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Easy Crème Brûlée Donuts Recipe

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

Make soft donuts, fill them with smooth crème patisserie, and dip them in caramel for a decadent dessert inspired by crème brûlée.
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Ranah
Updated on Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:44:54 GMT
Golden donuts with a creamy filling, finished with a crispy caramelized sugar crust, inspired by crème brûlée. Pin it
Golden donuts with a creamy filling, finished with a crispy caramelized sugar crust, inspired by crème brûlée. | tastyblom.com

Transform ordinary donuts into an extraordinary French pastry experience with these Crème Brûlée donuts. This innovative creation marries the light, airy texture of Japanese-inspired tangzhong donuts with the sophisticated appeal of classic French crème brûlée. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of crispy caramel, silky custard, and pillowy soft dough.

I discovered this recipe during my quest to recreate a memorable dessert from a Parisian bakery. After countless attempts, this version produced the perfect balance of textures and flavors that transported me right back to that charming French café.

Perfect Your Ingredients

  • Bread flour: Higher protein content ensures proper dough structure
  • Fresh eggs: Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the custard
  • Quality vanilla: Pure extract or vanilla bean elevates the entire dessert
  • Granulated sugar: Fine sugar dissolves easily for smooth caramel
  • Unsalted butter: European-style butter provides superior flavor and texture

Crafting Your Masterpiece

Begin The Tangzhong
  • Cook flour and milk until they form a thick, glossy paste that will ensure incredibly soft donuts.
Create The Base
  • Knead dough until silky smooth, incorporating butter halfway for a brioche-like texture.
Perfect The Rise
  • Allow dough to double in size, then shape and proof again until perfectly puffy.
Master The Fry
  • Maintain precise oil temperature for golden-brown exterior and fluffy interior.
Prepare The Filling
  • Craft silky custard by tempering eggs carefully with hot milk mixture.
Create The Magic
  • Dip tops in molten caramel for that signature crackly finish.
Indulgent donuts with a creamy interior and a crispy caramelized top, capturing the flavors of traditional crème brûlée. Pin it
Indulgent donuts with a creamy interior and a crispy caramelized top, capturing the flavors of traditional crème brûlée. | tastyblom.com

The art of caramel-making has been passed down through generations in my family. My aunt taught me to trust my nose - the moment you smell deep caramel notes, it's ready.

Complete The Experience

Serve these indulgent donuts alongside fresh espresso or rich hot chocolate. For special occasions, pair with champagne for an elegant brunch centerpiece.

Make It Your Own

Experiment with flavored custards like matcha, coffee, or chocolate. Try different sugar varieties for the caramel top, like muscovado or demerara for unique flavor profiles.

Keep Them Fresh

These donuts are best enjoyed the day they're made. If needed, store unfilled donuts at room temperature and pipe custard just before serving.

Soft donuts filled with rich cream, topped with a crunchy caramel layer, evoking the essence of crème brûlée. Pin it
Soft donuts filled with rich cream, topped with a crunchy caramel layer, evoking the essence of crème brûlée. | tastyblom.com

After mastering these donuts, they've become my signature creation for special celebrations. The combination of light, custard-filled dough and that satisfying crack of caramel creates an unforgettable dessert experience that bridges the gap between casual comfort and refined elegance. Remember, while the process requires attention to detail, the result is a professional-quality pastry that rivals any French bakery's offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and crème patisserie a day in advance, but assemble and coat the donuts just before serving.
→ What if I don’t have a Bismarck tip?
Use a small round piping tip or cut a tiny hole in the piping bag to inject the filling.
→ How do I store leftovers?
These are best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store uncovered at room temperature for a few hours, but avoid covering to prevent soggy caramel.
→ Can I use store-bought custard?
Yes, though homemade crème patisserie will have a fresher, richer flavor.
→ What oil is best for frying?
Use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil for frying.

Crème Brûlée Donuts Delight

Fluffy donuts filled with creamy custard and coated with a thin layer of caramel for a luxurious treat.

Prep Time
120 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
180 Minutes


Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: French-Inspired Dessert

Yield: 12 Servings (12-14 donuts)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough Ingredients

01 Tangzhong: 4 tbsp milk (50g), 1 tbsp flour (10g)
02 3/4 cup milk (180g)
03 1.5 tsp yeast
04 3 cups all-purpose flour (400g)
05 2 tbsp milk powder (15g)
06 1/4 cup sugar (50g)
07 1 large egg, room temp
08 5 tbsp softened butter, in 2 parts (70g)
09 1/2 tsp salt

→ Crème Patisserie

10 2 eggs
11 1/2 cup sugar (110g)
12 2 tbsp corn starch (20g)
13 2 cups milk (460g)
14 1/2 tsp salt
15 1 tsp vanilla
16 2 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Caramel Coating

17 1 cup sugar
18 4 tbsp water
19 Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 01

In a nonstick pan over medium heat, stir the flour and milk until they form a thick paste. Let it cool slightly.

Step 02

Combine the tangzhong with cold milk and yeast in the bowl of a standing mixer. Let it sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.

Step 03

Add the remaining dough ingredients except half the butter. Knead on medium-high speed with a dough hook for 5 minutes. Add the remaining butter and knead for another 5–8 minutes until smooth and stretchy.

Step 04

Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

Step 05

Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick sheet. Cut out 4-inch circles and place them on parchment paper. Let them rest for 30–45 minutes.

Step 06

Heat oil in a wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Step 07

Whisk eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl. Heat milk and vanilla in a pan until boiling. Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture, then return to the pan. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in butter, strain, and chill for 15 minutes.

Step 08

Transfer the crème patisserie to a piping bag with a Bismarck tip. Puncture each donut and fill with custard until heavy.

Step 09

Combine sugar, water, and salt in a pan over low heat. Avoid stirring; let the sugar dissolve and caramelize to a deep golden color. Dip each donut into the caramel to coat one side.

Step 10

Let the caramel harden, then serve immediately for the best texture and flavor!

Notes

  1. For best results, use a candy thermometer to monitor the caramel temperature (around 350°F/175°C).
  2. Store donuts uncovered at room temperature to prevent the caramel from becoming soggy.
  3. If the caramel hardens too quickly, reheat gently to soften it for dipping.

Tools You'll Need

  • Standing mixer with dough hook
  • Nonstick pan
  • Rolling pin
  • Round cookie cutter (4-inch)
  • Piping bag with Bismarck tip
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk).
  • Gluten-free if using gluten-free flour and ensuring other ingredients are safe.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 6 g