Crème Brûlée Donuts combine the best of two desserts—soft, fluffy donuts filled with rich vanilla custard and topped with a caramelized sugar crust. With their delightful contrast of textures and flavors, these donuts are a perfect treat for special occasions or indulgent mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced: The rich custard and crackly caramel topping pair beautifully with the soft donut base.
Impressive Presentation: They look and taste like something from a gourmet bakery.
Customizable: You can add flavors like citrus zest, coffee, or even a splash of liqueur to make them your own.

Ingredients

For the Donuts
Flour: All-purpose flour for a soft, tender donut texture.
Yeast: Instant yeast ensures the donuts rise perfectly.
Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the dough.
Salt: Balances the flavors.
Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and makes the dough soft.
Butter: Adds richness to the dough.
Eggs: Provide structure and help create a fluffy texture.

For the Custard Filling
Egg Yolks: The base of a creamy, rich custard.
Sugar: Sweetens the custard and balances the flavors.
Heavy Cream: Makes the custard luxuriously smooth.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor.

For the Topping
Granulated Sugar: For the classic caramelized topping.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually stir in flour until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard
In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Slowly add heavy cream while whisking constantly. Cook over low heat until thickened.
Strain the custard into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until fully chilled.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts
Roll out the risen dough to about ½-inch thickness and cut into rounds.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, flipping once, until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and cool completely.

Step 4: Fill the Donuts
Use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to fill each donut with the chilled custard.

Step 5: Caramelize the Topping
Sprinkle granulated sugar over the tops of the donuts. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust.

Step 6: Serve
Let the caramelized sugar set for a minute before serving. Enjoy these donuts fresh for the best flavor and texture!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Donut
Calories: ~320
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 5g

FAQ

Can I make the custard ahead of time? Yes, the custard can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Do I need a kitchen torch? Yes, a torch is essential for achieving the signature caramelized sugar topping.
Can I bake the donuts instead of frying? While frying gives the traditional texture, baked donuts are a lighter alternative.
How should I store leftover donuts? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the caramel topping may lose its crunch over time.
Can I freeze the donuts? It’s best to freeze them unfilled. Thaw, fill, and caramelize the topping when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? Substitute with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter custard.
Can I flavor the custard? Yes, try adding espresso, citrus zest, or even a splash of rum for variety.
What’s the best way to reheat donuts? Warm them slightly in a microwave, but avoid reheating the caramelized sugar.
Can I use other fillings? Absolutely! Try chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or even whipped cream.
What’s a good pairing for these donuts? Serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat.

Enjoy making and devouring these elegant and delicious Crème Brûlée Donuts!

Crème Brûlée Donuts

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Crème Brûlée meets donuts in this epic dessert fusion! Fluffy yeast donuts filled with creamy vanilla bean custard, topped with a crackly sugar layer, these are a dreamy treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 30minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 20 mini donuts 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying, Baking
Cuisine: French-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Make the Custard:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Add egg yolks and whisk until the mixture lightens in color. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds. Heat until bubbles form at the edges (do not boil).
- Slowly whisk the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture a little at a time to temper the eggs.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted and smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface, and refrigerate until chilled.
Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, sugar, salt, and egg. Add softened butter and flour.
- Knead the dough for 2–3 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Fry the Donuts:
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the donuts. Re-roll the scraps and cut more shapes.
- Place the donuts on an oiled baking sheet or parchment paper, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 325°F–350°F. Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown on both sides, flipping halfway through.
- Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
Fill the Donuts:
- Transfer the chilled custard into a piping bag fitted with a small tip.
- Poke a hole in each donut and pipe in the custard until full.
Make the Brûlée:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Cook until the mixture turns a deep amber color. Do not stir—swirl the pan gently to mix.
- Dip the top of each donut into the caramel or spoon it over the tops. Let the sugar harden to create the crackly brûlée layer.
Serve and Enjoy:
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh with their crispy, caramelized tops and creamy filling.

Notes

These Crème Brûlée Donuts are best served fresh, and the crackly brûlée top is best when it is still warm. They are a perfect treat for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or brunch gatherings.