Imagine the velvety richness of a classic crème brûlée combined with the soft, airy texture of a donut. These Crème Brûlée Donuts are the ultimate indulgence, featuring a custard-filled donut with a crackly caramelized sugar topping. Each bite gives you the smooth creaminess of pastry cream, the light fluff of a donut, and the satisfying crunch of a perfectly torched sugar crust. These donuts are a fun and luxurious take on two beloved desserts.
Why You’ll Love These Crème Brûlée Donuts
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the richness of a crème brûlée and the comforting softness of a donut. By filling the donut with a luscious pastry cream and torching the sugar on top, you’ll get that signature caramelized layer that’s synonymous with crème brûlée. These donuts are perfect for special occasions, brunch, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Donuts:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Pastry Cream (Filling):
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar for caramelizing
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting