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Crème Brûlée Donuts with caramelized sugar topping on a marble plate.

Crème Brûlée Donut

This delightful dessert combines soft, fluffy donuts with rich pastry cream and a crisp caramelized topping.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 12 donuts
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Rolling Pin
  • Round Cutter
  • Deep Fryer or Heavy-bottomed Pot
  • Pastry Bag
  • Kitchen Torch

Ingredients
  

Donut Dough

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure and chewiness
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness and helps with browning
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast Ensures proper leavening and fluffiness
  • 1/2 tsp salt Enhances overall flavor
  • 1/2 cup whole milk Warmed, creates a tender dough texture
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature, adds richness and binds ingredients
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter Softened, provides moisture and softness

Pastry Cream Filling

  • 2 cups whole milk Forms the creamy base
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the filling
  • 4 large egg yolks Adds richness and thickens the cream
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch Helps achieve a smooth, thick consistency
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract Adds a warm, aromatic flavor
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter Creates a silky finish

Caramelized Topping

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Forms the crisp, caramelized layer
  • 2 tbsp water Helps dissolve the sugar evenly

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Dough
    Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
    Stir in warmed milk, eggs, and butter until combined.
    Knead until smooth, then cover and let rise until doubled in size.
  • Step 2: Make the Pastry Cream
    Warm milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
    In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
    Gradually add warm milk while whisking, then return to heat.
    Cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
    Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter.
  • Step 3: Shape and Fry the Donuts
    Roll out dough and cut into rounds.
    Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
    Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry each donut until golden brown.
  • Step 4: Fill and Brûlée the Donuts
    Pipe pastry cream into each donut.
    Heat sugar and water in a pan until it turns amber.
    Carefully spoon caramel onto each donut and allow it to harden.
  • Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
    Let the donuts cool slightly before serving.
    Enjoy their crisp topping and creamy center!

Notes

These Crème Brûlée Donuts offer the perfect blend of crispy caramelized sugar and creamy custard filling. For a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk and coconut oil.
Keyword Crème Brûlée, Donut, Pastry