How to make krapfen

Krapfen, also known as Berliner, is a traditional German pastry that can be enjoyed any time of the day. These delicious round doughnuts are typically filled with jam or cream, and dusted with powdered sugar. Whether you want to indulge in a decadent treat or surprise your loved ones with something special, making from scratch can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make krapfen in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

– 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour
– 2 ¼ teaspoons of instant yeast
– 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
– ½ cup of warm milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Your choice of jam or cream, for filling
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Mix well to distribute the yeast evenly.

2. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm milk. Sprinkle a pinch of salt around the edges of the flour mixture.

3. In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract to the well in the center of the dry ingredients.

4. Using a fork or wooden spoon, gradually incorporate the wet and dry ingredients together. Mix until the dough starts to come together.

5. Once the dough has formed, transfer it onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough feels too sticky.

6. Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size.

7. After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to deflate it. Transfer it back onto a floured surface.

8. Roll out the dough to a ½-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough. Place the circles onto a lined baking sheet and cover them with a damp cloth. Let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

9. Fill a deep pan or pot with vegetable oil, enough to submerge the doughnuts. Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C).

10. Carefully drop a few dough circles into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the cooked krapfen from the oil and place them onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

11. Once the fried krapfen have cooled slightly, use a piping bag or spoon to fill them with your desired jam or cream filling. You may poke a small hole into the side of each doughnut and pipe the filling into it, or you can cut them in half and spoon the filling onto one side before sandwiching the halves together.

12. To finish, dust the filled krapfen with powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy!

Making krapfen from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience. While it may take a little time and effort, the end result is definitely worth it. Whether you decide to fill them with fruity jam or smooth cream, these delightfully fluffy and sweet doughnuts are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So why not give it a try and indulge in some homemade krapfen goodness?