BAVARIAN CREAM FILLING INGREDIENTS (The easy, puddingy version):
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups milk
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a medium saucepan, off heat, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Very gradually (a few tablespoons at a time) whisk in milk, taking care to dissolve cornstarch. Whisk in egg yolks. Whisking constantly, cook over medium heat until the first large bubble forms and sputters. Reduce heat to low; still whisking, cook 1 minute.
Remove from heat; immediately pour through sieve into bowl. Stir butter and vanilla into hot pudding.
Place plastic wrap directly on surface of pudding (to prevent skin from forming); chill at least 3 hours. Before serving, whisk until smooth.
CHOCOLATE ICING INGREDIENTS:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter (or 1 stick)
3 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons hot water
Heat chocolate and butter in a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl in 30 second intervals – stirring in between each interval – until melted. When finished melting, stir until creamy. Add powdered sugar and hot water. Stir again until smooth. Set aside until ready to frost doughnuts.