If you’re looking for a truly indulgent treat that combines the best of two beloved desserts, look no further than Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts. These decadent delights merge the soft, fluffy texture of a classic baked donut with the rich, creamy essence of crème brûlée. Topped with a caramelized sugar crust, each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a smooth, custard-filled center. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy an elevated sweet treat, these donuts are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crème Brûlée Filling:
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
4 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramelized Sugar Topping:
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Make the Donuts:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Crème Brûlée Filling:
In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/4 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale and thick.
Gradually whisk the hot cream into the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.
Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Fill the Donuts:
Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, fill each donut with the crème brûlée custard by inserting the tip into the side of the donut and squeezing the filling inside.
Caramelize the Sugar Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar evenly over the tops of the filled donuts.
Use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and turns a deep golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the donuts under a broiler for a few seconds, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serve:
Let the caramelized sugar set for a minute before serving. Enjoy these rich and indulgent Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts as a special treat!
Serving Tips:
Best Enjoyed Fresh: Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts are at their peak flavor and texture when served fresh. The contrast between the crispy caramelized sugar topping and the creamy custard filling is most pronounced right after preparation.
Presentation: Arrange the donuts on a decorative platter or tiered cake stand for a visually appealing display. The caramelized tops glisten beautifully, making them an eye-catching centerpiece for any dessert table.
Pairing Suggestions: Serve these donuts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, espresso, or tea. The rich, creamy flavors of the donuts complement the boldness of coffee or the subtle notes of tea, enhancing the overall experience.
Special Occasion: These donuts are perfect for special occasions like brunches, birthdays, or holiday gatherings. Consider serving them alongside other gourmet treats for an indulgent dessert spread.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to enjoy the donuts within a day or two, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help preserve their freshness while preventing the caramelized sugar from becoming too sticky.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the donuts in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that refrigeration may cause the sugar topping to lose some of its crunch. To restore the crispiness, you can lightly re-caramelize the sugar with a kitchen torch just before serving.
Freezing: Although not ideal, you can freeze the unfilled donuts for up to 1 month. Place the cooled, unfilled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw the donuts at room temperature, fill them with custard, and caramelize the sugar topping.
Reviving the Texture: If the donuts lose their crunch after storage, you can place them under a broiler for a few seconds or use a kitchen torch to re-caramelize the sugar topping. Be careful to avoid burning the sugar.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I make the crème brûlée filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crème brûlée filling in advance. Simply cook the custard as directed and allow it to cool. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to fill the donuts, gently rewarm the custard if needed, then proceed with filling the donuts.
What can I use if I don’t have a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar?
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use your oven’s broiler to caramelize the sugar topping. Place the filled donuts on a baking sheet and set them under the broiler for a few seconds until the sugar melts and turns a deep golden brown. Be sure to watch closely to prevent burning, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture in these baked donuts. However, if you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, so be sure to check for doneness by using a toothpick.
How do I store leftover Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that refrigeration may cause the caramelized sugar to soften. To restore the crunch, you can re-caramelize the sugar topping with a kitchen torch or briefly under a broiler before serving.
Conclusion:
These Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts are a showstopper for any gathering, from brunches to holiday celebrations. Their elegant appearance and sophisticated flavors make them a delightful addition to any dessert table. Treat your guests (and yourself) to these gourmet donuts, and watch them disappear in no time!
📖 Recipe:
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Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate treat with Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts—soft, fluffy donuts filled with rich, creamy custard and topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. This easy baked donut recipe offers a decadent fusion of classic donut texture and the luxurious flavors of crème brûlée. Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or any time you crave a truly gourmet dessert.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crème Brûlée Filling:
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
4 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramelized Sugar Topping:
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Make the Donuts:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Crème Brûlée Filling:
- Heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
- Whisk together the egg yolks, 1/4 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and thick.
- Gradually whisk the hot cream into the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Fill the Donuts: Using a piping bag, fill each donut with the crème brûlée custard.
- Caramelize the Sugar Topping:
- Sprinkle the remaining sugar over the tops of the donuts.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, or place the donuts under a broiler for a few seconds.
- Serve: Let the caramelized sugar set before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For best results, avoid overmixing the donut batter to keep the texture light and fluffy.
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, carefully broil the sugar topping to achieve the desired caramelization.
Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 donuts
- Calories: 280 kcal per donut
