Authentic German Berliners: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

500 grams of all-purpose flour
50 grams of granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
7 grams of active dry yeast or 1 packet
200 milliliters of warm milk
2 large eggs
50 grams of unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
500 milliliters of vegetable oil for frying
200 grams of raspberry jam for filling
100 grams of powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

Start by mixing the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, stir the yeast into the warm milk until it dissolves.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Mix the ingredients together until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles from the dough.
Cover the dough circles with the kitchen towel and let them rest for another 15 minutes.
While the dough rests, heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Fry the doughnuts a few at a time, turning them once, until they are golden brown on both sides. This should take about 3 minutes per side.
Remove the doughnuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Fill a pastry bag with the raspberry jam and insert the tip into the side of each doughnut to fill with jam.
Dust the filled doughnuts with powdered sugar before serving.

Tools for making

Large bowl - To mix the dry ingredients and prepare the dough.
Separate bowl - To dissolve the yeast in warm milk.
Rolling pin - To roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Round cookie cutter or glass - To cut out circles from the dough.
Greased bowl - To allow the dough to rise.
Clean kitchen towel - To cover the dough while it rises and rests.
Deep fryer or large pot - To fry the doughnuts in vegetable oil.
Slotted spoon - To remove the fried doughnuts from the oil.
Pastry bag - To fill the doughnuts with raspberry jam.
Powdered sugar sifter or shaker - To dust the doughnuts with powdered sugar.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier alternative.
Experiment with different fillings such as chocolate ganache, custard, or Nutella.
Add lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
Try using different jams or preserves for filling, such as strawberry, apricot, or blackberry.
Instead of frying, bake the Berliners in the oven for a lighter option. Brush them with melted butter and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a unique flavor.
Make a cream filling by whipping together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Fill the Berliners with this cream instead of jam.
Add a touch of alcohol, such as rum or Amaretto, to the dough to enhance the flavor.
For a savory version, omit the sugar from the dough and fill the Berliners with cheese, ham, or a combination of vegetables.
Instead of round shapes, try shaping the dough into squares or rectangles for a different presentation.

Recipe overview

Get ready to transport your taste buds to Germany with this delicious recipe for Berliners, also known as German Doughnuts. These sweet, jam-filled treats are a staple in German bakeries and are traditionally enjoyed during the carnival season, but they're so tasty you'll want to make them all year round. This recipe guides you through the process of making the dough from scratch, letting it rise, and deep-frying it to perfection. Once fried, the doughnuts are filled with a sweet raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful finish. The process may require a little patience, but all your hard work will be rewarded with a batch of soft, fluffy doughnuts with a delectably sweet center. Whether you're preparing for a festive celebration, a casual gathering, or simply want to indulge your sweet tooth, these Berliners are sure to impress. Happy baking and guten Appetit!

Common questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. Use the same amount of instant yeast as specified for active dry yeast.
Can I use a different type of jam for filling? Absolutely! While raspberry jam is a traditional filling for Berliners, you can use any jam or jelly that you prefer.
Can I bake the Berliners instead of frying them? While traditional Berliners are fried, you can try baking them if you prefer a healthier alternative. Bake the doughnuts in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Can I freeze the doughnuts? Yes, you can freeze the Berliners. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and reheat if desired.
Do I need a deep fryer to make this recipe? No, you can use a large pot or Dutch oven to fry the Berliners. Just make sure you have enough oil for deep frying, and use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the dough ingredients.
Cookie Cutter - A round cookie cutter or glass for cutting out the dough circles.
Deep Fryer or Large Pot - For frying the Berliners.
Slotted Spoon - To remove the fried doughnuts from the oil.
Pastry Bag - To fill the Berliners with raspberry jam.
Powdered Sugar Shaker - For dusting the filled doughnuts with powdered sugar.

Origin stories

Berliners, known also as Pfannkuchen in Berlin, are a traditional German treat, widely consumed during the carnival season but loved year-round. Despite their name, Berliners are not originally from Berlin. The pastry was first mentioned in a German cookbook from the 16th century as a variation of the filled doughnut. According to legend, in the absence of a kitchen during wartime, a military baker from Berlin invented the pastry by frying dough in a pan, hence the name Pfannkuchen (pancake). The jam-filled doughnut quickly grew in popularity. However, when the baker moved to Berlin and introduced the pastry, it became known there as a Berliner, resulting in a charming regional difference in terminology that persists today. So, if you find yourself in Berlin craving one of these delicious pastries, remember to ask for a Pfannkuchen!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.