Fluffy donuts

Berliners: The Delight of Fluffiness Filled with Flavor

Who doesn't love donuts? These fluffy delights remind us of happy childhood moments, family meals, and the treats made with love. The recipe for Berliners that I will present today is a true feast for the senses, perfect for enjoying on weekend mornings or at a party with friends. With a little patience and passion, you will create a quick and delicious dessert that will impress everyone!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12 donuts

Your ingredients for Berliners:

- 270 ml warm milk (almost body temperature)
- 50 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 50 g butter (melted and cooled)
- A pinch of salt
- 500 g flour (ideally type 550, for a fluffy texture)
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh aroma)
- Oil for frying (make sure there is enough to cover the donuts)

Step by step, here’s how to prepare these delicious donuts:

1. Activating the yeast: In a large bowl, combine 25 g of yeast with 50 g of sugar. Add the warm milk and gently stir until the yeast is completely dissolved. This step is essential to activate the yeast, so make sure the milk is not too hot, otherwise, the yeast will be destroyed.

2. Adding the wet ingredients: Once the yeast is activated (you will see bubbles on the surface), add the egg yolks and melted butter (make sure it is cooled). Mix well to combine the ingredients.

3. The dry ingredients: Start incorporating the sifted flour and the pinch of salt. Add the lemon zest for a pleasant and fresh flavor to your donuts. Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix the ingredients until a dough forms.

4. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. If you feel that the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

5. First rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about an hour or until it doubles in volume.

6. Shaping the donuts: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Roll it out to a thickness of about 1-2 cm. Use a glass or medium-sized cup to cut circles from the dough. Place the circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rise again for 15 minutes.

7. Frying the donuts: In a deep pan or pot with oil, heat the oil to medium temperature (about 170°C). Test the temperature by adding a small cube of dough; if it rises to the surface and starts to sizzle, the oil is ready. Fry the donuts on each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.

8. Finishing: Remove the fried donuts onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. When they have cooled slightly, dust them generously with vanilla sugar.

Serving suggestions: These Berliners are delicious and simple, but you can fill them with jam or chocolate cream for an extra flavor boost. Another option is to serve them with warm chocolate sauce, which will make every bite an explosion of tastes. You can also pair the donuts with freshly brewed coffee or flavored tea for a perfect meal.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, it's possible! Use 7 g of dry yeast instead of 25 g of fresh yeast. Add it directly to the flour.

- How can I tell if the dough has risen enough? The dough should double in volume. A simple method is to mark it with a marker or use a transparent bowl to observe the rise.

- What is the secret to fluffy donuts? Make sure you knead the dough well and let it rise in a warm environment. Also, the temperature of the oil is crucial - if it is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly, and the inside will not be cooked properly.

Calories and nutritional benefits: A Berliner contains approximately 180 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. While they are a delicious dessert, moderation is key. You can improve the nutritional profile by using quality ingredients, such as whole flour or adding chia seeds to the dough for extra fiber.

Your personalized version: If you want to add a touch of originality, you can try replacing the lemon zest with orange zest or adding a few drops of vanilla extract to the dough. Additionally, the donuts can be filled with flavored crème pâtissière or almond paste for a surprising taste.

So, put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and enjoy the cooking process! Berliners are a true delight, and every bite will bring a smile to your face and those of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!