Are you dreaming of a delightful dessert that's both elegant and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Donut Bavarian Cream recipe is the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's the ideal combination of fluffy, airy Bavarian cream nestled inside a warm, melt-in-your-mouth donut. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved delicious treat after a long day. Get ready to experience a taste sensation!
Ingredients:
For the Bavarian Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1/2 cup whole milk, chilled
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
For the Donuts: (You can use store-bought donuts for an even quicker recipe!)
- 1 recipe of your favorite donut recipe (see notes for suggestions)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Bavarian Cream:
- Combine milk and sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the chilled milk and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not boil.
- Temper the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks lightly. Slowly drizzle a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. This prevents the yolks from scrambling.
- Combine and thicken: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Add the cornstarch and salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 2-3 minutes).
- Cool and infuse: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until completely chilled.
- Whip the cream: Once the custard is completely cold, whip the heavy cream in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled custard until well combined.
Assembling the Donut Bavarian Cream:
- Prepare the donuts: If making your donuts from scratch, follow your chosen recipe. If using store-bought donuts, ensure they are fresh and soft. You can lightly warm them to enhance their flavor.
- Fill the donuts: Carefully slice the donuts in half horizontally. Using a piping bag or a spoon, generously fill the donut halves with the Bavarian cream.
- Dust and serve: Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips and Variations:
- Donut varieties: Experiment with different types of donuts! Glazed, chocolate, or even yeast donuts will all work beautifully with this creamy filling.
- Flavor infusions: Add a touch of lemon zest, orange zest, or even a splash of coffee liqueur to the Bavarian cream for extra flavor.
- Make ahead: The Bavarian cream can be made a day ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and making preparation even easier.
- Garnish: Get creative with your garnishes! Fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder are all delicious additions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, based on store-bought donuts and recipe above):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15g
- Cholesterol: 100-120mg
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 5-7g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, healthy meals (if you choose healthy donut options), and is sure to become one of your best recipes for delicious dishes and homemade cooking. Enjoy!