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Crème Brûlée Donuts: Soft, Pillowy, and Crunchy

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Soft, airy donuts filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with a caramelized sugar crust. These Crème Brûlée Donuts combine the elegance of a classic dessert with the indulgence of a homemade donut—perfect for special occasions or upscale snacks.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes (including custard and torching)
  • Total Time: 2 hours (with proofing and chilling)
  • Yield: 12 donuts
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: French-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)
  • Custard Filling:
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Combine warm milk, yeast, 1 tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
  2. Whisk in eggs, remaining sugar, melted butter, and vanilla.
  3. Add flour gradually and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Let rise in a greased bowl until doubled (about 1 hour).
  4. Roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness and cut into rounds. Place on floured surface, cover, and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffed.
  5. Heat oil to 180 °C (350 °F). Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Chill before using.
  7. Fill piping bag with custard and inject each cooled donut from the side until filled.
  8. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top. Caramelize with kitchen torch (or under broiler) until golden and crisp.
  9. Let set a few minutes, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Infuse custard with citrus zest, espresso, or matcha for variation.
  • Dip tops in chocolate before brûlée for a rich twist.
  • Make mini donuts for parties or bite-sized treats.
  • Use an air fryer for a lighter version before filling and torching.
  • Re-brûlée before serving to revive crispness if stored.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/creme-brulee-donuts-soft-pillowy-and-crunchy/