As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve in Germany, the air is filled with the sound of fireworks, the clinking of glasses, and the laughter of celebration. But there’s another sound that’s become synonymous with the start of the New Year in many German households: the sizzle of Pfannkuchen frying in a pan.
Pfannkuchen, or German pancakes, also known as Krapfen or Berliner depending on what area you live in throughout Germany, are a beloved treat that have become a staple of New Year’s celebrations in Germany. These sweet, jam-filled donut like pastries are traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, providing a delicious start to the year ahead. But what makes Pfannkuchen so special, and why have they become such a cherished New Year’s tradition?
Pfannkuchen have a long history in Germany, with variations of the dish dating back to the Middle Ages. The word “Pfannkuchen” literally translates to “pancake,” and these treats are made by frying a simple dough ball of batter made of eggs, flour, milk, and sugar in a pan until golden brown.
Over the centuries, Pfannkuchen have evolved into a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day. They can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings. However, it’s the sweet, fruit-filled Pfannkuchen that have become a favorite for New Year’s celebrations, especially in Berlin.
The tradition of eating Pfannkuchen on New Year’s Day is believed to have originated in the northern regions of Germany. The Pfannkuchen are often filled with jam or fruit compote of various flavors or just plain dusted with powdered sugar. This sweet treat provides a welcome contrast to the savory foods typically consumed on New Year’s Day, such as lentil soup and sausages.
Eating Pfannkuchen on New Year’s Day is also seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. The round shape of the Pfannkuchen is said to represent the circular nature of the year, while the sweetness of the filling symbolizes the hope for a sweet and happy year to come.
Today, Pfannkuchen continue to be a beloved part of New Year’s celebrations in Germany. Many families have their own special Pfannkuchen recipes, passed down through generations, that they prepare each New Year’s Day. And our family is no different. Weeks before New Year’s, my Oma would reach out to us and ask how many Pfannkuchen each family member wanted. On New Year’s Eve morning, or sometimes the day before, she would wake up before the sun and begin frying the dough she had prepared beforehand. By noon, after hours of frying and filling them with various types of jam, like Pflaumenmus or simply dusting them with powdered sugar, we would all collect our orders. And of course, we would each enjoy one with a cup of coffee or milk as a taste test. To this day, it remains one of my favorite memories, including the sight of my Oma washing all her curtains hours later or the next day because the aroma of Pfannkuchen would linger in her apartment. It truly provided a sweet start to the New Year every time!
Pfannkuchen are more than just a delicious treat. They are a symbol of tradition, celebration, and the hope for a sweet and prosperous year ahead. So this New Year’s, why not embrace the German tradition of Pfannkuchen? Whether you’re of German heritage or simply looking to try something new, these sweet Pfannkuchen could be the perfect way to ring in the New Year!
Pfannkuchen (German Jam-filled Donut Pastries)
Pfannkuchen, also known as Berliner or jelly-filled donuts, are a popular German pastry. These sweet treats are made from a yeast dough that is deep-fried until golden brown. Once cooked, they are filled with various sweet fillings such as jam, custard, or chocolate. Pfannkuchen are often enjoyed during special occasions like New Year’s Eve.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of flour
- 7 g dry yeast
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup lukewarm milk
- 2 tsp. vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
- 1 stick of butter, soft or melted and cooled
Other ingredients
- 4 cups of vegetable oil
- 3-4 tbsp. strawberry jam or vanilla pudding or custard for filling
- powered sugar
Instructions
- Mix the flour and the yeast.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the flour, except for the butter and eggs.
- Start mixing and while mixing, slowly add the soft butter and eggs.
- Mix for 6 to 7 minutes until well combined.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it has doubled it size (about 60 minutes).
- Divide the dough into equal portions.
- Shape the dough into balls, cover with a towel again and let rise again for an additional 30 minutes until they have increased in size.
- Heat the oil to 185°C / 370°F.
- Take one of the dough portions and put it into the hot oil.
- Once the top has a golden brown color, turn the Pfannkuchen and fry the bottom.
- Remove once the bottom has the right color and place on a paper towel.
- Bake all Pfannkuchen in the oil.
- When all Pfannkuchen are baked and slightly cooled, roll each one in a bowl of powdered sugar.
- After being completely cooled, fill a ziplock bag or piping bag with jam or vanilla pudding/custard.
- Cut the tip of the ziplock bag and push the tip into the Pfannkuchen on the side and fill it with the jam or vanilla pudding – about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
- You can eat the Pfannkuchen warm or cold, but they are best served fresh. (They are also easily reheated in the oven after being frozen. Let them thaw on the counter for a bit, before placing them in the oven.)
- Enjoy!
