Bismarck Doughnuts

Bismarck Doughnuts Recipe from Hungary - Delicious and Easy Breakfast or Snack Option

Region / culture: Hungary | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Bismarck Doughnuts, also known as Berliners or jelly doughnuts, are a beloved treat enjoyed by many around the world. These fluffy, yeast-raised doughnuts are most commonly filled with jelly or jam, offering a sweet surprise in every bite. This recipe will guide you through the process of making your own Bismarck Doughnuts from scratch, ensuring a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion.

History

The origin of Bismarck Doughnuts can be traced back to Germany, where they are known as Berliner Pfannkuchen. The name "Bismarck" is believed to have been adopted in some parts of the world as a tribute to the famous German Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck. Over the years, these doughnuts have spread across the globe, with each region adding its own unique twist to the classic recipe.

Ingredients

4 cups of flour
1.5 cups of milk
2 packages of yeast
4 heaping tablespoons of sugar
a dash of salt
4 tbsp of butter
8 egg yolks

How to prepare

Boil milk, then add butter and sugar. Allow to cool.
Add yeast and milk, and beat in egg yolks well with a beater.
Combine this mixture with flour.
Let the mixture rise for 2 hours.
Lightly roll out the dough on a floured board to a thickness of 0.38 inches, then cut out round circles.
Cover the circles lightly with a cloth and let them rise again for approximately 0.5 hour.
Fry the circles in hot Crisco oil (vegetable oil) or lard.
Flip the Bismarcks over to ensure they turn a nice brown color on both sides.
Allow the Bismarcks to drain for a few seconds on paper toweling.
If you desire jelly-filled Bismarcks, add jelly after frying.
Use a pastry bag to fill the Bismarcks with jelly.
You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the Bismarcks.

Variations

There are numerous ways to customize Bismarck Doughnuts:
Fillings: Instead of traditional jelly, try using chocolate, custard, or caramel.
Toppings: Sprinkle with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or even a chocolate glaze.
Dough Flavors: Add lemon zest, vanilla extract, or almond extract to the dough for an extra flavor boost.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Bismarck Doughnuts turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Make sure the milk is lukewarm before adding the yeast to help activate it.

- When letting the dough rise, place it in a warm, draft-free area to encourage proper fermentation.

- Be gentle when rolling out the dough to keep the air bubbles intact for a lighter texture.

- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, keeping it consistently around 350°F (175°C) for even frying.

Serving Suggestions

Bismarck Doughnuts are best served fresh and warm. They can be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast treat, a midday snack, or a dessert. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful experience.

Cooking Techniques

Frying is the traditional method for cooking Bismarck Doughnuts, but for a healthier alternative, they can also be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

Vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg substitutes.

- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Bismarck Doughnuts can be made ahead and left to rise in the refrigerator overnight. This not only saves time but can also enhance the flavor of the dough.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, dust the doughnuts with powdered sugar and serve them on a beautiful platter. You can also drizzle them with a simple icing or melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

Bismarck Doughnuts pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a more indulgent experience, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Bismarck Doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each Bismarck Doughnut contains approximately 300 calories. The exact calorie count can vary depending on the size of the doughnuts and the type of filling used.

Carbohydrates

Each Bismarck Doughnut contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the flour and sugar used in the dough and filling.

Fats

A single Bismarck Doughnut contains about 10 grams of fat, primarily from the frying oil and the butter in the dough. Using a healthier frying oil like canola or vegetable oil can slightly reduce the saturated fat content.

Proteins

Bismarck Doughnuts are not particularly high in protein, with each doughnut containing about 6 grams. The protein in this recipe mainly comes from the egg yolks and milk.

Vitamins and minerals

These doughnuts provide small amounts of calcium and iron, thanks to the milk and flour. However, they should not be relied upon as a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include gluten (from flour), dairy (from milk and butter), and eggs. Those with allergies to these ingredients should avoid consuming Bismarck Doughnuts.

Summary

While delicious, Bismarck Doughnuts are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high calorie, carbohydrate, and fat content. They offer minimal nutritional benefits in terms of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Bismarck Doughnuts are a delightful treat that can be customized in countless ways to suit any taste. While they require some effort to make, the result is a deliciously sweet and fluffy doughnut that's perfect for any occasion. Remember to enjoy them in moderation and have fun experimenting with different fillings and toppings.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little kitchen. Margaret was known for her delicious pastries, and on this particular day, she was whipping up a batch of Bismarck Doughnuts.

I watched in awe as Margaret expertly mixed the dough, kneaded it to perfection, and let it rise until it was ready to be fried. The aroma that filled her kitchen was simply divine, and I couldn't wait to try one of these delectable treats.

As the doughnuts cooked to a golden brown perfection, Margaret shared the story of how she came across this recipe. It was during her travels to Germany, where she had the pleasure of sampling these decadent pastries for the first time. She was so captivated by the flavors and textures that she begged the baker for the recipe, promising to guard it with her life.

Margaret graciously passed on the recipe to me, knowing how much I loved to experiment in the kitchen. She knew that I would appreciate the intricate process of making these doughnuts, and that I would cherish the recipe as much as she did.

I returned home that day with the recipe in hand, eager to recreate the magic of Margaret's Bismarck Doughnuts in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work, following the instructions with care and precision.

The dough came together beautifully, soft and pliable under my hands. I let it rest and rise, just as Margaret had shown me, and soon it was time to shape the doughnuts and fry them to perfection.

As I dropped the dough into the hot oil, I watched with bated breath as they puffed up and turned a gorgeous shade of golden brown. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into one of these freshly fried treats.

I dusted the warm doughnuts with powdered sugar and filled them with a luscious vanilla cream, just as Margaret had taught me. As I took my first bite, I was transported back to that warm summer day in Margaret's kitchen, where I first fell in love with these heavenly pastries.

From that day on, Bismarck Doughnuts became a staple in my baking repertoire. I would whip up a batch whenever I wanted to treat my family and friends to something special, and they were always met with rave reviews.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. But the essence of Margaret's original recipe remains, and every time I make these doughnuts, I am reminded of the dear friend who first introduced me to them.

So, whenever I pull out my mixing bowl and flour sifter, I am filled with gratitude for Margaret and the gift she bestowed upon me that warm summer day. The memory of discovering this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to pass it down to future generations, just as Margaret did for me.