Fastnachts German Style
Delight in the comforting indulgence of Fastnachts, a classic German-style doughnut recipe beloved for its soft, pillowy texture and golden perfection. Traditionally enjoyed on Shrove Tuesday, these yeast-raised doughnuts boast a rich, buttery flavor thanks to a blend of milk, eggs, and melted butter, while a touch of granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. With simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour and active dry yeast, this traditional treat requires a bit of patience for rising but rewards you with irresistibly fluffy results. Deep-fried to a golden crisp, Fastnachts can be served plain for an authentically rustic touch or dusted with powdered sugar for a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a special breakfast or dessert, these delightful doughnuts make a wonderful treat for festive gatherings or lazy weekend mornings.
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Ingredients
- 6 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Milk
- 0.5 cup Butter
- 1 packet Active dry yeast
- 0.25 cup Warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)
- 3 pieces Large eggs
- 4 cups Shortening or oil (for frying)
Directions
Step 1
In a small bowl, dissolve the packet of active dry yeast in warm water (110°F or 43°C). Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter melts. Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Step 4
Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl. Add the lukewarm milk mixture, frothy yeast, and whisked eggs to the flour mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
Step 5
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour while kneading.
Step 6
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 7
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or a round cutter to shape the dough, making sure to cut out the center hole if you desire traditional doughnut shapes.
Step 8
Place the cut dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
Step 9
Heat the shortening or oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 365°F (185°C). Test the temperature with a thermometer for accuracy.
Step 10
Fry the Fastnachts in small batches, 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts and drain on paper towels.
Step 11
Optional: Dust the Fastnachts with powdered sugar or serve plain for a more traditional experience.
Step 12
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2398.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 12772.8 |
| Total Fat 1068.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 439.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g | |
| Cholesterol 843.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3267.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 717.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 21.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 164.1g | |
| Protein 104.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 245.3IU | 0% |
| Calcium 512.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 37.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1526.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories