📝 About This Recipe
Tracing its roots back to the medieval celebrations of Central Europe, the Krapfen is the quintessential treat of the Carnival season. These pillowy, cloud-like rounds of enriched yeast dough are deep-fried to golden perfection, traditionally filled with sweet apricot jam and dusted with a snowy layer of powdered sugar. What sets a true Krapfen apart is its signature pale 'waist'—a white ring around the center that proves the dough was light enough to float high in the oil.
🥗 Ingredients
The Yeast Starter (Dampfl)
- 2/3 cup Whole milk (lukewarm, about 100°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Active dry yeast (one standard packet)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar (to feed the yeast)
The Enriched Dough
- 4 cups All-purpose flour (sifted, plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Fine sea salt
- 4 large Egg yolks (at room temperature)
- 5 tablespoons Unsalted butter (very soft, room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest (finely grated)
- 1 tablespoon Dark rum (prevents excess oil absorption)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Frying and Finishing
- 4-6 cups Neutral oil (canola or sunflower oil for frying)
- 1 cup Apricot jam (smooth, warmed slightly)
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar (for dusting)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a small bowl, whisk the lukewarm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
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2
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the sifted flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt.
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3
Add the yeast mixture, egg yolks, softened butter, lemon zest, rum, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
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4
Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, then increase to medium speed and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
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5
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
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6
Gently punch down the risen dough. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of about 3/4 inch.
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7
Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out circles. Re-roll scraps once to yield more circles. You should have 12-14 total.
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8
Place the dough rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with flour. Cover with a light kitchen towel and let rise again for 30-40 minutes until visibly puffy.
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9
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 3 inches of oil to exactly 330°F (165°C). Use a candy thermometer for precision.
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10
Carefully place 3-4 dough rounds into the oil top-side down. Cover the pot with a lid for the first 2 minutes; this creates steam that helps them rise and forms the white ring.
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11
Remove the lid and flip the Krapfen. Fry the other side for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown. The center should remain pale.
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12
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Let them cool slightly but they should still be warm to the touch.
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13
Place the apricot jam in a piping bag fitted with a small Bismarck tip (long and thin). Insert the tip into the side of each Krapfen through the white ring and squeeze about 1 tablespoon of jam inside.
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14
Generously dust the tops with powdered sugar just before serving.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature; if it's too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks; if too low, they become greasy. The tablespoon of rum is a traditional baker's secret—the alcohol evaporates and creates a barrier that prevents the dough from soaking up too much oil. Don't skip the lid! Covering the pot during the first half of frying ensures a moist interior and that iconic white 'waist' band. Always sift your flour to ensure the lightest possible crumb texture. If your jam has chunks, blend it and pass it through a fine-mesh sieve so it doesn't clog your piping tip.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a steaming cup of Viennese coffee or Earl Grey tea. Pair with a glass of chilled Prosecco or Champagne for a festive Carnival brunch. For a modern twist, offer a side of vanilla bean whipped cream for dipping. Traditionalists enjoy these alongside a small glass of Schnapps to cut through the sweetness. Arrange on a silver platter with fresh berries for a stunning holiday centerpiece.