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Easy Creme Brulee Donuts

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If you’re a fan of both donuts and the rich, creamy elegance of crème brûlée, you’re in for a treat! These Crème Brûlée Donuts combine the soft, fluffy texture of homemade filled donuts with the signature crackly sugar topping of classic crème brûlée. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can enjoy this luxurious dessert at home—no torch or fancy tools required (though a kitchen torch makes it extra fun!).

🔪 Recommended Kitchen Tools

  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Slotted spoon
  • Rolling pin
  • Dough cutter or round cookie cutter
  • Piping bag (or zip-top bag with corner cut)
  • Kitchen thermometer (for oil temp)
  • Kitchen torch (optional, for brûlée top)
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🧁 Ingredients

For the Donut Dough:

  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Vanilla Pastry Cream Filling:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 egg yolks
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For Frying:

  • Vegetable oil (enough for 2–3 inches deep in a pan)

For the Crème Brûlée Topping:

  • Granulated sugar for sprinkling
  • Optional: kitchen torch for caramelizing

👩‍🍳 Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the egg, butter, and the activated yeast mixture.
  3. Mix until dough forms, then knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Pastry Cream

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat milk until just simmering.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
  3. Slowly add hot milk to egg mixture while whisking (temper the eggs), then pour back into the saucepan.
  4. Cook over medium heat until thickened, whisking constantly.
  5. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, then let cool. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Shape and Fry the Donuts

  1. Roll out risen dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.
  2. Cut into rounds using a donut cutter or glass.
  3. Let cut donuts rest for 15–20 minutes.
  4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry donuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
  5. Drain on paper towels and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Fill the Donuts

  1. Using a piping bag, poke a hole in the side of each donut and fill with chilled vanilla pastry cream.

Step 5: Make the Brûlée Top

  1. Dip or sprinkle the tops of the filled donuts with a generous layer of granulated sugar.
  2. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crackly. If you don’t have a torch, broil carefully in the oven on high for 1–2 minutes (watch closely!).

💡 Tips for Success

  • Don’t overfill the donuts: Too much cream can cause them to burst.
  • Chill the filling well: Cold pastry cream makes piping cleaner and helps keep the inside firm.
  • Keep oil temperature steady: Use a thermometer to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
  • Torch with care: Move the flame around quickly to avoid burning the sugar.

🔄 Recipe Variations

  • Chocolate Crème Brûlée Donuts: Add cocoa powder to the pastry cream or drizzle with melted chocolate.
  • Coffee Crème Filling: Add espresso powder to the cream for a mocha twist.
  • Citrus Brûlée Donuts: Add orange or lemon zest to the filling for a tangy variation.

🥛 Serving Suggestions

These donuts pair beautifully with:

  • A hot espresso or cappuccino
  • A glass of cold milk
  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream (for an indulgent dessert plate!)
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🧊 Storage Instructions

  • Best when fresh: Enjoy within 24 hours of frying for the crispiest topping.
  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Re-caramelize the sugar before serving if needed.
  • Freezing not recommended: The custard filling and sugar topping do not freeze well.

📌 Final Thoughts

These Easy Crème Brûlée Donuts are an impressive bakery-style treat that you can master in your own kitchen. With creamy vanilla filling and a caramelized sugar shell, they offer that perfect balance of soft, sweet, and crunchy. Ideal for brunches, special occasions, or anytime you’re craving something decadent and unforgettable.

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