Crème Brûlée Donuts are a delicious fusion of classic donuts and the rich flavors of crème brûlée. These donuts are filled with a creamy vanilla custard and topped with a caramelized sugar crust, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Oil (for frying)

For the Crème Brûlée Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Timing

Making Crème Brûlée Donuts takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for frying, plus cooling time for the filling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crème Brûlée Filling

1. Heat Cream and Milk: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat until just simmering, then remove from heat.
2. Whisk Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Temper the Eggs: Gradually pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
4. Thicken the Mixture: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil.
5. Cool: Once thickened, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the Donuts

1. Prepare the Donut Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
5. Fry the Donuts: Using a spoon or a donut cutter, carefully drop the batter into the hot oil, frying a few donuts at a time until golden brown on each side (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Fill the Donuts

1. Fill Donuts: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag fitted with a long tip to fill each donut with the chilled crème brûlée filling.

Step 4: Caramelize the Topping

1. Caramelize Sugar: Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each filled donut. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the donuts under a broiler for a few seconds, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Allow the caramelized sugar to cool and harden slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Crème Brûlée Donuts!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Crème Brûlée Donuts (per donut, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Protein	4g
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	34g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	10g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, for unique flavors in the filling.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for an extra indulgent touch.
• Fruit Additions: Consider adding fruit preserves or fresh fruit to the filling for a fruity twist.

Conclusion

Crème Brûlée Donuts are a decadent and delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the soft, fluffy texture of donuts and the creamy richness of crème brûlée. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. Enjoy this delightful recipe!