Merken A playful twist on classic German filled donuts, these Funfetti Berliners are pillowy-soft, filled with vanilla cream, and studded with colorful sprinkles for a festive treat perfect for celebrations.
I first made these Funfetti Berliners for my cousin's birthday, and everyone loved their cheerful look and soft, sweet flavor. They're now a go-to treat for celebrations among my family and friends.
Ingredients
- Dough: 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour, 60 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar, 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast, 1/2 tsp salt, 200 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) whole milk (lukewarm), 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter (softened), 2 large eggs (room temperature), 1 tsp vanilla extract, 60 g (1/3 cup) rainbow sprinkles
- Filling: 250 ml (1 cup) milk, 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract), 2 egg yolks, 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar, 20 g (2 tbsp) cornstarch, 20 g (1.5 tbsp) unsalted butter
- For Frying & Finishing: 1 liter (4 cups) neutral oil (sunflower or canola), 75 g (2/3 cup) powdered sugar, 2 tbsp rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Form dough:
- Add lukewarm milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and add sprinkles:
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Fold in 60 g (1/3 cup) sprinkles.
- First rise:
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare filling:
- Heat milk and vanilla bean (split and scraped) in a saucepan until just simmering. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale. Slowly pour hot milk over yolks, whisking constantly. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in butter, and cool completely.
- Shape donuts:
- Turn dough onto a floured surface. Roll to 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) thickness. Cut out 7–8 cm (3 inch) rounds. Place on a tray, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Fry:
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 170°C (340°F). Fry donuts in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Fill:
- When cool, fill each donut with vanilla cream using a piping bag fitted with a long tip.
- Finish:
- Dust with powdered sugar and scatter more rainbow sprinkles on top.
Merken Making Funfetti Berliners together has become a joyful tradition in our family, especially for birthday parties when everyone gets to pick their sprinkle colors.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, stand mixer or hand mixer (optional), rolling pin, round cookie cutter (7–8 cm), saucepan, whisk, deep fryer or heavy pot, slotted spoon, piping bag with filling tip
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, butter. May contain traces of soy or nuts in sprinkles.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 340, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 46 g, Protein 6 g
Merken Serve these donuts fresh and let everyone choose their favorite sprinkle toppings for a festive finish.
Fragen rund um das Rezept
- → What makes Funfetti Berliners unique?
The addition of rainbow sprinkles adds festive color and playful texture to classic German-style donuts.
- → Can I substitute the vanilla cream filling?
Absolutely—try jam or chocolate hazelnut spread for a different flavor twist inside each donut.
- → How do I ensure a light, fluffy dough?
Knead thoroughly and allow the dough to rise until doubled for optimal pillowy softness.
- → Which oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like sunflower or canola maintain a clean taste while achieving a crisp golden exterior.
- → Are Funfetti Berliners best served fresh?
Yes, these donuts shine brightest when enjoyed shortly after frying and filling for maximum softness.
- → Can I make these treats vegetarian?
They are naturally vegetarian, containing eggs and dairy but no meat or animal gelatin.