If you’ve ever dreamed of a mashup between the iconic French dessert and the ultimate comfort food, this Crème Brûlée Doughnuts Recipe is about to make your tastebuds swoon! Imagine pillowy-soft doughnuts filled with luscious vanilla pastry cream, topped with a shatteringly crisp caramelized sugar crust. Each bite is pure bliss, blending the best of both worlds into a treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at brunch or indulge in a little weekend baking therapy, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crème Brûlée Doughnuts Recipe is that it calls for basic pantry staples, yet each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that irresistible flavor and texture. From the rich, custardy filling to the golden crackle on top, here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and the perfect chewy crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough, the pastry cream, and, of course, forms that signature brûlée crust.
- Instant yeast: Lifts the doughnuts, making them airy and light.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Warm milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough, helping it rise beautifully.
- Large eggs: Bring structure and a tender crumb to the dough.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Lends richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Ensures a crisp, golden exterior without overpowering the flavor.
- Whole milk (for pastry cream): The base for a silky-smooth, decadent filling.
- Egg yolks (for pastry cream): Give the custard its signature creamy texture and yellow hue.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the pastry cream to the perfect consistency for filling.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with classic crème brûlée flavor.
How to Make Crème Brûlée Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Make and Knead the Dough
Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add the warm milk, eggs, and softened butter, and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes—by hand or with a dough hook—until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. This step is key for achieving that soft, pillowy texture you crave in a doughnut!
Step 2: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours. The dough should double in size and feel light and airy. This slow rise develops flavor and ensures beautifully fluffy doughnuts.
Step 3: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to a ½-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a 3-inch round cutter to stamp out the doughnuts. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover gently, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise guarantees that signature airy crumb when you fry them.
Step 4: Fry the Doughnuts
Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, fry the doughnuts for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they’re deeply golden and puffed. Drain on paper towels and let them cool completely. The aroma at this stage is irresistible!
Step 5: Prepare the Pastry Cream
While your doughnuts cool, make the custard filling. Heat the milk until steaming. Whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until pale and creamy, then slowly stream in the hot milk. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook, whisking constantly, until thick and luscious. Off the heat, stir in butter and vanilla for richness and depth. Chill until set—this is the heart of the Crème Brûlée Doughnuts Recipe!
Step 6: Fill the Doughnuts
Transfer the chilled pastry cream to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Poke a hole in the side of each cooled doughnut and pipe in as much custard as you can—don’t be shy! The more delicious filling, the better.
Step 7: Torch the Brûlée Topping
Now for the magic! Sprinkle a generous layer of granulated sugar over each doughnut. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it bubbles, turns golden, and sets into a crisp shell. If you don’t have a torch, a quick stint under a hot broiler will do the trick—just keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
These doughnuts are best enjoyed right away, while the brûlée topping is still shatteringly crisp and the custard is cool and creamy. Gather your loved ones, brew a fresh pot of coffee, and savor every bite!
How to Serve Crème Brûlée Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
A classic Crème Brûlée Doughnuts Recipe truly shines with just that caramelized sugar crust, but you can add a dusting of powdered sugar, a few berries, or even a tiny sprig of mint for a pop of color. These little touches elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of delight to every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your doughnuts with rich, hot coffee or a creamy café au lait for a Parisian-style treat. For a brunch buffet, fresh fruit, yogurt, or a simple green salad help balance out the richness, making your Crème Brûlée Doughnuts Recipe the undisputed star of the spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a special occasion, try arranging them on a cake stand or platter, each nestled in a decorative cupcake liner. You can even stack them in a tower for a dramatic centerpiece—or offer an assortment of fillings for a “doughnut bar” experience that lets everyone customize their treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any doughnuts left over (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The caramelized tops may soften, but the flavor and creamy filling will still be delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, skip the brûlée topping and freeze the filled doughnuts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add the sugar and torch just before serving for a fresh, crisp topping.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover doughnuts warm, let them come to room temperature, then briefly warm in a low oven (without the brûlée topping) for a few minutes. Add fresh sugar and caramelize with a torch to restore that perfect crackle before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the pastry cream in advance?
Absolutely! The pastry cream can be prepared up to a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. This makes the assembly of the Crème Brûlée Doughnuts Recipe quick and stress-free on serving day.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
No torch? No problem! Simply sprinkle sugar on top of the filled doughnuts and place them under a very hot broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely, as the sugar caramelizes quickly.
Can I bake the doughnuts instead of frying?
While baking is an option, frying yields the most authentic texture and flavor for this Crème Brûlée Doughnuts Recipe. Baked doughnuts will be a bit denser, but still tasty if you prefer a lighter approach.
How do I know if my dough is kneaded enough?
The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky without sticking to your hands. You can perform the “windowpane test” by stretching a small piece: if it doesn’t tear easily and light passes through, you’re set!
Can I use a different filling?
Of course! While the classic vanilla pastry cream is the heart of the Crème Brûlée Doughnuts Recipe, feel free to experiment with chocolate custard, coffee cream, or even a fruit curd for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive, you can’t go wrong with this Crème Brûlée Doughnuts Recipe. The mix of creamy custard, soft dough, and glassy caramelized sugar is truly next-level. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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Crème Brûlée Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes plus 1.5 to 2 hours rising time
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Crème Brûlée Doughnuts that combine the rich, creamy custard filling of traditional crème brûlée with fluffy, fried doughnuts. Topped with a caramelized sugar crust, these gourmet doughnuts are a perfect dessert treat that offers a crisp brûlée topping with a soft, luscious center.
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Pastry Cream Filling
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Brûlée Topping
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, eggs, and softened butter. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Doughnuts: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to ½-inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a 3-inch cutter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry doughnuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and let cool.
- Make the Pastry Cream: Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming. In a bowl, whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until pale. Slowly whisk in the hot milk, then return mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Chill until set.
- Fill and Caramelize: Fill a piping bag with pastry cream and insert into cooled doughnuts to fill generously. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top of each doughnut and use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Serve immediately for the best crackly brûlée topping.
Notes
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place sugared doughnuts under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Pastry cream can be made a day ahead and kept chilled until ready to use.
- Be careful while frying to maintain the oil temperature for even cooking and best texture.
- Ensure doughnuts are completely cooled before filling to prevent the cream from melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
