Today, I’m excited to share my favorite donut recipe with you: Crème Brûlée Donuts! These delicious treats are inspired by the classic dessert, crème brûlée, and they boast a delightful creamy filling and a crunchy sugar topping. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just a sweet snack!
Why Make This Recipe
Why make Crème Brûlée Donuts? Well, these donuts are a fun twist on a classic dessert. They’re not only easy to make, but they also impress everyone with their beautiful appearance and rich flavor. Plus, who can resist that wonderful combination of soft donut texture, creamy custard filling, and a crunchy sugar crust? It’s a treat that everyone will love!
How to Make Crème Brûlée Donuts
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how you can make these tasty donuts at home.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Custard Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramelized Sugar Topping:
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched.
- While the donuts are baking, prepare the custard filling. Heat the milk and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
- Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer the custard to a bowl and let it cool.
To finish, fill the cooled donuts with the custard using a piping bag, sprinkle sugar on top, and use a torch to caramelize the sugar for that signature crème brûlée crunch. Enjoy!
How to Serve Crème Brûlée Donuts
These donuts are best served fresh! You can enjoy them on their own, or pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. They make a lovely breakfast or sweet treat for any occasion.
How to Store Crème Brûlée Donuts
To store the leftovers (if there are any!), keep the filled donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can warm them up slightly in the microwave before serving.
Tips to Make Crème Brûlée Donuts
- Make sure to fill the donut pan only about 2/3 full to avoid overflow during baking.
- If you don’t have a torch, you can place the donuts under a broiler for a few seconds to caramelize the sugar, but keep a close eye on them!
- Customize the filling flavor by adding different extracts, like almond or lemon.
Variation (If Any)
You can change these donuts by adding different flavors to the custard, such as chocolate or coffee. This will give your donuts a delicious twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought custard instead of making my own?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought custard.
2. Do I need a special donut pan?
Yes, a donut pan is recommended for this recipe to achieve the right shape.
3. Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze them before filling. You can fill them after thawing for the best texture.
Enjoy making and sharing your Crème Brûlée Donuts! They’re sure to be a hit!
