Indulge in Irresistible Delights with Custard-Filled Polish Paczki

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey filled with sweetness and delight as we present to you the recipe for Custard-Filled Polish Paczki. These delectable pastries, hailing from Poland, are a beloved treat enjoyed during various celebrations and gatherings. With a fluffy exterior and a creamy custard filling, they are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. From the ingredients to the instructions, FAQs, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions, we’ve got everything you need to create the perfect batch of paczki right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

Paczki Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups plus 1/4 cup divided flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons yeast (instant or regular)
• 2/3 cup milk warmed to 120°F for instant or 110°F for regular yeast
• 3 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon Bacardi 151 or higher alcohol liquor
• 2 quarts canola oil for frying
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/3 cup sugar for coating

Custard Filling:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg yolk

Instructions:

Making Paczki Dough:

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry ingredients, add yeast mixture, canola oil, egg yolks, vanilla, and liquor. Mix until well combined.
4. Knead Dough: Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of flour and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
6. Shape Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or glass to cut out circles of dough.
7. Second Rise: Place the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes.
8. Fry Paczki: Heat canola oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Carefully place the risen dough circles in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Coat Paczki: Remove the fried paczki from the oil and drain on paper towels. Brush with melted butter and coat with sugar while still warm.

Making Custard Filling:

1. Prepare Custard Mixture: In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, milk, and egg yolk until smooth.
2. Cook Custard: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Cool: Remove the custard from heat and let it cool completely.
4. Fill Paczki: Once the paczki have cooled, use a piping bag or small knife to fill them with the prepared custard filling.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Flavor Variations: Get creative with the flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to the dough, or incorporating different extracts such as almond or rum for extra depth of flavor.
• Fruit Fillings: Instead of custard, you can fill the paczki with your favorite fruit preserves or jelly for a fruity twist.
• Glaze: Drizzle the paczki with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier alternative to frying, you can bake the paczki in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, you can use active dry yeast in place of instant yeast, but you’ll need to activate it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough.

2. Can I use a different type of oil for frying? While canola oil is traditionally used for frying paczki due to its high smoke point, you can also use vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying.

3. How long do paczki stay fresh? Paczki are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, they may lose their freshness and become stale over time.

4. Can I freeze paczki? Yes, you can freeze paczki before or after filling them. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

To make keto-friendly paczki, you can use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. Replace sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. For the custard filling, use heavy cream instead of milk and thicken with xanthan gum instead of cornstarch.

Low-Carb Version:

For a low-carb version, follow the keto adaptations mentioned above. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the coating or omit it altogether for a lower-carb option.

Custard-Filled Polish Paczki are a delightful indulgence that is sure to bring joy to any occasion. With their pillowy soft exterior and creamy custard filling, they are a treat that everyone will love. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee for breakfast or served as a dessert for special celebrations, paczki are a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible pastries straight from Poland!

Experience the sweetness of Custard-Filled Polish Paczki and savor every delightful bite!

Note: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, coatings, and flavors to create your own unique variations of this classic Polish treat. Cooking is all about creativity, so let your imagination run wild!