Creme Brulee Donut Recipe

Creme brulee and donuts are both iconic desserts in their own right. Now, imagine combining the best parts of both smooth, vanilla-speckled custard and a crackly caramelized sugar crust, all inside a fluffy donut. This creme brulee donut recipe brings the elegance of a French patisserie and the comfort of an American classic into your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing them for brunch, a party, or a personal indulgence, these donuts are sure to steal the show.

This recipe will walk you through the entire process in detail from making the dough and custard filling to torching the signature caramelized top. By the end, you’ll have a tray of golden, sugar-crusted donuts with luscious, creamy centers.

Let’s get started!

Equipment Needed for Creme Brulee Donuts

To create bakery-quality creme brulee donuts at home, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer or stand mixer with dough hook
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter or round cutters
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Fine mesh strainer
• Pastry bag or piping bag
• Candy thermometer (for frying)
• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Blow torch
• Cooling rack

What You Need to Make Creme Brulee Donuts ?

For the Donut Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk, warm (110°F)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Creme Brulee Custard Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 vanilla bean (or 2 tsp vanilla paste or extract)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Brulee Topping:

• Extra granulated sugar for caramelizing

Directions: How to Make Creme Brulee Donuts in Detail ?

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough

In a large bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add eggs, remaining sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix in flour gradually until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Donuts

Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out circles. Place on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for about 1–2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Drain on a cooling rack or paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Custard Filling

In a saucepan, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly add milk and cream while whisking. Add the vanilla bean (split and scraped) or vanilla paste. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened. Strain through a mesh strainer, stir in butter, and chill with plastic wrap touching the surface to avoid skin forming.

Step 5: Fill the Donuts

Once donuts are cool, use a skewer or knife to poke a hole in the side of each. Fill a piping bag with custard and gently squeeze into each donut until full.

Step 6: Brulee the Tops

Dip the top of each filled donut into granulated sugar, then torch it with a blow torch until the sugar melts and caramelizes into a crackly top. Let set for a few minutes before serving.

Variations

There are many ways to personalize your creme brulee donuts. For a citrus twist, infuse the custard with orange or lemon zest. You can also experiment with different custard flavors like chocolate, coffee, or matcha by adding appropriate extracts or powders. If you don’t have a torch, dip the tops in caramel glaze or sugar syrup for a similar effect. For a baked version, try baking the dough rounds at 350°F until golden, although frying gives the most authentic texture.

Instead of traditional donut shapes, use mini cutters for bite-sized creme brulee donut holes. To add elegance, sprinkle edible gold leaf or a pinch of sea salt on top of the caramelized sugar. For festive variations, use seasonal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom in the dough. You can also roll freshly fried donuts in sugar before filling for extra sweetness.

Cooking Note

Proper temperature control is crucial in this recipe. For dough rising, ensure your kitchen is warm and draft-free. For frying, maintain a consistent 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts. Use a candy thermometer to monitor oil temperature.

When preparing custard, cook slowly over medium heat to avoid curdling or burning. Whisk constantly, and don’t skip the straining step it ensures a silky, lump-free texture. Chill thoroughly before piping into the donuts.

Caramelizing sugar with a torch takes finesse. Hold the flame a few inches above the surface and move it in a circular motion until the sugar melts and turns golden. Avoid burning or overheating the custard beneath.

The donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead: refrigerate custard up to 2 days, and freeze raw dough rounds for future use.

Serving Suggestions

Creme brulee donuts are luxurious on their own but can be elevated even more. Serve them slightly warm with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Pair with coffee, espresso, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting treat.

For a brunch or party setup, present them on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or edible flowers. They also make stunning additions to dessert tables or wedding brunches.

Helpful Tips

• Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
• Let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to speed up the process.
• Use a piping bag with a long narrow tip for easier filling.
• Dip donuts in sugar right before torching for best results.
• If your custard is too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of milk to loosen it before piping.
• Test one donut for oil temperature before frying the whole batch.
• Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; cook in small batches.
• Always cool donuts fully before filling to avoid melting the custard.
• Torch just before serving to maintain the crackly top.

Tips for the Best Creme Brulee Donuts

For the best creme brulee donuts, use high-quality ingredients especially for the vanilla and dairy. Allow your dough to rise fully for fluffiness and always measure flour properly to avoid dense donuts. Keep your oil at a steady 350°F to get the perfect golden crust.

Cook the custard until it coats the back of a spoon and strain it for a smooth finish. When filling, avoid overstuffing or the donuts may burst. Lastly, apply sugar topping evenly and torch it gently in circles.

Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 2.5 hours
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours

Nutritional Information (Per Donut, Approximate)

• Calories: 370
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 180mg

Related Recipes :

• Easy Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
• Pepperoni Cheese Crisps Recipe
• Crispy & Delicious Korean Pancake Recipe
• Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
• Best Homemade Burger Patties
• Easy Chia Seed Pudding with Coconut Milk

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before rolling.

Q: What if I don’t have a blow torch?
A: Use your oven’s broiler on high for a few seconds to caramelize the sugar, watching closely.

Q: Can I bake the donuts instead of frying?
A: You can, but the texture will be more like a soft roll. Frying gives the traditional donut feel.

Q: How long do creme brulee donuts last?
A: Best consumed the same day, but they can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Conclusion

Creme brulee donuts bring the ultimate dessert experience straight to your home kitchen. With a crispy, caramelized top and a creamy custard-filled center, these donuts are the perfect fusion of two beloved treats. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this recipe will become a favorite in your dessert arsenal.

So gather your ingredients, warm up that torch, and get ready to enjoy gourmet pastry bliss right from your kitchen!