Crème Brûlée Donuts

Step 2: Prepare the Crème Brûlée Filling

While the dough is rising, you can make the crème brûlée filling.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s just below boiling, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat once it starts to steam.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
3. Gradually add the hot cream mixture to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to the consistency of custard. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
4. Once thickened, strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids, then let it cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Shape and Fry the Donuts

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
2. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out the donut shapes. You should be able to make about 12 donuts.
3. Heat the canola oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and puffed.
4. Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Fill the Donuts with Crème Brûlée Filling

Once the donuts have cooled slightly but are still warm, use a small piping tip or a pastry bag to inject the crème brûlée filling into the center of each donut. Be gentle so that the donut doesn’t tear, but ensure each donut is filled with the luscious custard.

Step 5: Caramelize the Sugar Topping

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of granulated sugar over the top of each filled donut.
2. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden, crispy crust. Hold the torch a few inches from the donut and move it in small circles until the sugar begins to melt and bubble, creating the classic crème brûlée crackle.
3. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the sugar-covered donuts under a broiler for a few seconds. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the sugar to cool and harden for a minute before serving. Your Crème Brûlée Donuts are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately for the best experience—the warm, caramelized sugar topping combined with the creamy filling will melt in your mouth with every bite.

Why You’ll Love Crème Brûlée Donuts:

1. The Perfect Combination of Flavors: These donuts offer a delightful mix of creamy, sweet custard filling and a crispy, caramelized sugar topping, all wrapped in a fluffy, golden donut shell.
2. A Unique Twist on a Classic: If you love crème brûlée, these donuts are a fun and creative way to enjoy the flavors of the classic French dessert in a new form. The donut twist makes them more portable and perfect for sharing.
3. Decadent and Indulgent: Whether for a special occasion or a sweet treat on a regular day, these donuts are sure to impress. They’re rich, flavorful, and make for a luxurious dessert or breakfast option.
4. Great for Entertaining: These donuts are perfect for brunch, parties, or any event where you want to serve something unique and impressive. They look as amazing as they taste!

Tips for Perfect Crème Brûlée Donuts:

• Don’t Overfill the Donuts: When injecting the crème brûlée filling, be careful not to overfill the donuts. Just a little bit of filling is enough to give that creamy taste without making a mess.
• Work Quickly with the Sugar Topping: Once you caramelize the sugar, serve the donuts right away. The crispy sugar crust is best enjoyed while it’s still crackling and fresh.
• Experiment with Flavors: While classic vanilla crème brûlée is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with different flavors in the custard, like adding a hint of orange zest, cinnamon, or even chocolate.

Final Thoughts

Crème Brûlée Donuts offer an irresistible combination of two beloved treats: donuts and crème brûlée. With a rich, velvety filling, a crispy sugar topping, and a fluffy donut base, these sweet indulgences are perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings in a unique way. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch or simply want to enjoy something decadent, these donuts will quickly become a favorite!