Description
Delight in the gourmet fusion of classic French crème brûlée and fluffy baked donuts. These baked crème brûlée donuts combine a soft, airy dough with rich vanilla pastry cream and a crunchy caramelized sugar topping, creating a heavenly dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Pastry Cream Filling:
- 1 cup (240mL) whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Donut Dough:
- 3/4 cup (180mL) warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
Caramelized Sugar Topping:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60mL) water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry Cream:
- Heat milk until simmering. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Temper eggs with hot milk, then cook until thickened. Stir in butter and vanilla. Cover and chill.
- Make the Donut Dough:
- Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let sit until foamy. Mix in eggs and melted butter. Gradually incorporate flour and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic. Let rise 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Shape and Bake:
- Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness, cut donuts, and let rise for 30-60 minutes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- Fill Donuts:
- Make a hole in each donut. Fill with chilled pastry cream using a piping bag.
- Add Caramelized Sugar Topping:
- Heat sugar, water, and salt until amber-colored. Dip donut tops into caramel, let excess drip, and cool until hardened.
Notes
- For a coffee-flavored twist, add espresso powder to the pastry cream.
- Substitute chocolate ganache or fruit preserves for the filling.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
