Crème Brûlée Donuts

These Crème Brûlée Donuts are the ultimate dessert fusion, combining the fluffy texture of yeast donuts with a creamy vanilla bean custard filling and a crackly caramelized sugar topping. Perfect for a special occasion, a Valentine’s Day treat, or just a fun baking project, these donuts are guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent and Unique: The combination of custard-filled donuts with a caramelized sugar crust is irresistible.
• Fluffy and Creamy: Soft, airy donuts contrast beautifully with the rich vanilla custard.
• Crunchy Brûlée Topping: A thin, crisp layer of caramelized sugar gives these donuts their signature crème brûlée effect.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Impress your guests with a bakery-style treat made at home.

Ingredients

For the Donut Dough

• 3 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups whole milk, warm
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Custard Filling

• 1 ⅔ cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 vanilla bean, beans scraped
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Brûlée Topping

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Custard

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
2. Add egg yolks and beat until the mixture lightens in color. Set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the milk, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean until it starts to bubble around the edges (do not boil).
4. Slowly whisk the warm milk into the egg mixture, adding a little at a time to prevent scrambling.
5. Return the mixture to the pot and cook over medium-low heat, whisking continuously until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
6. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted.
7. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until chilled.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and egg until smooth.
2. Add the softened butter and flour.
3. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment (or mixing by hand), knead for 2-3 minutes until a soft, elastic dough forms.
4. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape & Proof the Donuts

1. Lightly flour a work surface and rolling pin.
2. Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness.
3. Using a heart-shaped or round cookie cutter, cut out donuts. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and continue cutting until all dough is used.
4. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.
5. Let the donuts rise for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Fry the Donuts

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 325°F-350°F (165°C-175°C).
2. Carefully drop a few donuts at a time into the hot oil, frying until golden brown on both sides (about 1-2 minutes per side).
3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Fill the Donuts with Custard

1. Transfer the chilled custard to a piping bag fitted with a small tip (or use a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off).
2. Make a deep hole in the side of each donut.
3. Insert the piping tip into the hole and fill each donut with custard until slightly firm.

Step 6: Make the Brûlée Topping

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water.
2. Let the sugar dissolve and bubble, swirling occasionally (do not stir).
3. Once the sugar turns golden brown, reduce heat to low and immediately remove from heat.

Step 7: Caramelize the Donuts

1. Working quickly, dip the top of each filled donut into the caramelized sugar.
2. Lift up and let any excess drip off before placing on a wire rack.
3. Allow to cool for a few minutes until the caramel hardens into a crispy crust.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

• Serve fresh for the best texture and flavor.
• Enjoy with coffee, tea, or as a show-stopping dessert!

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 20 mini donuts
• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours

Variations

• Chocolate Crème Brûlée Donuts: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the custard for a chocolatey twist.
• Salted Caramel Version: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the brûlée topping.
• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Skip the brûlée and coat in cinnamon sugar instead.
• Espresso Custard Filling: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the custard for a coffee-flavored variation.

Storage & Reheating

• Best Served Fresh: These donuts are best eaten the same day.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled donuts for up to 1 month. Thaw and fill before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, then proceed with filling and brûlée topping.

2. How do I prevent my custard from curdling?

Slowly temper the egg yolks by adding warm milk gradually while whisking.

3. Can I use store-bought custard?

Yes! You can use pre-made vanilla custard, but homemade tastes best.

4. What if my caramel hardens too quickly?

Reheat gently over low heat until it becomes pourable again.

5. How do I get a perfectly crispy caramel topping?

Let the caramelized sugar cool completely before touching to ensure a proper crunch.

6. Can I use a kitchen torch instead?

Yes! Sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize with a kitchen torch for a similar effect.

7. What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works best for frying.

8. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Refrigerate overnight, then roll and fry the next day.

9. Why did my donuts absorb too much oil?

The oil may have been too cold—keep it between 325°F-350°F.

10. Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely! Try pastry cream, Nutella, or fruit curd.

Conclusion

These Crème Brûlée Donuts are an indulgent, crispy, creamy, and caramelized delight! With their buttery dough, velvety custard filling, and crunchy brûlée topping, they’re the perfect show-stopping dessert. Try them today and impress everyone with this gourmet bakery-style treat!

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