled custard. Transfer to piping bag.
    • Poke a hole in each doughnut and fill until plump.

Notes

✔ Fluffy, rich brioche dough makes a tender doughnut
✔ Custard and whipped cream combo is luxurious and light
✔ Can be customized with different fillings or sugar coatings
✔ A showstopper treat perfect for special brunches

✖ Time-intensive with multiple steps and rises
✖ Deep frying requires attention and can be messy
✖ Not suitable for dairy-free or low-fat diets

  • Author: Aliana Alisson
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Additional Time (Rising, Cooling, etc.):: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Pastry
  • Cuisine: French-Inspired

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount
Calories ~360 calories per doughnut
Sugar 21g
Sodium 190mg
Fat 22g
Saturated Fat 10g
Unsaturated Fat 10g
Trans Fat 0g
Carbohydrates 35g
Fiber 1g
Protein 5g
Cholesterol 95mg

Keywords: Brioche, Doughnuts, Custard-Filled, Fried Dessert, Brunch Treat, Cream-Filled