Fried krapfen with jam: the step-by-step recipe to make them super delicious!

Fried Krapfen with Jam, also known as German jelly donuts, are a delicious treat that are perfect for any occasion. These soft and fluffy donuts are filled with your favorite jelly or jam (we filled them with strawberry jam) and dusted with sugar for a sweet finish. The dough is made with simple ingredients like flour, eggs, sugar, and yeast, and is fried until golden brown. One of the secrets to making the perfect Krapfen is to let the dough rise properly, allowing it to become light and airy. You can customize these donuts by choosing your favorite jelly or jam filling, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot. Whether you're looking for a fun dessert to serve at your next party or a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, Fried Krapfen With Jam are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

What is Krapfen?

Krapfen is one of the German names for a “jelly-filled donut”. It’s said that Krapfen originated in Graz, Austria, where they were traditionally prepared and sold in the streets during Carnival since the 1600s.

They’re deep-fried yeasted donuts, filled with jam, and sprinkled with some form of sugar (granulated or powdered sugar).

Krapfen Variations

Dust the donuts with granulated sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or vanilla sugar.

Jam fillings: strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jam.

Other fruity fillings: lemon curd, apple compote, or berry compote.

Other sweet fillings: chocolate ganache, Nutella, dulce de leche, vanilla custard

Yummy topping ideas: chocolate glaze, icing glaze, Nutella

Tips

• Use a high-quality jam or filling to ensure a flavorful Krapfen.
• Use a pastry bag (or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off) or a spoon to add just enough filling to each donut.
• Make sure the dough has risen sufficiently before frying, as this will ensure a light and fluffy texture.
• Fry the Krapfen in hot oil (around 375°F) for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
• Drain the Krapfen on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

How to Store Krapfen

These Fried Krapfen with Jam are best served when freshly fried.

Should you have any leftover Krapfen, store them in an airtight container for up to two days.

Can You Freeze Krapfen

The fried Krapfen can be frozen (unfilled). When you want to serve them, allow them to thaw at room temperature and fill before serving. They are, however, best served fresh from the fryer!

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, milk (lukewarm), egg yolks, and salt, and mix.

Step 1

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, milk (lukewarm), egg yolks, and salt, and mix.

Knead the dough once it starts to come together.

Step 2

Step 2

Knead the dough once it starts to come together.

Add the butter and continue with kneading to obtain the smooth dough.

Step 3

Step 3

Add the butter and continue with kneading to obtain the smooth dough.

Cover with cling film and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in volume.

Step 4

Step 4

Cover with cling film and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in volume.

After the resting time, transfer the dough to the working surface and split it into 8 equal pieces. Form the balls (about 60 grams or 2 oz each).

Step 5

Step 5

After the resting time, transfer the dough to the working surface and split it into 8 equal pieces. Form the balls (about 60 grams or 2 oz each).

Transfer the dough balls to the baking tray covered with parchment paper. Cover with a cloth and let them rise for 2 hours.

Step 6

Step 6

Transfer the dough balls to the baking tray covered with parchment paper. Cover with a cloth and let them rise for 2 hours.

After resting the dough balls for 2 hours, carefully lower them into hot oil and fry until cooked through and golden brown on both sides.  

Step 7

Step 7

After resting the dough balls for 2 hours, carefully lower them into hot oil and fry until cooked through and golden brown on both sides.  

Cover the donuts with sugar.

Step 8

Step 8

Cover the donuts with sugar.

Using a piping bag, fill each of the donuts with strawberry jam.

Step 9

Step 9

Using a piping bag, fill each of the donuts with strawberry jam. Enjoy!

Enjoy!