Irresistible Bavarian Cream Donut (2025)

Hey there, donut lovers! Have you ever tried a Bavarian Cream Donut? Otherwise, you’re in for a delightful surprise! Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut filled with smooth, velvety Bavarian cream – it’s like a little piece of dessert heaven. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, I’m thrilled to guide you through making these irresistible donuts at home. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never look at store-bought donuts the same way again. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Donut Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• One packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) of active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp salt
• Oil for frying

For the Bavarian Cream Filling:

• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the Glaze or Topping:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: Sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or powdered sugar for decoration

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:

• 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest (for the dough)
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (for a chocolate twist)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (for a spiced flavor)

Substitutions for Dietary Restrictions:

• Gluten-free flour (for gluten-free donuts)
• Almond or oat milk (for dairy-free options)
• Coconut cream (for a vegan Bavarian cream filling)

How to Make Bavarian Cream Donut

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Proofing and Frying the Donuts

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to ½-inch thickness.
2. Use a donut cutter or round cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes. Place them on a baking sheet, cover, and let them proof for another 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry the donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Making the Bavarian Cream Filling

1. In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until warm (do not boil).
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens into a custard-like consistency.
5. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let it cool completely.
6. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold it into the cooled custard to create the Bavarian cream filling.

Step 4: Filling the Donuts

1. Use a piping bag fitted with a long tip or a small knife to make a hole in the side of each donut.
2. Fill the piping bag with the Bavarian cream and carefully pipe the filling into each donut until it feels slightly heavy.

Step 5: Adding the Final Touches

1. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Dip the top of each donut into the glaze or drizzle it over the top.
3. Add sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.
4. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes:

• Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent while frying to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
• If the Bavarian cream filling is too runny, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before using.
• For a lighter version, you can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of frying.

Frequently Asked Questions of Bavarian Cream Donuts

Can I Make Bavarian Cream Donuts Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! The donuts can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. However, it’s best to fill them with Bavarian cream and add the glaze just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.

How Do I Store Bavarian Cream Donuts?

Store filled donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cream filling contains dairy, so refrigeration is necessary. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Can I Bake Instead of Fry the Donuts?

Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Keep in mind that baked donuts will have a slightly different texture compared to fried ones, but they’ll still be delicious!

What’s the Difference Between Bavarian Cream and Custard?

Bavarian cream is a richer and fluffier version of custard. It’s made by combining custard with whipped cream, giving it a lighter and airier texture. Traditional custard is thicker and doesn’t include whipped cream.

How Do I Fix Runny Bavarian Cream Filling?

If your Bavarian cream filling is too runny, it may not have been cooked long enough to thicken. To fix it, return the mixture to the saucepan and cook it over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Alternatively, you can chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to help it set.

Can’t Get Enough of Bavarian Cream Donuts? Try These Recipes Next!

If you loved making (and eating!) these Bavarian Cream Donuts, you’ll definitely want to try my recipe for Classic Strawberry Cheesecake – it’s creamy, fruity, and absolutely irresistible! Or, if you’re in the mood for something chocolatey, my Double Chocolate Fudge Brownies are a crowd-pleaser every time.

If you love indulgent desserts, don’t miss this Cheesecake Factory Red Velvet Cheesecake—a rich, layered treat that’s just as impressive as your homemade donuts!Can’t Get Enough of Bavarian

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoyed this step-by-step guide to making the perfect Bavarian Cream Donuts. They’re a delightful treat for any occasion, and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your household.

Bavarian Cream Donut

---

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate homemade Bavarian Cream Donut! This recipe features a light, fluffy donut filled with rich and velvety Bavarian cream, topped with a glossy glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, this easy-to-follow recipe will make you feel like a professional baker.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Donut Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour




• ¼ cup granulated sugar




• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast




• ½ cup warm milk




• 2 large eggs




• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened




• ½ tsp salt




• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Bavarian Cream Filling:

• 1 cup whole milk




• 3 large egg yolks




• ¼ cup granulated sugar




• 2 tbsp cornstarch




• 1 tsp vanilla extract




• 1 cup heavy cream

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar




• 2–3 tbsp milk




• 1 tsp vanilla extract

---

Instructions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

   • Add sugar, eggs, butter, salt, and vanilla. Mix well.

   • Gradually add flour and knead until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

2. Make the Bavarian Cream Filling:

   • Heat milk in a saucepan until warm.

   • Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Slowly add warm milk while whisking.

   • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook until thickened. Stir in vanilla and let it cool.

   • Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the cooled custard.

3. Fry the Donuts:

   • Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness and cut into circles.

   • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry donuts until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

4. Fill the Donuts:

   • Use a piping bag to fill each donut with Bavarian cream.

5. Glaze the Donuts:

   • Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Dip the top of each donut into the glaze and let it set.

Notes

• Ensure the oil temperature is consistent to avoid greasy donuts.

• For a lighter version, bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

• Store donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying or Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Bavarian Cream Donut