Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic crème brûlée and fluffy donuts, then this Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts recipe is the perfect match for you! These donuts combine the creamy richness of a traditional crème brûlée with the light, airy texture of a yeast donut—all finished with a signature caramelized sugar topping. This recipe is ideal for impressing your family and friends or satisfying your own sweet cravings. Let’s dive into this delightful dessert fusion that brings the best of both worlds together!

What Are Crème Brûlée Donuts?

Crème brûlée donuts are a creative fusion of two beloved desserts: donuts and crème brûlée. Imagine a light, yeast-raised donut filled with a luscious vanilla pastry cream, then topped with a crunchy layer of caramelized sugar. The contrast between the soft, airy donut, the smooth cream, and the crispy topping creates a multi-textured treat that’s hard to resist. The donuts are baked, not fried, which makes them a slightly lighter option compared to traditional fried donuts.

Ingredients Breakdown

Essential Ingredients for the Pastry Cream Filling

• Milk: 1 & ½ cups (360mL) for a rich base.
• Egg Yolks: 3 large, adding richness and color.
• Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (50g) for sweetness.
• Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons for thickening.
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) to add a creamy texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for flavor depth.

Key Ingredients for the Yeast Donuts

• Lukewarm Milk: ¾ cup (180mL) to activate the yeast.
• Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (50g), divided, to add sweetness and help with yeast activation.
• Instant or Active Dry Yeast: 2 & ¼ teaspoons (7g) to make the donuts rise.
• Large Egg: 1, at room temperature, to bind the dough.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup (60g), melted and cooled, for moisture and flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 & ½ cups (300g), spooned and leveled, plus extra for kneading.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon to balance sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon for coating the dough.

The Sugar Topping Ingredients: Achieving the Perfect Caramelized Finish

• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g) for the caramelized topping.
• Water: ¼ cup (60mL) to dissolve the sugar.
• Salt: ⅛ teaspoon to enhance flavor.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make these delicious baked crème brûlée donuts, you will need the following tools:

• Medium-sized saucepot
• Whisk
• Fine mesh strainer
• Heat-safe bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Microwave or stovetop
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Rolling pin
• 3-inch round cookie cutter
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Wire rack
• Piping bag

How to Make the Pastry Cream Filling

1. Heat the Milk: Start by pouring the milk into a medium-sized saucepot. Place it over medium heat and cook until it begins to steam and the edges just start to bubble. Remove from heat.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to gradually raise the temperature of the eggs.
3. Cook the Cream: Strain the mixture back into the saucepot and place it over medium heat again. Continue whisking constantly until the mixture boils and thickens to a soft pudding-like consistency. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove the pot from heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla extract. Pour the pastry cream into a heat-safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until cold and set.

Preparing the Donut Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: Warm the milk to a lukewarm temperature (around 110°F). In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, and yeast. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture starts to foam. If it doesn’t, your yeast might be expired, or the milk may have been too hot.
2. Mix the Dough: Add the remaining sugar, egg, vanilla, and melted butter to the yeast mixture and whisk until combined. Gradually add about half of the flour, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until it starts to form a sticky dough. Add the remaining flour and salt, and continue to mix until a ball of dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured work surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary to prevent sticking, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and turn it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl and set it in a warm place to rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Shaping and Baking the Donuts

1. Shape the Donuts: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thick. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes. Arrange the cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving at least 3 inches between each donut. Reroll the dough scraps to cut more donuts.
2. Second Rise: Cover the donuts and let them rise in a warm place for another 30 to 45 minutes until doubled in size.
3. Bake the Donuts: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the donuts for 10 to 12 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Do not overbake, as this will dry them out. Transfer the baked donuts to a wire rack and let them cool completely before filling.

Filling the Donuts

Use a sharp paring knife to make a small hole in the side of each cooled donut. Fill a piping bag with the chilled pastry cream and cut the tip off. Insert the piping bag into the hole and fill each donut until the cream starts to push out slightly. Place the filled donuts in the fridge until ready to top with the sugar.

Caramelizing the Sugar Topping

1. Prepare the Sugar Mixture: Combine the sugar, water, and salt in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, gently swirling the pan as needed to ensure the sugar melts evenly.
2. Caramelize the Sugar: Continue boiling until the sugar begins to brown. Remove from heat once the sugar reaches a light honey color—it will continue browning from residual heat.
3. Dip the Donuts: Use a pair of tongs to dip the tops of each donut into the caramelized sugar. If the sugar hardens too quickly, reheat it on low until it becomes liquid again. Place the donuts on a wire rack and let the sugar harden for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overheating the Milk or Sugar: Be careful when heating the milk and sugar to avoid curdling the eggs or burning the caramel.
• Underproofing the Dough: Ensure that the dough is given enough time to rise to achieve fluffy, airy donuts.
• Overbaking the Donuts: Baking too long can make the donuts dry. Keep a close eye on them during the baking process.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve your crème brûlée donuts on a decorative platter or cake stand to showcase their beautiful caramelized tops. For an extra touch, you can garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep them longer, you can freeze the unfilled donuts for up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before filling and topping with sugar.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Pastry Cream: Replace vanilla with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a rich chocolate filling.
• Lemon Crème Brûlée Donuts: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the pastry cream for a citrusy twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

FAQ

Q: Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the donuts and pastry cream a day ahead. Store them separately and assemble them just before serving.

Q: How do I know if my yeast is active?
A: After combining with milk and sugar, the yeast should foam within 5-10 minutes. If it doesn’t, it’s likely inactive and needs replacing.

Q: Can I fry these donuts instead of baking?
A: Absolutely! Simply fry them in oil heated to 350°F until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.

Conclusion

These Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts offer a unique and delightful dessert experience. With their creamy filling, fluffy dough, and crisp caramelized topping, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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