Berliner Pfannkuchen

Name: Berliner Pfannkuchen
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 500g all-purpose flour; 80g sugar; 7g instant yeast; 200ml warm milk; 80g softened butter; 3 egg yolks; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Vegetable oil for frying; 200g plum or raspberry jam; Powdered sugar for dusting

Berliner (behr-LEE-ner)

Berlin Jelly Doughnut

⏱ Prep Time 2 hours

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 280 kcal

A golden, sugar-dusted yeast doughnut filled with bright plum or raspberry jam — the festive treat devoured during Carnival season across Germany.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 5.0g

Carbs 38.0g

Fat 12.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ dairy ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

deep fryer or heavy pot piping bag with tip mixing bowl

Presentation Guide

Vessel: paper-lined basket or plate

Garnishes: powdered sugar

Accompaniments: coffee, hot chocolate

Ingredients

500g all-purpose flour
80g sugar
7g instant yeast
200ml warm milk
80g softened butter
3 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Vegetable oil for frying
200g plum or raspberry jam
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1
Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, egg yolks, vanilla, and softened butter. Knead 10 min until smooth and elastic.
2
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
3
Punch down dough. Divide into 12 pieces, shape each into a smooth ball. Place on a floured tray, cover, and let rise 30 min.
4
Heat oil to 170°C (340°F). Fry doughnuts 3-4 min per side until golden brown. The pale stripe around the middle is the mark of a properly fried Berliner.
5
Drain on paper towels and cool slightly.
6
Fill a piping bag with jam. Insert the tip into each Berliner from the side and pipe in about 1 tbsp of jam. Dust generously with powdered sugar.

💡

Did You Know?

During Carnival season, bakeries produce Berliner with one filled with mustard instead of jam — finding the mustard Berliner is considered both a prank and a badge of honor.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

deep fryer or heavy pot
piping bag with tip
mixing bowl

Garnishing

powdered sugar

Accompaniments

coffee, hot chocolate

The Story Behind Berliner Pfannkuchen

The Berliner Pfannkuchen dates to the 16th century, when Berlin bakers began frying enriched yeast dough. The name varies across Germany — Berliner in the north and west, Krapfen in Bavaria, Pfannkuchen in Berlin itself. JFK's famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech did not actually confuse anyone in Berlin, though the myth persists.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed carnival (karneval/fasching) and new year 📜 Origins: 16th century Berlin

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