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Creme Brulee Donuts Recipe

Creme Brulee Donuts Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible creme brulee donuts blend French pastry elegance with classic American donut charm. Creamy custard filling and caramelized sugar topping create a luxurious dessert experience you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 2/3 cups (437 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups (296 milliliters) whole milk, warm (about 110°F)
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Ingredient:

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the custard base by blending cornstarch, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, then incorporate egg yolks until the mixture becomes pale and smooth.
  2. Gently heat milk, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds in a saucepan until tiny bubbles form around the edges, avoiding a full boil.
  3. Gradually introduce the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk blend, carefully tempering the eggs to prevent curdling.
  4. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan, cooking over low heat while continuously whisking until the custard thickens to a creamy consistency.
  5. Remove from heat and fold in butter until completely melted and integrated, creating a silky texture.
  6. Transfer the custard to a bowl, seal with plastic wrap directly touching the surface, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
  7. Create the dough by mixing warm milk, yeast, sugar, salt, and egg in a large bowl, then incorporate softened butter and flour.
  8. Knead the dough for 20-25 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, either using a stand mixer or manual technique.
  9. Place the dough in a greased container, cover, and allow it to rise in a warm environment for 1.5-2 hours until it doubles in volume.
  10. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a half-inch thickness, using a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create donut shapes.
  11. Arrange the cut donuts on an oiled baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  12. Heat oil to 325-350°F and fry the donuts in batches, turning once to achieve an even golden-brown color.
  13. Drain the fried donuts on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  14. Fill a piping bag with chilled custard and carefully inject each donut through a small hole.
  15. Prepare caramel by heating sugar and water in a saucepan until it transforms into a deep amber color, gently swirling to ensure even cooking.
  16. Coat each donut’s surface with the caramel, allowing it to harden and create a crisp brulee layer.
  17. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy exterior and creamy interior.

Notes

  • Perfectly temper eggs by gradually adding warm milk to prevent scrambling, ensuring a smooth, silky custard texture.
  • Control oil temperature carefully during frying to achieve golden-brown donuts without burning or undercooking the dough.
  • Use a digital thermometer for precise sugar caramelization, preventing bitter or burnt brulee topping.
  • Chill custard thoroughly before filling to maintain structural integrity and prevent leaking during piping.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 238 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg