Baked Creme Brulee Donuts

Baked Creme Brulee Donuts are a perfect dessert treat, offering a fluffy texture with a rich, caramelized sugar topping. These donuts are easy to make at home and are a delightful twist on traditional creme brulee. The sugar topping is perfectly crisped using a kitchen torch, or you can broil them in the oven for the same delicious result. A perfect treat for any occasion, these donuts are sure to impress!

Clare Greco
Updated on Monday 02 December 2024
Baked Creme Brulee Donuts
Baked Creme Brulee Donuts Pin it
Baked Creme Brulee Donuts | Recipesbyclare.com

These Baked Creme Brulee Donuts are an indulgent treat that combines the soft, fluffy texture of a classic donut with the rich, crispy caramelized sugar topping reminiscent of creme brulee. Perfect for dessert lovers, these donuts are a twist on the traditional creme brulee and are simple to make at home. With a golden brown exterior and a creamy interior, these donuts are perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any time of year.

INGREDIENTS

  • All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups, the base for these soft donuts.
  • Granulated sugar: ¼ cup, for sweetness in the batter.
  • Baking powder: 1 tbsp, helps the donuts rise to a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: ½ tsp, balances the sweetness of the donuts.
  • Whole milk: ¾ cup, adds moisture to the batter.
  • Egg: 1 large, binds the ingredients together for a smooth texture.
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp (melted), provides richness to the donut batter.
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the donuts.
  • Brown sugar: 2 tbsp (for topping), used to create the caramelized sugar topping.
  • Heavy cream: 1 tbsp, for a smooth, decadent finish to the sugar topping.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4:
Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5:
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
Step 6:
Bake the donuts for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the warm donuts evenly with brown sugar.
Step 8:
Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the brown sugar until golden and crispy. Alternatively, broil for 1-2 minutes in the oven until the sugar is melted and crispy.
Step 9:
Serve and enjoy these creamy, decadent donuts!

Serving and Storage Tips

  • These donuts are best served warm, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
  • If you don’t have a kitchen torch, broiling the sugar for a minute or two gives a similar caramelized effect.

Helpful Notes

  • For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
  • To make these donuts dairy-free, substitute non-dairy milk and butter alternatives.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Chef Thomas Keller recommends using a kitchen torch for a perfect, crispy caramelized topping on these donuts.
Baked Creme Brulee Donuts Pin it
Baked Creme Brulee Donuts | Recipesbyclare.com

Baked Creme Brulee Donuts

These baked donuts have a soft, tender interior and are topped with a deliciously caramelized sugar crust, mimicking the rich flavor of creme brulee.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 donuts)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour.
02 ¼ cup granulated sugar.
03 1 tbsp baking powder.
04 ½ tsp salt.
05 ¾ cup whole milk.
06 1 large egg.
07 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted).
08 1 tsp vanilla extract.
09 2 tbsp brown sugar (for topping).
10 1 tbsp heavy cream.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Step 04

Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.

Step 05

Spoon the batter evenly into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.

Step 06

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until donuts are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 07

Prepare the brulee topping: Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the warm donuts.

Step 08

Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy. (Alternatively, broil for 1-2 minutes in the oven.).

Step 09

Serve and enjoy these decadent, creamy donuts.

Notes

  1. These Baked Creme Brulee Donuts have a soft, fluffy interior with a perfectly caramelized sugar topping, offering a delicious dessert experience.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 160
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25g
  • Protein: 3g