National Dish Austria: Carnival Doughnuts (Recipe)
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There is no sweeter way to celebrate carnival season than with a plate of fluffy Carnival Doughnuts fresh from the pan. These golden, deep-fried treats are an Austrian classic, generously filled with jam or smooth cream and finished with a dusting of icing sugar. Light, airy and irresistibly indulgent, they turn any gathering into a proper celebration. Bring a taste of Viennese carnival cheer straight to your own kitchen with this much-loved recipe.
About Carnival Doughnuts
Carnival Doughnuts, known in Austria as Faschingskrapfen, are far more than a simple pastry — they are a celebration of flavour and tradition. Filled with jam or a rich cream, they are hugely popular across Austria and Germany, especially during the festive carnival weeks. Their light, airy texture and sweet fillings make them an essential part of any celebration. Enjoyed in good company, they are the highlight of every table during the carnival season.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g plain flour
- 50 g sugar
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar
- 1/2 cube fresh yeast
- 125 ml milk
- 1 egg
- 40 g butter
- 1 pinch of salt
- Jam or cream of your choice
- Oil for deep-frying
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for these Carnival Doughnuts, it pays to focus on freshness. High-quality flour and fresh yeast are key to both the flavour and the light, airy texture of the doughnuts. The choice of filling deserves just as much care — a homemade jam, for example, can lift the whole experience considerably. Don’t forget to check your frying oil, too, as it can have a real impact on the final result.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Carnival Doughnuts begins with weighing out your ingredients. Allow plenty of time, as the yeast dough needs a while to prove and become beautifully airy. Once everything is ready, it helps to set up a calm, clean work surface. Kneading the dough is an important step, as this is where the gluten structures develop that give the doughnuts their wonderful lightness — much like the dough used for other Austrian treats such as Buchteln.
Step-by-step instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk and leave to rest for about 10 minutes.
- Mix the flour with the sugar, vanilla sugar and a pinch of salt.
- Add the dissolved yeast, the egg and the melted butter to the flour.
- Knead everything into a smooth dough and leave to prove in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut out round pieces.
- Leave the cut-out pieces of dough to prove again for around 30 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a large pot and fry the doughnuts until golden brown.
- After frying, drain the doughnuts on kitchen paper, then fill with jam or cream.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of these Carnival Doughnuts, you can use a gluten-free flour specially suited to baking. Make sure your yeast is gluten-free as well. If you would like a lactose-free preparation, simply use plant-based alternatives such as soya milk or almond milk, along with lactose-free butter. The method stays exactly the same, and the doughnuts taste just as delicious.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans can adapt these Carnival Doughnuts easily by replacing the egg with ground flaxseed or apple purée. Take care to choose lactose-free options for the filling, too. The dough also needs plant-based milk and butter to create a fully vegan version. With these small adjustments, everyone can enjoy the pleasure of fresh carnival doughnuts.
More tips and tricks
A few practical tips can make preparing these doughnuts far easier. For instance, it helps to get the oil properly hot but not too hot, so the doughnuts don’t brown too quickly while staying raw inside. You can also dust the doughnuts with icing sugar before filling them to give them an appealing finish. And remember to fry the doughnuts in small batches for an even, consistent cooking time.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
These Carnival Doughnuts are easy to tailor to personal preference. Instead of jam you might try other fillings such as chocolate-hazelnut spread, vanilla custard or even quark. The spices in the dough can vary too, so feel free to add cinnamon or orange zest for a special touch. There are no limits to your creativity here, and the result is sure to delight friends and family alike.
Ingredient substitutions
If you have no fresh yeast to hand, you can also use baking powder, although this gives the doughnuts a slightly different character. Be sure to adjust the recipe accordingly to achieve the right dough consistency. The choice of filling can vary as well — from classic jams to exotic fruit combinations, anything goes. For a fruity twist, the apricot filling that shines in Marillenknödel works beautifully. Experiment until you create your perfect Carnival Doughnuts!
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs wonderfully with these Carnival Doughnuts. A freshly brewed coffee is a classic choice that perfectly complements the sweet flavour of the doughnuts. Alternatively, you could serve a cup of hot chocolate, which is especially popular with children. And for grown-ups, a mulled wine or a fruity sparkling wine makes a fitting accompaniment for celebrating the carnival season.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of your Carnival Doughnuts can round off the look of your festive table beautifully. Serve the doughnuts on an attractive platter decorated with colourful confetti or fresh berries. A coat of icing sugar over the doughnuts not only gives them a celebratory air but also makes them all the more tempting. You might even use creative packaging to offer the doughnuts as a little gift for your guests to take home.
A bit of history
Carnival Doughnuts have a long tradition in both Austrian and German cuisine. They were originally served during the carnival weeks as a sweet finale to festive banquets. Over the years, many variations have developed, and different regions have produced their own fillings and styles of dough. Today these doughnuts are a symbol of celebration and rank among the most beloved treats of the carnival season — a sweet cornerstone of Austrian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Carnival Doughnuts
Carnival Doughnuts are an essential part of the carnival season, bringing tradition and joy to every table. With their lightness, delicious filling and the right presentation, they become the highlight of any celebration. Whether enjoyed in good company or savoured as a sweet treat all to yourself, these wonderful doughnuts make for unforgettable moments. Let the many possibilities inspire you to create your own Carnival Doughnuts and enjoy the festive season to the full!
