Dunkin's Bavarian Cream Donuts: Dream Or Delicious Reality?

Dunkin' Donuts offers a variety of donuts, including the Bavarian Kreme donut. This donut is a yeast shell with Bavarian Kreme filling, topped with chocolate icing or tossed in powdered sugar. The filling is made from custard and whipped cream mixed together, also known as Diplomat Cream. It is lighter than regular custard due to the addition of whipped cream, but still has a vanilla taste. While the availability of this donut may vary by location and time of day, it is a popular choice for customers looking for a sweet treat.

How to make Bavarian cream donuts

Bavarian cream donuts are a popular treat, and you can make them at home! Here is a recipe for Bavarian cream donuts, inspired by the famous Dunkin' Donuts variety.

Ingredients:

• 1 package regular yeast
• 2 cups sugar, divided
• 2 tablespoons of 105-degree F water
• 3/4 cup lukewarm milk
• 1 tablespoon solid vegetable shortening
• 2 1/2 cups flour, divided
• 6 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 1/4 cup solid vegetable shortening
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar for garnish

Method:

Start by dissolving the yeast in warm water with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until foamy, for about 5 minutes. Place the milk into the microwave for 1.5 minutes on high power, then let it cool to 105-115 degrees F.

Next, combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add the milk, remaining sugar, egg, shortening, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Beat on low for 30 seconds, then beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.

On low speed, add the remaining flour and beat until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise until doubled, for about 1 hour. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll to a 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out circles with a 3-inch cutter and place them on floured baking sheets. Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes.

Heat the vegetable oil in a wide, deep pot over medium heat to 350 degrees F. Carefully slide 4-5 donuts into the oil and fry for 1 minute on each side until golden brown. Remove with tongs or a slotted spatula and place on paper-towel-lined sheets. Continue frying the remaining donuts, maintaining a constant temperature.

While the donuts cool, prepare the filling. Cream the butter and shortening, then gradually add the sugar until smooth. Add the milk and vanilla and beat until smooth. The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

To fill the donuts, use a small knife to pierce the side and create a cavity in the center. Insert a pastry tip into the hole and fill with 1-1.5 tablespoons of cream. Sprinkle the tops of the donuts with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips:

• The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• To distinguish between vanilla and Bavarian cream donuts, look at the colour. Vanilla cream is white, while Bavarian cream is more pale or custard-like.
• For a true Bavarian experience, toss the filled donuts in powdered sugar instead of adding a chocolate glaze.

What is a Bavarian cream donut?

A Bavarian cream donut is a type of cream-filled donut. It is a yeast shell with a Bavarian Kreme filling, which is similar to the traditional Boston Kreme filling for a cake. The donut is filled with custard (pastry cream and whipped cream) and is usually rolled in sugar. The custard can be made with egg yolks, sugar, milk, butter, and whipped cream. The donut dough typically includes flour, sugar, yeast, eggs, egg yolks, butter, and water.

Bavarian cream donuts are prepared by first creating the custard filling and allowing it to cool. The donut dough is then prepared and cut into the desired shape, typically rounds or rectangles. The donuts are fried until golden brown and then tossed in sugar while still warm. Finally, the donuts are filled with the custard and served fresh.

Bavarian cream donuts are a popular treat, and variations can be found at Dunkin' and other bakeries worldwide. They are known for their soft, fluffy texture and creamy vanilla flavour. These donuts are best served fresh and do not store well for extended periods.

What is a Bavarian cream donut filling?

Bavarian cream is a type of custard-based dessert that is thickened with gelatin and mixed with whipped cream. In the world of French pâtisserie, it is known as crème bavarois and is typically served as a stand-alone dessert in glasses or shaped into moulds like panna cotta. However, as a doughnut filling, Bavarian cream is simply pastry cream lightened with whipped cream, also known as Diplomat cream.

The process of making Bavarian cream involves whisking together egg yolks, sugar, and milk over medium-low heat until thickened. Once the mixture has cooled, whipped cream is folded in to create a light and fluffy texture. This cream is then piped into doughnuts to create a delicious treat.

The Bavarian cream filling has a loose custard-like consistency and is often flavoured with vanilla, resulting in a sweet and indulgent treat. The cream is typically light and airy, complementing the soft and fluffy exterior of the doughnut. The combination of the creamy filling and the soft dough makes for a decadent and indulgent dessert.

Dunkin' Donuts offers Bavarian Cream Filled Doughnuts, which are a popular choice among customers. These doughnuts feature a yeast shell filled with Bavarian Kreme and topped with chocolate icing or tossed in powdered sugar. The filling is designed to resemble the traditional Boston Kreme filling, offering a unique twist on a classic favourite.

How to store donuts with Bavarian cream filling

Bavarian cream donuts are best served fresh. If you want to store them overnight, you must refrigerate them. Place them in an airtight container and chill them for 1-2 days. Bring them back to room temperature a couple of hours before serving again.

However, I don't recommend freezing donuts filled with Bavarian cream. The cream is likely to separate when defrosted.

If you want to store the unfilled donuts, you can keep them in an airtight container or a loosely closed paper bag. The paper bag is the best option as it will absorb some of the oil on the bottom, keeping the donut from getting too soggy.

Variations of Bavarian cream donuts

Bavarian cream donuts are a popular treat around the world. They are made with a yeast-based dough that is enriched with butter, eggs, milk, and sugar. The donuts are then filled with a traditional French Bavarian cream, also known as Creme Bavarois, which is a loose custard mixed with fresh whipped cream. The vanilla-flavoured cream is light and creamy, making Bavarian cream donuts an excellent option for breakfast or dessert.

There are several variations of Bavarian cream donuts that you can enjoy. Here are some ideas:

• Chocolate Bavarian Donuts: You can make chocolate Bavarian cream donuts by stirring in melted dark chocolate into the Bavarian cream.
• Different Fillings: Instead of Bavarian cream, you can fill the donuts with pastry cream, lemon curd, strawberry compote, or even Nutella.
• Toppings: Toss the donuts in granulated sugar, powdered sugar, or drizzle them with glaze before serving.
• Dry Yeast: You can substitute fresh yeast with instant dry yeast. Check the packaging for the correct amount of active dry yeast to use.
• Egg-free: If you have an egg allergy, you can use an egg substitute. However, you may need to make other adjustments as eggs are a critical component of the recipe.
• Baked: Instead of frying the donuts, you can bake them in the oven at 350F / 180C for 15-20 minutes. Baked donuts will be less crispy and won't have a deep-fried flavour.
• Air-fried: You can also air fry the donuts, but they won't have the same golden brown colour or deep-fried flavour.

So, whether you're looking for a classic Bavarian cream donut or something with a twist, there are plenty of variations to explore and enjoy!

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