Desserts > Pastry > German Pastries > Franzbrötchen

Vanilla Custard-Filled Franzbrötchen Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup currants
- 1/4 cup candied orange peel
- 1/4 cup candied lemon peel
- 2 tablespoons brandy
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups vanilla custard

Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Pastry bag
- Piping tip

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg and mix until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. In a small bowl, combine the raisins, currants, candied orange peel, candied lemon peel, brandy, and orange juice.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out circles with a 3-inch round cookie cutter.
8. Place the circles on a greased baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and let rise for 30 minutes.
9. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and milk.
11. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip with the buttercream. Pipe a ring of buttercream around the edge of each Franzbrötchen.
12. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip with the vanilla custard. Pipe the custard into the center of each Franzbrötchen.
13. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Time:
Preparation Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes 12 Franzbrötchen

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Protein: 5 g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- For the all-purpose flour, you can substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
- For the butter, you can substitute margarine or coconut oil.
- For the raisins, currants, and candied fruit, you can substitute any other dried fruit or nuts.
- For the brandy, you can substitute any other type of alcohol or orange juice.
- For the buttercream, you can substitute cream cheese frosting.
- For the vanilla custard, you can substitute any other type of custard or pudding.

Variations:
- For a chocolate version, substitute cocoa powder for some of the all-purpose flour and add chocolate chips to the filling.
- For a fruity version, add diced apples or pears to the filling.
- For a savory version, omit the sugar and add grated cheese, herbs, and spices to the filling.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the dough is well-kneaded before letting it rise.
- Let the Franzbrötchen rise in a warm place for the best results.
- Make sure the buttercream is light and fluffy before piping it onto the Franzbrötchen.

Storage Instructions:
Store the Franzbrötchen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the Franzbrötchen in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes, or until warmed through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the Franzbrötchen on a platter with fresh fruit and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar.

Garnishes:
Garnish the Franzbrötchen with fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Pairings:
Pair the Franzbrötchen with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the Franzbrötchen with a side of fresh fruit salad or yogurt.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of warm milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- If the dough is too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- If the Franzbrötchen are not rising, make sure the dough is in a warm place.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Make sure all utensils and equipment are clean and sanitized.

Food History:
Franzbrötchen is a traditional German pastry that dates back to the 18th century. It is made with a sweet yeast dough and filled with a variety of fillings such as custard, jam, or fruit.

Flavor Profiles:
The Franzbrötchen has a sweet, buttery flavor with notes of vanilla and citrus.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Franzbrötchen with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

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Region: German

Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Vanilla, Buttery, Flaky