Classic Bismarck Donuts Recipe: A Sweet Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of warm milk
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 1/2 cups of bread flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast
  • 1 quart of vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup of raspberry jam
  • 1 cup of powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, salt, and the egg. Stir until the butter and sugar are completely dissolved.
  2. Add the bread flour to the milk mixture. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top of the flour. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Punch down the dough, then turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass.
  5. Place the cut dough on a baking sheet and cover with a cloth. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  7. Carefully slide doughnuts into the hot oil using a wide spatula. Fry doughnuts on each side until golden brown.
  8. Remove from hot oil, to drain on a wire rack. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes.
  9. Cut a small hole in the side of each doughnut. Fit a pastry bag with a medium round tip and fill with raspberry jam. Pipe the jam into the hole in the doughnut until it is filled.
  10. Dust warm doughnuts with powdered sugar before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a slightly richer flavor.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for added flavor.
  • Instead of raspberry jam, try filling the doughnuts with chocolate ganache, lemon curd, or peanut butter.
  • For a different texture, substitute some of the bread flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour.
  • Try coating the doughnuts in cinnamon sugar or powdered cinnamon before serving.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a spiced flavor.
  • Make a glaze using powdered sugar, milk, and your choice of flavoring, such as vanilla or maple syrup. Drizzle the glaze over the doughnuts instead of dusting with powdered sugar.
  • For a savory twist, omit the sugar and fill the doughnuts with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or your favorite vegetarian or vegan filling.
  • Experiment with different shapes for the doughnuts, such as squares or twists.
  • Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top of the doughnuts for added crunch.

Recipe overview

This recipe guide will help you create delicious Bismarck doughnuts, a treat loved for its deliciously sweet filling and dusting of powdered sugar. Also known as Berliners or jelly doughnuts, Bismarcks are a delightful blend of soft, fluffy dough filled with tangy raspberry jam. Expect to make dough from scratch, which involves some waiting for the dough to rise, but the end result is worth the wait. You'll also get to experience the satisfaction of frying the doughnuts to a perfect golden brown and piping in the filling. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, these doughnuts are sure to impress.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of jam? Yes, you can use any type of jam you prefer as a filling for the Bismarck doughnuts. Raspberry jam is the traditional choice, but feel free to use your favorite flavor.
  2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. Use an equal amount of instant yeast and follow the instructions accordingly.
  3. Can I bake the doughnuts instead of frying them? While this recipe is specifically for fried Bismarck doughnuts, you can try baking them instead. However, the texture and taste may differ from the traditional fried version.
  4. Can I freeze the doughnuts? Yes, you can freeze the Bismarck doughnuts. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat if desired.
  5. How long do the doughnuts stay fresh? The doughnuts are best enjoyed on the day they are made. However, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose some of their freshness after the first day.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining ingredients and allowing the dough to rise.
  • Spatula - A wide spatula for carefully sliding the doughnuts into the hot oil.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat sheet for placing the cut doughnuts to rise before frying.
  • Cloth - A cloth for covering the dough while it rises and the doughnuts as they rest.
  • Round Cookie Cutter or Glass - For cutting out circles of dough to form the doughnuts.
  • Wire Rack - A rack for draining the fried doughnuts and allowing them to cool.
  • Pastry Bag - A bag with a medium round tip for filling the doughnuts with raspberry jam.

Origin stories

The Bismarck doughnut, also known as a Berliner in Germany, is steeped in historical connotations. Its most notable mention is linked to the late President John F. Kennedy. During a visit to Berlin in 1963, he intended to express his solidarity with the people of Berlin by saying "Ich bin ein Berliner" (I am a Berliner). However, the phrase, also translated to "I am a jelly doughnut", caused some amusement among Germans as 'Berliner' in Germany is a colloquial term for a jam-filled doughnut. While his goodwill wasn't lost in translation, it did leave behind a delightful anecdote for the culinary world. This just goes to show, whether in the realm of international politics or a local bakery, the Bismarck doughnut certainly leaves an impression.

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.