Crème Brûlée Donuts

How to Do It:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and milk over medium heat until it starts to steam but not boil.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until well combined.
• Gradually pour the hot cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
• Return the custard mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the custard from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Pour the custard into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool completely in the fridge.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape and fry the donuts.

How to Do It:

• Punch the dough down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick.
• Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters to cut out donut shapes.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding.
• Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Fill the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled slightly, it’s time to fill them with the creamy custard.

How to Do It:

• Use a piping bag fitted with a long round tip to inject the cooled crème brûlée custard into the center of each donut.
• Gently squeeze the piping bag to fill the donut with the custard until it feels full but not overstuffed.

Step 5: Caramelize the Sugar

The final touch to make these donuts extra special is the crispy, caramelized sugar topping.

How to Do It:

• Preheat the broiler or use a kitchen torch.
• Brush the filled donuts with melted butter.
• Sprinkle granulated sugar over the tops of each donut.
• Place the donuts under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or use the kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, creating a golden, crispy topping similar to the top of a crème brûlée.
• Allow the sugar to cool and harden for a few moments before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the sugar has set and the donuts have cooled slightly, it’s time to serve these delicious treats.

How to Do It:

• Arrange the Crème Brûlée Donuts on a platter, and optionally garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries.
• Serve warm, and watch your guests’ eyes light up as they take their first bite into these decadent donuts.

Tips for Perfect Crème Brûlée Donuts

• Custard Consistency: Ensure the custard thickens enough to hold its shape but doesn’t become too thick. The custard should flow smoothly when piped into the donut but should not be runny.
• Use Fresh Oil: Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent throughout frying to get an even, crispy donut exterior. A thermometer helps achieve the perfect temperature.
• Caramelization: For the best results when caramelizing, keep a close eye on the sugar under the broiler, as it can burn quickly. Alternatively, use a kitchen torch for more control.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the custard ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just fill the donuts the day you plan to serve them for the freshest result.

Why You’ll Love Crème Brûlée Donuts

Crème Brûlée Donuts offer the best of both worlds: the comfort and warmth of freshly fried donuts, combined with the luxurious and creamy filling of a traditional crème brûlée. The crispy, caramelized sugar crust on top adds that signature crunch, creating a dessert that’s not only delicious but also fun to eat.

Perfect for special occasions, brunch gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself, these donuts are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat today, and discover why Crème Brûlée Donuts are destined to steal the show at any gathering!

Conclusion

Crème Brûlée Donuts are the perfect indulgence for anyone who loves creamy, rich desserts with a touch of crispy caramelization. With their golden-brown exterior, smooth custard filling, and crunchy sugar topping, these donuts offer a unique twist on a beloved classic. Try this recipe for your next special occasion or whenever you’re in the mood to treat yourself to something extraordinary!