Crème brûlée is a luxurious French dessert loved for its creamy, custard center and crispy caramelized sugar top. Now, imagine bringing that rich, velvety flavor into a soft, airy donut. Welcome to the world of Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts—a perfect fusion of two beloved treats!
These Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts are a game-changer. With a delicate vanilla bean-infused donut base, they’re dipped in a rich crème brûlée glaze and finished with a crispy caramelized sugar topping that mimics the signature crunchy shell of crème brûlée. These donuts are a sweet, indulgent treat that will make you feel like you’re having dessert for breakfast (and why not?).
Whether you're looking to impress guests at brunch, treat yourself, or simply try something new, these donuts are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Let's dive in and make these decadent Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts!
Ingredients (Measured in Grams)
For the Donuts:
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 100g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (about 4g) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (about 2g) baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon (about 1g) salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)
- 1 large egg (about 60g)
- 180g whole milk
- 50g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon (about 12g) sour cream
For the Crème Brûlée Glaze:
- 100g heavy cream
- 50g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon (about 2g) cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
For the Caramelized Topping:
- 50g granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a donut pan lightly with non-stick spray or butter, ensuring each cavity is well coated.
2. Make the Donut Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract (or scraped vanilla bean), and sour cream until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently mix until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; it should be thick and smooth.
3. Fill the Donut Pan:
- Spoon the donut batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. You can also use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the tip cut off to make filling the pan easier and neater.
4. Bake the Donuts:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
- Once done, remove from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Crème Brûlée Glaze:
- While the donuts are cooling, make the crème brûlée glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before dipping the cooled donuts.
6. Glaze the Donuts:
- Once the donuts have cooled completely, dip each donut into the crème brûlée glaze, ensuring it’s fully coated. You can also drizzle the glaze over the top for a lighter coating, if preferred.
7. Caramelize the Sugar:
- Once the glaze has set a bit, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar on top of each donut.
- Using a kitchen torch, gently caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the donuts under a broiler for about 1-2 minutes (keep a close eye on them to avoid burning the sugar).
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the caramelized sugar harden for a minute before serving. Enjoy your Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate treat!
Nutrition Facts (Per Donut, assuming 12 donuts)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
(Nutrition info is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portions.)
Tips and Tricks for the Best Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts 🍩
- Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
- Use room temperature ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature before adding them to the batter.
- Glaze variation: For a twist, try adding cinnamon or orange zest to the glaze for extra flavor.
- Caramelizing without a torch: If you don't have a kitchen torch, broil the donuts for 1-2 minutes under a broiler to melt and caramelize the sugar, but be sure to keep a close watch to prevent burning.
- Make it ahead: The donuts themselves can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and glaze and caramelize them when you're ready to serve.
Extra Content From Me ✨
How to Customize Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts:
- Add flavor to the batter: To make your donuts even more flavorful, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a tablespoon of orange zest to the batter for an aromatic twist.
- Stuff them with fillings: For an indulgent treat, stuff the center of the donuts with chocolate ganache or raspberry jam before baking.
- Top with fresh fruit: Add a sprinkle of fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries on top for a refreshing contrast to the sweet and creamy donuts.
How to Serve Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts:
- For dessert: Serve these donuts as a luxurious dessert at a dinner party or special occasion. Pair with a glass of sweet dessert wine or espresso.
- For brunch: These donuts make a perfect brunch item, served alongside coffee, fruit salad, or yogurt for a balanced spread.
- For gifting: Package these donuts in a cute box or gift bag to share with friends and family. They’re a sweet gift for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration.
Why You’ll Love Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts ❤️
- Indulgent and rich: These donuts combine the creamy, velvety flavor of crème brûlée with the light, airy texture of a freshly baked donut.
- Easy to make: Unlike traditional crème brûlée, there’s no need for a custard-filled ramekin or torching the sugar separately—this recipe brings the magic of crème brûlée into a simple donut.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a special treat, these donuts are sure to impress.
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