Oven-Baked Donuts with a Crème Brûlée Twist

Introduction

These Oven-Baked Donuts with a Crème Brûlée Twist are a fun and unique twist on the traditional donut. The combination of fluffy, baked donuts with a creamy vanilla pastry filling and a perfectly crisp caramelized topping has quickly become a family favorite in my home. The kids absolutely love the sweet, creamy filling, while the adults can’t resist the satisfying crunch of the brûlée topping. If you’re looking to elevate your donut game, these are a must-try! Perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving something a little extra special.

Why You’ll Love These Oven-Baked Donuts with a Crème Brûlée Twist

These donuts are not only baked, making them a healthier option than fried donuts, but they are also filled with a rich vanilla pastry cream and topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust that brings a delightful crème brûlée experience. Plus, they’re easy to make, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) plain yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted

For the Vanilla Pastry Cream:

• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 5 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons (24 g) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, cubed

For the Crème Brûlée Topping:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Donuts

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. In another bowl, mix the milk, yogurt, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into a piping bag and pipe it into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Let the donuts cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Pastry Cream

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat until steaming, then remove from heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale and smooth.
3. Slowly pour 1/4 of the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously, then gradually add the rest of the milk.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and butter, and transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator until completely cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Donuts

1. Once the donuts are cool, use a piping bag with a narrow tip to fill each donut with vanilla pastry cream. Insert the tip into the side of the donut and pipe the cream into the center.

Step 4: Add the Crème Brûlée Topping

1. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each donut.
2. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown and crisp. Allow the sugar to set for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve as a special treat for brunch or dessert.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for the perfect combo.
• Great for holiday breakfasts, brunch parties, or as a sweet gift for friends and family.

Additional Tips

1. Make sure the pastry cream is chilled before filling the donuts to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
2. Use a piping bag with a narrow tip for easy filling of the donuts.
3. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, use a broiler to caramelize the sugar. Watch carefully!
4. For a different twist, try adding a little orange zest to the vanilla pastry cream for added flavor.
5. Don’t skip the resting time for the doughnuts after baking – this allows them to firm up before filling.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a donut hole pan instead of a donut pan?
Yes, donut holes would be adorable, but keep an eye on the baking time as they may bake a bit faster.

2. Can I use a different type of milk for the donuts or pastry cream?
Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or other plant-based milks as a substitute.

3. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the donuts and pastry cream a day ahead. Just store the donuts in an airtight container and the pastry cream in the fridge.

4. Can I fry these donuts instead of baking them?
This recipe is designed for baked donuts, but you could adapt it for frying if preferred.

5. How long can I store these donuts?
Store the filled donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

6. Can I freeze the donuts?
You can freeze the donuts before filling with the pastry cream. Just freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a bag once frozen.

7. Can I use store-bought pastry cream?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pastry cream will work as a substitute.

8. How do I get the sugar topping to melt evenly?
Use a kitchen torch for an even melt, or place under the broiler for 30 seconds at a time, watching carefully.

9. Can I make the donuts without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds as an egg replacer.

10. What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag?
You can use a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off as a makeshift piping bag.

Conclusion

These Oven-Baked Donuts with a Crème Brûlée Twist are an indulgent yet lighter alternative to traditional fried donuts. With their fluffy texture, creamy filling, and brûléed sugar topping, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, giving them as a gift, or enjoying them at home, they’ll be a hit every time!

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