The Bavarian Pizza: A Unique German Twist

Bavarian pizza is a unique dessert pizza that combines the elements of traditional 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. The pizza is then often finished with a crispy streusel topping for added texture and sweetness. The dessert pizza is commonly served at Cicis Pizza, where it is a very popular item.

Bavarian Cream Pizza

To make a Bavarian cream pizza, you will need the following ingredients: pre-made pizza dough, a pudding mix (any flavour, but chocolate is a popular option), all-purpose flour, chilled and cubed unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.

The first step is to preheat your oven to 430 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray or oil. While the oven is preheating, prepare the pudding mix according to the package instructions and set it aside. For a chocolate pudding mix, this may involve heating milk over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

Next, prepare the crumb topping by combining the flour, both types of sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix well, then add the melted butter. Use your hands to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, and set aside.

Now, it's time to prepare the pizza dough. Flour your workspace and roll out the dough to about 3 cm thick. Transfer the dough to the greased pizza pan and bake it for approximately 12 minutes.

Once the dough is baked, remove it from the oven and spread the pudding mixture over the baked dough, followed by the crumb topping. Place the pizza back in the oven and bake for an additional 18 to 20 minutes.

Finally, allow the pizza to cool briefly before serving. This unique and tasty dessert pizza is perfect for family get-togethers and parties, offering a sweet twist on the traditional pizza.

A dessert pizza

Bavarian pizza is a unique dessert pizza that combines the traditional savoury elements of pizza with sweet toppings. One of the most recognisable dessert pizzas is the Bavarian cream pizza, which features a light and fluffy crust topped with a creamy custard filling and a crispy streusel topping.

The Base

The base of a Bavarian pizza is typically made from pre-made pizza dough. The dough is rolled out to about 3 cm thick and placed on a greased pizza pan. The dough is then baked for around 12 minutes before being removed from the oven and filled.

The Filling

The filling of a Bavarian pizza is typically a custard made from a combination of sugar, flour, salt, egg yolks, milk, vanilla extract, and butter. The custard is cooked on a stovetop until thickened and then allowed to cool before being spread on the baked dough.

The Topping

The topping of a Bavarian pizza is typically a streusel made from a combination of flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter. The topping is sprinkled over the custard layer, and the pizza is baked for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the topping is crisp.

The Drizzle

Some variations of the Bavarian pizza include a cream cheese drizzle made from a mixture of cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. This is drizzled over the pizza after it has been baked and before it is sliced and served.

Serving Suggestions

Bavarian pizza can be served warm or at room temperature. It can be paired with a fresh fruit salad, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream. It also goes well with hot coffee or tea, or for a more decadent pairing, dessert wine or sparkling water with citrus slices.

Storage

Any leftovers should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the pizza in the oven at a low temperature to preserve its texture and flavour.

CiCi's Pizza

The Bavarian dessert pizza at CiCi's has garnered a lot of attention, with people curious about its recipe and trying to recreate it at home. The dessert pizza is described as having a buttery crust, similar to that of a Danish pastry, and is topped with a layer of Bavarian cream, giving it a creamy texture. The crumb topping adds a sweet, streusel-like crunch, and the icing drizzle ties all the elements together.

While the exact recipe for CiCi's Bavarian dessert pizza remains a closely guarded secret, some have attempted to recreate it, with recipes shared on platforms like TikTok and Pinterest. The dessert pizza has clearly made an impression on those who have tried it, sparking a dedicated following and a desire to replicate its distinct taste.

German-Italian fusion

Bavarian pizza is a culinary fusion of German tradition and Italian passion. It combines the hearty comfort of traditional German cuisine with the mouthwatering taste of authentic Italian pizza.

Bavaria, a region in Germany, is known for its savory schnitzels, bratwurst, and other classic German dishes. On the other hand, Italian cuisine is renowned for its delicious pizzas, fresh ingredients, and flavorful sauces. When these two culinary traditions come together, they create a unique and indulgent dining experience.

One example of German-Italian fusion is the combination of a Bavarian cream dessert with the familiar form of a pizza. This dessert pizza features a light and fluffy pizza crust topped with a creamy Bavarian cream filling and a crispy streusel topping. It offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors, satisfying any sweet tooth. The custard filling adds a rich and indulgent touch to the dessert, while the pizza crust provides a familiar and comforting base.

In addition to dessert pizzas, Bavarian Italian restaurants may also offer a variety of traditional Italian pizzas with a German twist. These pizzas are crafted with precision and passion by skilled pizzaiolos, using imported flour from Italy to ensure the perfect texture and taste in every slice. The combination of German precision and Italian passion results in a unique and memorable dining experience.

Bavarian pizzas can be paired with refreshing beverages, such as imported German beers, to complete the fusion of the two cultures. The crisp lagers and robust ales of Germany complement the rich flavors of the pizzas, while also providing a taste of traditional German beer culture.

Whether it's a sweet dessert pizza or a savory Italian pizza with a German twist, Bavarian pizza is a delightful fusion of two distinct culinary traditions. It offers a unique dining experience that transports diners to the charming streets of Bavaria and the lively pizzerias of Italy with every bite.

Recipes

Bavarian Cream Pizza

This unique dessert pizza combines the elements of a traditional 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, and finished with a crispy streusel topping.

Ingredients:

• For the Pizza Dough: 340g pre-made pizza dough, 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast, bread flour, salt, and warm water.
• For the Custard Filling: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp vanilla extract, sugar, salt, egg yolks, and milk.
• For the Streusel Topping: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 6 tbsp melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
• For the Cream Cheese Drizzle: cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.

Method:

• Prepare the pizza dough by combining the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and gradually adding warm water until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
• While the dough is rising, make the custard filling. Whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt in a saucepan. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and milk, then gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly.
• Cook the custard over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Allow the custard to cool completely.
• Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the pizza dough package.
• Roll out the pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone, forming a large circle.
• Spread the cooled custard filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
• Prepare the streusel topping by combining the flour, sugars, salt, and melted butter in a small bowl. Mix until crumbly.
• Sprinkle the streusel topping over the custard layer.
• Bake the pizza for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the topping is crisp.
• While the pizza is baking, make the cream cheese drizzle by mixing the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
• Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
• Drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the top of the pizza. Slice and serve warm.

Tips:

• Thoroughly cook the custard to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Adjust the sweetness of the custard and topping to your taste.
• Bake at the recommended temperature to achieve the desired colour and crispness without burning.
• Let the pizza cool before slicing to prevent the custard from oozing out.
• Get creative with toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate shavings.

Variations:

• Chocolate Pudding Sauce and Sugar Crumble Topping: Prepare the pizza dough as above and spread with chocolate pudding sauce. For the topping, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping over the pudding sauce and bake.
• Apple Cinnamon: Prepare the pizza dough, then spread with a layer of apple cinnamon filling. Sprinkle with a sugar crumble topping and bake.

Frequently asked questions