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Homemade Crème Brûlée Filled Donuts

Featured in Sweet Moments of Joy.

Homemade donuts filled with vanilla custard and topped with caramelized sugar. Takes 2 hours 15 minutes, makes 12 donuts.
Barbara Chef
Recipe by Barbara
Updated on Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:23:18 GMT
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Decadent crème brûlée donuts combine fluffy fried dough, vanilla custard filling, and crackling caramel top. This elevated pastry brings together two beloved desserts.

Essential Ingredients

  • Active dry yeast - Creates tender dough
  • All-purpose flour - Provides structure
  • Vanilla beans - Flavors custard
  • Granulated sugar - Forms crisp top
  • Heavy cream - Makes rich filling
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Detailed Instructions

  • Mix yeast with warm water, let foam
  • Combine flour, sugar, salt in mixer
  • Add eggs gradually, then butter
  • Let dough rise until doubled
  • Shape, proof again
  • Fry at 350°F until golden
  • Fill with cooled custard
  • Torch sugar topping

The key is patient proofing - proper rise creates light, airy texture.

Storage Tips:

  • Best eaten same day
  • Refrigerate unfilled 2 days
  • Make custard ahead
  • Don't store after caramelizing

Chef's Helpful Tips:

  • Use fresh yeast
  • Test oil temperature
  • Cool custard completely
  • Use torch on low setting

These donuts showcase classic French technique while offering creative flavor possibilities.

Extra Pro Tips:

  • Time proofing by volume not clock
  • Temperature control vital for yeast
  • Fresh ingredients make difference
  • Cool between each major step

Variations:

  • Chocolate custard filling
  • Coffee-flavored caramel
  • Citrus-infused dough
  • Add nuts before torching

Common Issues Fixed:

  • For dense donuts - check proofing
  • For runny custard - cook longer
  • For soft caramel - torch closer
  • For oily result - check temp
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Advanced Techniques:

  • Overnight cold ferment
  • Double caramel layer
  • Infused creams
  • Laminated dough option

The art of these donuts lies in balancing proper technique with creative flair - each element builds on the last.

Recipe Tips & Questions

→ Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes, refrigerate overnight for best flavor and texture.
→ What if I don't have a kitchen torch?
You can carefully dip tops in hot caramel instead.
→ Can I use store-bought donuts?
Yes, but homemade provides the best texture and freshness.
→ How do I store these?
Best eaten same day. Store uncovered up to 24 hours.
→ Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze after first rise for up to 1 month.

French Crème Brûlée Donuts

Soft, fresh donuts filled with creamy custard and topped with a crackling caramel shell - where French pastry meets American comfort.

Prep Time
90 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
135 Minutes
Recipe by: Barbara

Recipe Type: Irresistible Desserts

Skill Level: Advanced

Style of Cooking: French-American

Makes: 12 Serves (12 donuts)

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian

What You'll Need

→ Dough

01 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
03 ¼ cup sugar
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 3 large eggs
06 ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
07 1 cup warm milk or water
08 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
09 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

→ Pastry Cream

10 2 cups whole milk
11 4 egg yolks
12 ⅓ cup sugar
13 ¼ cup cornstarch
14 2 tablespoons butter

→ Topping

15 1 cup granulated sugar for caramel
16 Chopped nuts (optional)
17 Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

Let's Cook!

Step 01

Combine yeast with warm milk/water and let sit 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Mix flour, sugar, and salt in stand mixer. Add yeast mixture, eggs, butter, and optional flavorings. Knead until smooth.

Step 03

Refrigerate dough overnight or let rise at room temperature until doubled.

Step 04

Divide dough into equal portions, shape into buns. Let rise again until doubled.

Step 05

Fry at 350°F for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 06

Heat milk, whisk with egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook until thickened. Cool and pipe into donuts.

Step 07

Caramelize sugar and dip donut tops. Let harden before serving.

Cook's Notes

  1. Can customize with different extracts or flavors
  2. Best eaten same day
  3. Kitchen torch recommended for caramel topping

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Stand mixer
  • Deep fryer or heavy pot
  • Kitchen torch
  • Thermometer
  • Piping bags
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Notes

Always check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat (flour)