Name: Crème Brûlée Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 2/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 cups whole milk, warm (about 110°F); 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 large egg, room temperature; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1 2/3 cups whole milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup sugar; 4 large egg yolks; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup water

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Imagine the crispy, caramelized top of a crème brûlée, but in donut form. Yes, you read that right—Crème Brûlée Donuts! These little treats combine the best of two worlds: the creamy, luscious custard of crème brûlée and the warm, golden goodness of a freshly fried donut. It’s like dessert on a whole new level, and trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked.

The crunchy, caramelized sugar shell melts into the soft, fluffy donut interior, with hints of vanilla and a touch of richness from the custard filling. It’s decadent, it’s indulgent, and it’s going to make you wonder why no one thought of this combination sooner. Get ready to treat yourself to something truly special!

Why You’ll Love Crème Brûlée Donuts

A Fusion of Two Iconic Desserts

If you love crème brûlée and you love donuts (who doesn’t?), this is the perfect mashup. The crispy, crackly sugar topping is what you adore about crème brûlée, combined with the warm, comforting softness of a donut. It’s a dessert lover’s dream!

Show-Stopping Dessert

These donuts are not only delicious but also look absolutely stunning. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a brunch with friends, or just because, they’re guaranteed to impress. The beautiful caramelized top is like the crown jewel of any dessert table.

Fun to Make and Even More Fun to Eat

While they might sound fancy, these Crème Brûlée Donuts are surprisingly easy to make. Plus, cracking through the caramelized sugar layer as you bite into them? Pure joy. It’s an interactive experience that makes these donuts a little extra special.

Perfect for Special Occasions

If you’re looking to wow your friends or family with something new and exciting, these donuts are perfect. They’re a bit more indulgent than your regular donut, so they’re great for holidays, birthdays, or just when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder

Salt
Eggs
Whole milk

Butter
Vanilla extract
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Crème Brûlée Custard:

Heavy cream
Egg yolks
Granulated sugar

Vanilla bean or vanilla extract

For the Topping:

Light brown sugar (for the brûlée top)

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s bring these Crème Brûlée Donuts to life!

Step 1: Prepare the Crème Brûlée Custard

Start by making the custard filling. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and smooth. Gradually add the hot cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Add the vanilla and continue to whisk until combined. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Let it cool completely in the fridge before using.

Step 2: Make the Donut Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). While the oil heats up, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large, one small), cut out donut shapes. Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Fill the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag or small spoon to fill each donut with the chilled crème brûlée custard. Be generous with the filling—after all, it’s the star of the show!

Step 5: Brûlée the Donuts

Now for the fun part! Sprinkle a generous layer of light brown sugar on top of each filled donut. Using a kitchen torch, carefully melt the sugar until it forms a golden, crispy caramelized layer. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the donuts under a broiler for a few seconds, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Crème Brûlée Donuts immediately, and enjoy the heavenly combination of crispy sugar, creamy custard, and soft donut. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they also make a memorable treat for special occasions!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Crème Brûlée Donuts

With Coffee or Tea

These donuts pair perfectly with your favorite coffee, espresso, or tea. The richness of the custard and caramelized sugar balances wonderfully with the bitterness of a hot drink.

For Dessert or Brunch

These donuts are just as fitting for a fancy brunch as they are for an after-dinner treat. They’re impressive enough to be a show-stopping dessert but fun enough for a laid-back brunch with friends.

A Sweet Gift

Pack them up in a cute box or tin, and you have a gift that will wow anyone lucky enough to receive them. Just make sure to fill and brûlée them right before gifting to ensure the best texture!

Additional Tips

Make Ahead

You can make the crème brûlée custard ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This will save you time when you’re ready to make the donuts. You can also fry the donuts ahead of time, but be sure to fill and brûlée them right before serving to get that perfect crispy top.

Play with Flavors

If you want to switch things up, try adding a twist to the custard. You could infuse the cream with flavors like cinnamon, orange zest, or even a splash of bourbon for a more sophisticated take on the classic crème brûlée.

Don’t Skip the Brûlée

The caramelized sugar topping is what makes these donuts truly special. A kitchen torch is the best way to achieve the perfect crispy top, but you can also broil them quickly in the oven for a similar effect.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Crème Brûlée Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, reheat them gently in the oven to bring back some of that fresh texture.

With their rich custard filling, crispy sugar top, and soft, pillowy dough, Crème Brûlée Donuts are a true indulgence. They combine the elegance of crème brûlée with the comfort of a donut for a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to something extraordinary!