Crème Brûlée Donut Recipe: The Decadent Dessert Mashup You Need

Imagine biting into a fluffy, perfectly fried donut, only to be met with the creamy, vanilla-infused richness of crème brûlée. Then, the satisfying crack of a crisp, caramelized sugar shell. That’s the experience we’re bringing you with this incredible crème brûlée donut recipe! This isn’t your average donut – it’s a sophisticated treat that elevates the humble fried dough to a whole new level of indulgence. Get ready to impress your friends and family (or just treat yourself!) with this unforgettable dessert. It’s easier than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe carefully balances the textures and flavors of both donuts and crème brûlée to create a harmonious and delightful experience. Here’s why it works so well:

• Light and Airy Donut Base: We use a yeast-raised donut recipe that prioritizes a light and airy texture. This prevents the donut from being too heavy and allows the creamy filling to shine.
• Authentic Crème Brûlée Filling: The filling is made with classic crème brûlée ingredients – heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla – ensuring a rich and authentic flavor. We carefully cook the custard to the perfect consistency for filling.
• Perfectly Caramelized Sugar Top: The key to crème brûlée is that signature caramelized sugar crust. We use a kitchen torch to achieve that perfect, crackly top right before serving, replicating the classic crème brûlée experience.
• Step-by-Step Instructions: Our detailed instructions guide you through each stage of the process, from making the dough to caramelizing the sugar, ensuring success even for beginner bakers.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Crème Brûlée Filling:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

For the Caramelized Sugar Topping:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions

Making the Donuts:

1. Proof the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine.
3. Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch Down and Roll Out: Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
7. Cut Out Donuts: Use a donut cutter or two different sized circular cutters to cut out donut shapes. Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Second Rise: Cover the donuts with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
9. Fry the Donuts: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
10. Drain and Cool: Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let cool completely before filling.

Making the Crème Brûlée Filling:

1. Infuse the Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and vanilla bean (if using). Heat over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes to infuse the cream with vanilla flavor. If using vanilla extract, add it after heating the cream.
2. Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
3. Temper the Egg Yolks: Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
4. Cook the Custard: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. The temperature should reach around 170-175°F (77-79°C). Be careful not to overheat the custard, or it will curdle.
5. Strain and Cool: Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This will remove any lumps and ensure a smooth texture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely chilled.
6. Fill the Donuts: Once the donuts and custard are completely cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to fill each donut with the crème brûlée filling.

Caramelizing the Sugar Topping:

1. Prepare the Donuts: Lightly pat the top of each filled donut dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the sugar adhere better.
2. Sprinkle with Sugar: Generously sprinkle the top of each donut with granulated sugar.
3. Caramelize with a Torch: Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar, moving the flame evenly over the surface until it is melted and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the sugar. Work quickly and in small sections.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the crème brûlée donuts immediately after caramelizing the sugar for the best experience. The caramelized sugar will soften over time.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
• Don’t Overheat the Oil: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
• Chill the Custard Thoroughly: Chilling the custard completely is crucial for easy filling and a smooth texture.
• Work Quickly When Caramelizing: Caramelize the sugar just before serving to prevent it from softening.
• Don’t Overfill the Donuts: Overfilling can cause the filling to leak out when caramelizing.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t perfect! Keep practicing, and you’ll get the hang of it.

Storage Instructions

Due to the nature of the crème brûlée filling and caramelized sugar topping, these donuts are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers:

• Unfilled Donuts: Unfilled donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Crème Brûlée Filling: The crème brûlée filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Filled and Caramelized Donuts: Filled and caramelized donuts are best consumed immediately. If you must store them, keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 day. The caramelized sugar will soften.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of donut?

A: While a yeast-raised donut is recommended for its light and airy texture, you can experiment with other types of donuts, such as cake donuts. Keep in mind that the texture will be different.

Q: Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?

A: Yes, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for the vanilla bean. Add the vanilla extract after heating the cream.

Q: I don’t have a kitchen torch. Can I still make these?

A: While a kitchen torch is the best way to achieve the caramelized sugar topping, you can try broiling the donuts in the oven. Watch them very carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can simply sprinkle the donuts with powdered sugar for a simpler, less authentic topping.

Q: Can I make the donuts and filling ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the donuts and filling a day ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the donuts just before serving.

Conclusion

This crème brûlée donut recipe is a showstopper that’s sure to impress. The combination of a light and airy donut, creamy vanilla filling, and crackly caramelized sugar topping is simply irresistible. While it may seem a bit involved, the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips will guide you through the process. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your kitchen torch, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable dessert! Happy baking!