Berliner

What is Berliner?

A Berliner is a round, golden-brown doughnut made from sweet yeast dough and deep-fried until puffed and light. It is filled with jam—often plum, raspberry, strawberry, or cherry—and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, regular sugar, or a glaze. There is no hole in the center. The dough is rich with eggs, milk, and butter, giving it a soft, tender crumb. The filling and topping can vary, but the classic version is fruity and sweet, with a delicate, airy texture.

Where does Berliner come from?

The Berliner traces its roots to Germany, with the earliest known recipe for a jam-filled, fried yeast pastry appearing in a 1485 Nuremberg cookbook. Early versions were savory, but as sugar became cheaper in Europe, fruit preserves became the standard filling. The name Berliner became common in the 1800s, linked to a story about a Berlin baker in the Prussian Army. Over time, the pastry spread across Central and Northern Europe, picking up new names and variations in each region.

How is Berliner made?

To make Berliners, a yeast dough enriched with eggs, milk, and butter is prepared and shaped into balls. These are deep-fried in lard or oil, which creates a pale ring around the middle. Once cooled, the doughnuts are filled with jam using a syringe or pastry bag. The choice of jam often determines the topping: plum butter pairs with powdered sugar, while other jams might be topped with regular sugar or icing. Some versions use custard or cream instead of jam.

How and when is Berliner eaten?

Berliners are enjoyed as a snack or treat, often with coffee or tea. Traditionally, they are eaten during festive times such as New Year's Eve and the carnival season, especially on Rosenmontag and Fat Tuesday. In some places, they are sold by street vendors, especially at beaches or fairs. A playful custom involves filling a few with mustard as a practical joke. Today, Berliners are available year-round in bakeries across Germany and many other countries.

Kinds of Berliner

Across Europe and beyond, Berliners go by many names and come with different fillings. In Austria and northern Italy, they are called Krapfen and often filled with custard. Portugal's bolas de Berlim use a visible yellow egg cream. In Finland, a pink-frosted version is popular, while in Norway, special Berliners mark the return of the sun. In Israel, sufganiyot are eaten at Hanukkah. Latin American versions may be filled with dulce de leche or pastry cream.

What Berliner means

The Berliner is tied to festive celebrations, especially carnival and New Year's Eve in Germany. In Norway, it marks the end of the polar night. In Israel, a similar pastry is central to Hanukkah. The pastry's many names reflect regional pride and local language. A famous urban legend claims John F. Kennedy called himself a jelly doughnut in Berlin, but in fact, locals do not use 'Berliner' for the pastry and understood his meaning.

When Berliner is on the table

Questions people ask about Berliner

Good reading and sources

• Berliner (doughnut) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data