Crème Brûlée Donuts are like the love child of a classic French dessert and a fluffy donut begging for attention. Imagine breaking through a caramelized shell to reveal a creamy, velvety filling that dances on your taste buds. These treats are perfect for brunch, dessert, or even as an excuse to skip your morning coffee and indulge in something truly decadent. For more inspiration, check out this healthy oat crepes recipe recipe.
But let me take you back to a sunny Saturday morning when my friends and I decided to put our culinary skills to the test. We gathered in the kitchen, armed with enthusiasm and a questionable amount of self-confidence. After a few flour fights and some questionable donut shapes, we created these glorious Crème Brûlée Donuts. The sweet aroma filled the air, making us forget about the mess we were creating. They turned out so beautifully that we almost didn’t want to eat them—almost.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Crème Brûlée Donuts are not only easy to make but also deliver an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Their stunning appearance will impress anyone at your table, making them perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings.
- You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or customize them with different fillings for variety.
Ingredients for Crème Brûlée Donuts
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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- All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your donuts; it provides structure and fluffiness.
For more inspiration, check out this Easter shortbread cookies recipe.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter while brown sugar adds moisture and depth.
- Baking Powder: This magical ingredient makes your donuts rise beautifully, giving them that light texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in your donuts.
- Whole Milk: Richness from whole milk ensures these donuts stay moist and delicious.
- Eggs: Eggs act as binding agents while adding richness to the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract brings warmth and fragrance that pairs perfectly with crème brûlée.
- Cream Cheese: For that creamy filling reminiscent of traditional crème brûlée.
- Sugar for Topping: You’ll need extra sugar to create that iconic crunchy crust on top.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Crème Brûlée Donuts
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal later on.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This will be the base for your fluffy donuts.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps; we want smooth sailing for our donuts!
Step 4: Create The Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want light donuts here!
Step 5: Fill The Pan
Spoon the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Trust me; they will puff up nicely!
Step 6: Bake & Cool
Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before transferring them onto a wire rack.
Once cooled slightly, take each donut’s center and fill it with cream cheese mixture (you can whip it with some sugar and vanilla). Now comes the fun part: sprinkle sugar atop each filled donut and use a kitchen torch (or broiler) to caramelize it until it’s golden brown.
Transfer these heavenly creations onto plates and prepare yourself for an amazing flavor experience! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature; either way, they’ll be gone faster than you can say “Crème Brûlée Donuts!”
You Must Know
- Crème Brûlée Donuts are the sweet, crispy lovechild of classic French dessert and your favorite breakfast treat.
- With their creamy filling and caramelized tops, these donuts will steal the show at any brunch.
- They’re easy to whip up and guaranteed to impress your friends.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crème brûlée filling, letting it chill while you fry the donuts. Once they’re golden brown, fill them with that luscious mixture, then torch the tops for a perfectly caramelized finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap vanilla extract for almond or hazelnut for a unique flavor twist. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top after caramelizing for a delightful sweet-salty contrast.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Crème Brûlée Donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a warm oven briefly to restore their crispy texture before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your dough rise perfectly, ensure your yeast is fresh and activated properly.
- When frying, maintain consistent oil temperature for an even cook.
- Lastly, let filled donuts cool slightly before caramelizing; it helps achieve that perfect crackly layer.
A friend once told me that my Crème Brûlée Donuts were better than therapy—who needs a life coach when you have these heavenly treats?
FAQs:
What are Crème Brûlée Donuts?
Crème Brûlée Donuts are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts. They combine the rich, creamy flavor of traditional crème brûlée with the fluffy texture of a donut. These treats typically feature a custard-like filling inspired by crème brûlée, topped with a golden caramelized sugar crust. cozy pumpkin bars recipe delicious apple dessert bars The result is a deliciously indulgent pastry that offers the best of both worlds, making them perfect for brunch or dessert. tasty apple fritter bread.
How do you make the filling for Crème Brûlée Donuts?
To create the creamy filling for Crème Brûlée Donuts, start by heating heavy cream and vanilla bean in a saucepan. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until smooth. Gradually pour the warm cream into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs. Return this mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened. Once cooled, pipe this velvety custard into the donuts for that signature crème brûlée flavor.
Can I use store-bought donuts for Crème Brûlée Donuts?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought donuts to create Crème Brûlée Donuts. This shortcut saves time while still allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors. Simply hollow out the center of each donut, fill it with homemade crème brûlée custard, and top with caramelized sugar using a kitchen torch. This method offers convenience without sacrificing taste.
How do you achieve that crunchy topping on Crème Brûlée Donuts?
The key to achieving that signature crunchy topping on Crème Brûlée Donuts lies in caramelizing sugar. After filling your donuts with crème brûlée custard, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top. Using a kitchen torch, carefully melt the sugar until it forms a golden-brown crust. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to ensure that satisfying crack when you bite into these delectable treats.
Conclusion for Crème Brûlée Donuts:
In summary, Crème Brûlée Donuts beautifully marry two classic desserts into one unforgettable treat. With their luscious custard filling and crispy caramelized topping, they offer rich flavors and textures that delight any palate. savory butternut squash curry Whether you decide to make them from scratch or opt for store-bought donuts, this recipe is sure to impress at any gathering. Enjoy these decadent confections as a special dessert or an indulgent breakfast option!
Crème Brûlée Donuts
Crème Brûlée Donuts are a delightful fusion of classic French dessert and fluffy donuts, featuring a creamy custard filling and a crunchy caramelized sugar topping. Perfect for brunch or dessert, these treats are not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. With every bite, you’ll experience the rich creaminess reminiscent of traditional crème brûlée, making them an indulgent addition to any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 6 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- Additional sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Spoon batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity two-thirds full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown; cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Fill the center of each donut with cream cheese mixture and sprinkle sugar on top.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Substitute vanilla extract with almond or hazelnut for added flavor. Sprinkle sea salt on top after caramelizing for a sweet-salty contrast. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days; reheat briefly in the oven.





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