BAKED CRÈME BRÛLÉE DONUTS

Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts are the perfect indulgent dessert that elevates classic donuts with a creamy custard center and a crispy, caramelized sugar topping.

If you’re tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts or desserts that don’t quite hit the mark, this recipe promises a luxurious treat that balances fluffy dough with rich, smooth custard and crunchy brûlée topping. As a chef experienced in perfecting comfort dishes with elegance, I’ve crafted this recipe to bring bakery-level delight right into your own kitchen.

In this article, you’ll discover why this recipe works, the essential ingredients and preparations, detailed step-by-step cooking instructions, pro tips, exciting flavor variations, serving suggestions, and FAQs to guide you.

Why This Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts Recipe Works

• Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients for a rich, creamy treat
• Combines baking over frying for a lighter, less oily donut
• Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday celebrations, or special occasions

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts

Best Ingredients for This Recipe

High-quality butter and fresh vanilla bean or extract contribute to the rich custard flavor. Use whole milk or cream for a luscious custard texture.

Buying Tips

Look for fresh dairy with good fat content and pure vanilla extract or fresh vanilla beans for best aroma.

Substitutions

Use half-and-half instead of cream to lighten custard or dairy-free alternatives for lactose intolerance.

Ingredients & Prep for Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts

Dough Ingredients

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Custard Filling

• 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Brûlée Topping

• 1 cup granulated sugar for caramelizing

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts

Pre-Cooking Prep

Activate yeast by combining with warm milk and sugar until foamy. Prepare vanilla custard ahead to cool.

Cooking Method

1. Mix yeast mixture with flour, butter, eggs, and salt; knead into smooth dough.
2. Let dough rise until doubled, about 1-1.5 hours.
3. Roll dough and cut into rounds; let rest and rise again for 30-40 minutes.
4. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden and puffed.
5. Cool completely before filling.
6. Fill donuts with chilled vanilla custard using a piping bag.
7. Sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize with a kitchen torch until crisp and amber.

Doneness Check

Donuts should be golden and fluffy; custard cold and thick; brûlée topping crisp.

Resting

Allow the caramelized sugar to harden before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts

• Ensure custard is fully chilled for easier filling.
• Use a clean kitchen torch for even caramelization.
• Don’t overbake to keep donuts tender.

Flavor Variations for Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts

Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to custard for warm spice notes.

Keto/Paleo

Use almond flour donuts and sugar-free caramel topping.

Global Flavors

• French: Incorporate a splash of Grand Marnier into custard.
• Asian: Infuse custard with matcha powder.
• Mexican: Add a hint of chili and cinnamon to caramel.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts

Enjoy with fresh coffee, espresso, or a light sparkling wine. Serve as elegant desserts or festive brunch treats.

FAQs for Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts

• Can I prepare custard in advance? Yes, refrigerate until cold.
• How to store leftovers? Keep donuts in airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days.
• Are these safe for children? Yes, with fresh, well-cooked ingredients.

Conclusion

Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts deliver an indulgent, sophisticated twist on classic donuts with creamy custard centers and crisp caramelized tops. Easy enough to bake at home and perfect for special occasions, these donuts will impress anyone craving luxurious sweets. For more delicious recipes, visit dishfoody.com and check out our Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes next!

BAKED CRÈME BRÛLÉE DONUTS

Print Recipe

These Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts combine the best of two desserts fluffy baked donuts filled with silky vanilla custard and topped with a crackly caramelized sugar crust.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 10 donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert, Breakfast
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: French-Inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Donuts:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Custard Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
• 2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• 3. In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
• 4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• 5. Spoon batter into the donut pan and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden.
• 6. Cool donuts completely and prepare the custard.
• 7. In a saucepan, heat milk until steaming. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale.
• 8. Slowly pour hot milk into yolk mixture while whisking, then return to pot.
• 9. Cook over medium heat until thickened, then remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
• 10. Cool custard, then pipe into donuts using a pastry bag.
• 11. Sprinkle each donut with sugar and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the tops until golden and crisp.
• 12. Serve immediately and enjoy the crackly crème brûlée topping!

Notes

• If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place donuts under the broiler for a few seconds — watch closely!
• Store un-torched donuts in the fridge for up to 2 days and torch before serving.
• You can use vanilla bean paste for a richer custard flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts, custard-filled donuts, caramelized sugar, baked donuts, crème brûlée dessert