Bavarian Cream Pizza: The Ultimate Sweet And Savory Fusion

Bavarian cream pizza is a unique dessert pizza that combines the traditional elements of pizza with the creamy richness of Bavarian cream. It typically consists of a light and fluffy pizza crust topped with a smooth and rich custard filling, finished with a crispy streusel topping. This dessert pizza is a delightful blend of textures and flavours that satisfies any sweet tooth. It can be served as an appetiser, snack or even a main course and is a fun twist on traditional pizza night.

Choosing the right ingredients

Pizza Dough:

Start with a pre-made pizza dough or make your own using bread flour, instant yeast, and salt. You'll need about 340 grams of dough for a standard-sized pizza. If you're making your own dough, combine the dry ingredients and gradually add warm water to form a smooth and elastic dough. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This step ensures a light and fluffy crust, which is the foundation of your Bavarian cream pizza.

Custard Filling:

The creamy custard filling is what sets this pizza apart. You can use a ready-made pudding mix, usually chocolate-flavoured, or make your own custard from scratch. If you opt for the homemade route, you'll need all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, egg yolks, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk the dry ingredients together and then slowly add the egg and milk mixture, cooking it over medium heat until it thickens. Stir in the vanilla extract for that signature Bavarian flavour.

Toppings:

The classic topping for a Bavarian cream pizza is a streusel topping, which adds a delightful crunch to each bite. To make the streusel, mix all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until it forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this mixture over the custard layer before baking. You can also get creative with additional toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

Additional Ingredients:

To bring your Bavarian cream pizza together, you'll need a few other key ingredients. Chilled, cubed, and unsalted butter helps to bind the dough and adds a flaky texture. Granulated sugar and brown sugar sweeten the deal, with the brown sugar also adding extra nutrients. A pinch of salt enhances the flavours of the other ingredients. Finally, all-purpose flour is essential for dusting your work surface and preventing the dough from sticking.

Remember, the key to a successful Bavarian cream pizza is in the quality of your ingredients. Always opt for fresh, high-quality produce, and feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences. Now you're ready to start crafting your own delicious Bavarian cream pizza!

Preparing the custard filling

Whisk the Dry Ingredients:

Firstly, in a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Make sure to use a quantity that aligns with your desired level of sweetness. This mixture of dry ingredients will form the base of your custard filling.

Prepare the Egg Mixture:

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and milk together. For a richer custard, you can use whole milk or even a combination of milk and cream. The egg yolks will add a beautiful golden colour and a creamy texture to your filling.

Combine the Mixtures:

Gradually add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients in the saucepan, whisking constantly as you pour. This step is crucial to prevent lumps from forming and to ensure a smooth, homogeneous custard.

Cook the Custard:

Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously as the custard cooks. Keep stirring until the custard thickens and comes to a gentle boil. You'll know it's ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Be careful not to overcook the custard, as it can easily scorch and burn at this stage.

Add the Final Touches:

Once the custard has thickened, remove it from the heat. This is when you add in the vanilla extract and butter, stirring until they are fully incorporated. The vanilla will enhance the flavour, and the butter will add a decadent, creamy mouthfeel.

Cool the Custard:

Allow the custard to cool completely before using it as a filling. You can speed up this process by placing the saucepan in an ice bath or refrigerating it. Cooling is essential, as it will thicken the custard further and make it easier to spread onto your pizza dough.

Your custard filling is now ready to be used for your Bavarian cream pizza! Remember to adjust measurements and ingredients to suit your taste preferences and the size of your pizza. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious dessert pizza!

Making the pizza dough

Ingredients:

First, gather your ingredients. For the pizza dough, you will need:

• Bread flour or all-purpose flour
• Instant yeast
• Salt
• Warm water

Mixing and Kneading:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. You can also add a pinch of sugar at this stage to help feed the yeast and promote a good rise.
• Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients while stirring. The water should be warm to the touch, but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast.
• Continue mixing until a dough starts to form. Once it becomes difficult to mix, you can turn the dough out onto a floured surface and start kneading by hand.
• Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps develop the gluten in the dough, which gives it structure and allows it to stretch without tearing.

First Rise:

• Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly oiled bowl. This will prevent the dough from sticking as it rises.
• Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This first rise gives the yeast time to work and creates a light and airy dough.

Shaping and Second Rise:

• After the dough has risen, gently deflate it and transfer it to a floured surface.
• Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a circle, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. You can also stretch the dough by hand if you prefer a more rustic shape.
• Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone. If you're using a baking sheet, you may want to lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Let the dough rise for a second time. This second rise will give the crust a lighter, fluffier texture. Cover the dough loosely and let it rise for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how warm your kitchen is.

Your pizza dough is now ready to be topped with the creamy Bavarian filling and any other sweet toppings of your choice! Just remember to preheat your oven while you prepare the toppings, so it's nice and hot when you're ready to bake.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and impressive Bavarian cream pizza that's sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

Baking the pizza

Now that you have prepared your pizza dough, custard filling, and streusel topping, it's time to assemble and bake your Bavarian cream pizza. Here is a step-by-step guide to baking this delicious dessert pizza:

• Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your pizza dough package, or around 425-430°F. This temperature will ensure a crispy crust and a well-baked filling.
• Roll out the pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone, forming a large circle. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick for a crispier crust.
• Spread the cooled custard filling evenly over the surface of the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Prepare the streusel topping by combining the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and melted butter in a small bowl. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture.
• Sprinkle the streusel topping over the custard layer. This adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to your pizza.
• Place the Bavarian cream pizza in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the crust is golden brown and the topping is crisp.
• Once the pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. This will help the filling set and make it easier to slice.
• If desired, prepare a cream cheese drizzle by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle this over the warm pizza for an extra indulgent touch.
• Slice the pizza into wedges and serve it warm. Enjoy the combination of a crispy crust, creamy custard, and sweet streusel with each bite!

Your Bavarian cream pizza is now ready to be served and enjoyed! It's a unique and delicious dessert that's perfect for gatherings or a special treat. Feel free to add your own creative touches with different toppings or serving suggestions.

Serving suggestions

Bavarian cream pizza is a sweet and indulgent treat, perfect for dessert lovers. It can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or even a main course. This unique pizza is sure to be a conversation starter at any gathering and is an excellent choice for a quick and easy dish that will impress your guests.

When serving Bavarian cream pizza, it is best to cut it into slices, allowing it to cool briefly before serving to prevent the custard from oozing out. This dessert pizza is a delightful blend of textures and flavours, with a fluffy crust, creamy custard filling, and a crispy streusel topping.

To elevate your dessert experience, consider pairing your Bavarian cream pizza with a fresh fruit salad, such as a mixed berry salad or a "better than sex" salad, as suggested by Wasian Cookery. The freshness of the fruit will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the pizza. You can also offer whipped cream or creamy vanilla ice cream on the side, allowing your guests to customise their dessert.

For a more decadent option, serve your Bavarian cream pizza with a scoop of sorbet or a fruit compote. The tartness of the fruit will add a delightful layer of flavour. If you prefer something savoury, a light salad or fresh vegetables are also excellent choices to balance out the sweetness of the pizza.

For a comforting beverage pairing, hot coffee or tea is an ideal match for this dessert. Alternatively, dessert wine offers a luxurious accompaniment to the indulgent flavours of the pizza. Sparkling water with citrus slices provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Finally, don't forget to garnish your pizza with chocolate shavings or offer them on the side for an extra touch of indulgence. With these serving suggestions, you can create a delightful dessert spread that is sure to impress your guests and satisfy their sweet tooth!

Frequently asked questions