Decadent Creme Brulee Donuts Recipe with Homemade Custard Filling

The only thing better than a warm, fluffy donut is a warm donut filled with rich, luscious custard and topped with a waiting golden caramel shell. The combination of creamy custard and sweet caramel transforms a classic treat into something truly extraordinary: that’s right, we’re talking about Creme Brulee Donuts. Imagine biting into a fluffy donut, with a symphony of flavors dancing on your palate, and each bite leaving you longing for more—this is the kind of sweet indulgence that deserves a spot at every celebratory brunch and cozy gathering.

As someone who often finds themselves ensconced in the kitchen with flour-dusted countertops and a nose full of warm sugar and butter, these donuts hold a special place in my heart. They remind me of lazy Sunday mornings spent experimenting with recipes while sipping coffee and breaking out into spontaneous dance parties with my little ones. This delightful treat captures the essence of joyful, homemade cooking, and is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking to impress friends with a showstopper dessert or simply wanting to indulge yourself on a rainy day.

Ingredients for Creme Brulee Donuts

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Creme Brulee Donuts:

4 tablespoons milk – Used for making the tangzhong, which helps create soft, fluffy donuts.

1 tablespoon flour – Necessary for thickening the tangzhong mixture.

¾ cup milk – Added to the dough for moisture and rich flavor.

1.5 teaspoons yeast – This magical ingredient helps the donuts rise and makes them puffy.

3 cups all-purpose flour – The base for our donut dough, adding structure and chewiness.

2 tablespoons milk powder – Enhances the creamy flavor and texture.

¼ cup sugar – Sweetens the dough while counterbalancing the rich custard inside.

1 large egg – Adds richness and provides structure to the dough.

5 tablespoons softened butter – Ensures the donuts are incredibly buttery and tender.

½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness of the sugar and enhances flavor.

2 eggs – Essential for the rich custard filling that brings this recipe to life.

½ cup sugar – Sweetens the custard to perfection.

2 tablespoons corn starch – Thickens the custard for a creamy texture.

2 cups milk – The main ingredient for the custard, contributing to its creaminess.

½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the sweet flavors in the custard.

1 teaspoon vanilla – Adds a warm, inviting aroma to the custard.

2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Included for richness in the custard filling.

1 cup sugar – For the caramel crust that gives the donuts their signature crunch.

4 tablespoons water – Helps dissolve the sugar for the caramel.

Pinch of salt – A little sprinkle to enhance sweetness in the caramel.

How to Make Creme Brulee Donuts

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Creme Brulee Donuts:

Step 1: Make the Tangzhong
In a nonstick pan, stir together the flour and 4 tablespoons of milk over medium heat until it forms a thick paste, about 2-3 minutes. This tangzhong will make the donuts incredibly moist.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast
Mix the tangzhong with the remaining ¾ cup of cold milk and yeast in the bowl of your stand mixer. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, signaling that your yeast is ready to work its magic.

Step 3: Combine the Dough Ingredients
Add the rest of the ingredients for the dough into the yeast mixture, leaving aside half of the softened butter. Use a dough hook to knead the mixture at medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until it begins to combine.

Step 4: Knead for Perfection
Add the remaining softened butter and knead again for another 5-8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and stretchy, like a balloon ready to take flight. You’re aiming for a perfectly elastic dough that springs back when poked.

Step 5: Let It Rise
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial as it develops flavor and texture.

Step 6: Shape the Donuts
Roll the dough out onto a floured surface to about ½ inch thick, and cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter. Place the circles on small squares of parchment paper and let them rest for another 30-45 minutes at room temperature.

Step 7: Fry the Donuts
Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a wok to 350°F (175°C) over medium heat. Drop in a test donut and fry for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Once perfect, fry the rest of the donuts, placing them on a wire rack to cool.

Step 8: Prepare the Custard
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn starch, salt, and ½ cup of sugar. In a second saucepan, bring the milk and vanilla to a boil. Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture while whisking constantly to avoid scrambling. After mixing, pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan.

Step 9: Cook the Custard
On low heat, stir continuously until the custard thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat, mix in the butter, and strain to ensure a silky texture. Chill the custard in the fridge for about 15 minutes.

Step 10: Fill the Donuts
Transfer the cooled custard into a piping bag. Puncture the cooled donuts and gently fill them until they feel heavy—this is where the magic happens!

Step 11: Make the Caramel
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, salt, and water, stirring over low heat until the sugar melts and caramelizes to a deep golden color. Be watchful, as it can burn quickly.

Step 12: Dip and Cool
Once your caramel is made, dip one side of each filled donut into the hot caramel, then place them back on the wire rack to cool. If it hardens too quickly, just reheat the caramel slightly.

Once you’ve made it through all these steps, get ready for an utterly decadent experience with these amazing Creme Brulee Donuts. Perfect for brunch or a special dessert, these donuts are sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy every sugary inch!

Perfecting Creme Brulee Donuts Cooking Process

Begin by making the tangzhong to ensure a light and fluffy dough. While it cools, prepare the custard and caramel. This efficient sequence guarantees that everything is fresh and perfectly timed for delectable results.

Add Your Touch to Creme Brulee Donuts

Feel free to swap out the vanilla for other flavors like almond or coconut. You can also experiment by adding chocolate chips or fruit filling for unique variations that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating Creme Brulee Donuts

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain their crispy exterior and warm gooey filling.

Cooking these Creme Brulee Donuts quickly became a family favorite, with my kids insisting I make them for every special occasion. The excitement on their faces as they bit into that sweet custard was priceless!

FAQs About Creme Brulee Donuts

What are Creme Brulee Donuts?

Creme Brulee Donuts are a delightful fusion of two classic desserts: the rich, creamy custard of crème brûlée and the airy, tender texture of donuts. These treats feature a homemade custard filling and a crispy caramelized sugar topping, mimicking the signature crackle of crème brûlée. The donuts are soft and fluffy, while the custard offers a sweet burst of flavor with each bite. They are perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent treat for yourself, combining elegance with comfort in one delicious package.

How long does it take to make Creme Brulee Donuts?

Preparing these delectable Creme Brulee Donuts requires some time, typically around 3 to 4 hours total. This includes the time to make the dough, let it rise, and fry the donuts, as well as preparing the homemade custard and caramel topping. While the process may seem lengthy, each step is straightforward and manageable. The end result is well worth the time investment, as you’ll have a batch of luxurious donuts that elevate any dessert table.

Can I customize my Creme Brulee Donuts?

Absolutely! One of the joys of making Creme Brulee Donuts is that you can easily customize them to your taste. Swap the vanilla for almond or coconut extract for a unique twist. You can even get adventurous by adding chocolate chips or fruit fillings like raspberry or lemon for a tangy kick. Let your creativity run wild, and make these donuts a reflection of your personal flavor preferences!

How should I store and reheat Creme Brulee Donuts?

To keep your Creme Brulee Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes, which will restore their crispy exterior and warm, gooey filling. Avoid the microwave, as it may leave your donuts soggy rather than delightfully crispy!

Conclusion for Creme Brulee Donuts

Creme Brulee Donuts are a heavenly treat that combines the best of both worlds: the smoothness of custard and the lightness of donuts. With a bit of time and effort, you can create these exquisite desserts right in your kitchen. Whether for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, these donuts are sure to impress. Don’t shy away from experimenting with flavors to make them uniquely yours. Enjoy the ultimate experience with Creme Brulee Donuts!

Decadent Creme Brulee Donuts Recipe with Homemade Custard Filling

Indulge in these Creme Brulee Donuts, a delightful combination of creamy custard and crispy caramel that will wow your taste buds.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3 hours hrs

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Rising Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Servings: 12 donuts

Course: Dessert Recipes

Cuisine: French

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Dough Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1.5 teaspoons yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons milk powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 5 tablespoons softened butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Custard Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Caramel Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 4 tablespoons water
• pinch salt

Equipment

• standing mixer
• Nonstick Pan
• Wok
• Piping bag
• wire rack

Method

 

Dough Preparation

1. Make the tangzhong by stirring the flour and milk in a nonstick pan over medium heat until they form a thick paste.
2. Mix the tangzhong with cold milk and yeast in the bowl of your standing mixer and let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add all the other ingredients for the dough, leaving out half of the butter. Knead at medium-high speed using a dough hook for 5 minutes until the dough starts to come together.
4. Add the remaining butter and knead again for 5-8 minutes until a smooth and stretchy dough has formed.
5. Cover and let the dough rise for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
6. Roll the dough into a ½ inch thick sheet. Cut out 4" circles.
7. Place the circles onto small pieces of parchment paper and transfer them to a tray. Rest for about 30-45 minutes at room temperature.

Frying

1. Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a wok over medium heat to 350°F. Carefully drop in a test donut and fry for about 2 minutes per side. Fry all donuts.
2. Let the donuts cool down on a wire rack at room temperature.

Custard Preparation

1. For the creme patisserie, whisk the eggs, corn starch, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
2. Place the milk and vanilla in a nonstick pan and bring to a boil.
3. Carefully pour the milk mix into the egg mix while whisking continuously, then pour back into the pan.
4. Cook on low heat while stirring constantly until custard-like consistency. Add the butter and mix it in.
5. Remove from heat and strain to ensure smoothness. Place in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to cool.
6. Transfer the creme patisserie into a piping bag. Carefully puncture the donuts and fill them with custard until heavy.

Caramel Preparation

1. For the caramel, mix sugar, salt, and water in a nonstick pan on low heat.
2. Once caramel reaches a deep golden color, take it off the heat.
3. While the caramel is still hot, dip your donuts on one side for a thin caramel coating. Reheat the caramel if it hardens.
4. Let the donuts cool to form a crispy coating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1donutCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Enjoy these donuts fresh for the best texture and flavor, and consider getting creative with fillings and toppings!

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