1. Make the Pastry Cream Filling:
Start with the pastry cream, as it will need time to cool before filling the donuts.
- Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s steaming, but not boiling.
- Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale. Slowly pour in a bit of the hot milk while whisking to temper the eggs (this prevents them from curdling). Gradually add the rest of the milk, whisking constantly.
- Cook the Mixture: Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
2. Prepare the Donuts:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg, and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Donuts: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out donut shapes. Place the cut donuts on a lined baking sheet and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
3. Fry the Donuts:
- Heat the Oil: In a large, deep pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Donuts: Fry the donuts in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool slightly.
4. Fill the Donuts:
- Prepare for Filling: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a small knife or a piping tip to create a hole in the side of each donut.
- Fill with Pastry Cream: Transfer the chilled pastry cream into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe the cream into the donuts through the hole, filling generously.
5. Add the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- Sprinkle Sugar: Once the donuts are filled, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar on top of each donut.
- Torch the Sugar: Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and turns golden brown, forming a crunchy top. Be sure to keep the torch moving to prevent burning the sugar.
Serving and Enjoying Your Crème Brûlée Donuts
These Crème Brûlée Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, while the caramelized sugar is still crunchy. Serve them as a luxurious dessert, an impressive brunch option, or a unique afternoon treat. The combination of the airy donut, silky pastry cream, and crisp sugar topping is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try one.
Tips for the Best Crème Brûlée Donuts
- Torching the Sugar: Be careful when using the kitchen torch, as it’s easy to burn the sugar. Keep the flame moving and aim for a golden caramel color.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pastry cream a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The donuts are best served the same day they’re made to keep the sugar topping crispy.
- Customize the Filling: For a fun twist, you could flavor the pastry cream with coffee, chocolate, or even citrus zest for a unique variation.
Conclusion
These Crème Brûlée Donuts are a stunning blend of two beloved desserts, combining the smooth, creamy custard of a classic crème brûlée with the light, fluffy texture of a donut. With their caramelized sugar topping and rich filling, these donuts are sure to become a crowd favorite at any gathering!