These Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts combine the best of both worlds—fluffy yeast donuts and rich crème brûlée! Made with a soft, pillowy dough, a creamy pastry filling, and a crisp caramelized sugar topping, these baked donuts deliver all the indulgence without the hassle of frying. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent homemade treat!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pastry Cream Filling:
▢ 1 ½ cups (360mL) milk
▢ 3 large egg yolks
▢ ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
▢ 3 tablespoons cornstarch
▢ 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Yeast Donuts:
▢ ¾ cup (180mL) lukewarm milk (around 110°F)
▢ ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, divided
▢ 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) instant or active dry yeast
▢ 1 large egg, room temperature
▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
▢ ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
▢ 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (plus extra for kneading)
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
▢ 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Sugar Topping:
▢ 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
▢ ¼ cup (60mL) water
▢ ⅛ teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1: Make the Pastry Cream Filling
Heat the milk in a medium saucepan until it starts steaming with small bubbles along the edges.

In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.

Slowly pour the warm milk over the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.

Strain the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking until thickened (about 5-10 minutes).

Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla extract.

Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface to prevent a skin), and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until set.

Step 2: Make the Donut Dough
Warm the milk and mix it with 1 tablespoon of sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Add the remaining sugar, egg, vanilla, and melted butter, whisking to combine.

Mix in half of the flour and salt, stirring to form a sticky dough. Add the remaining flour and knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape & Bake the Donuts
Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness and cut into circles using a 3-inch round cutter.

Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.

Step 4: Fill the Donuts
Use a paring knife to cut a small hole in each donut.

Transfer the pastry cream to a piping bag, cut the tip, and fill each donut until the cream starts pushing out of the hole.

Refrigerate until ready to coat with sugar.

Step 5: Make the Caramelized Sugar Topping
In a skillet, mix sugar, water, and salt. Heat over medium-high, swirling gently (do not stir).

Once the sugar starts turning golden, remove from heat and let sit for 1 minute until it reaches a deep amber color.

Using tongs, dip the tops of the filled donuts into the caramel. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the sugar hardens.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sodium: 120 mg
Sugar: 30 g

Why You’ll Love These Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts

These Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts are a must-try for anyone who enjoys classic French pastries and comforting homemade donuts. Here’s why they stand out:

The Best of Both Worlds: Combines the silky custard of crème brûlée with the pillowy texture of yeast donuts.
No Deep Frying Required: Baking the donuts results in a lighter texture while still delivering bakery-style quality.
Delicate, Crisp Sugar Topping: The caramelized sugar creates a crunchy brûlée shell that perfectly contrasts the soft, creamy filling.
Rich and Velvety Pastry Cream: The vanilla-infused custard filling is silky, smooth, and packed with flavor.
Perfect for Special Occasions: These donuts are fancier than regular baked goods, making them ideal for brunch, birthdays, and holidays.

The Inspiration Behind Crème Brûlée Donuts

These donuts are inspired by two iconic desserts:

Crème Brûlée: A classic French custard dessert with a crisp, caramelized sugar topping.
Yeast Donuts: A soft, airy, and slightly chewy pastry, often filled with cream or jam.

By combining these two elements, you get a luxurious fusion that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Instead of using a standard glaze or powdered sugar, the donuts are dipped in caramelized sugar, creating an authentic brûlée crunch that mimics the texture of traditional crème brûlée.

Key Ingredients That Make These Donuts Irresistible

Each component in this recipe is carefully chosen to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures:

Yeast Dough: A soft and fluffy dough enriched with milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla for a rich taste.
Pastry Cream: A creamy custard made with milk, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch, infused with pure vanilla extract.
Caramelized Sugar Topping: A simple mix of granulated sugar and water, heated to create a thin, crisp shell.

Healthier Benefits of Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts

While these donuts are an indulgent treat, baking instead of frying makes them a bit lighter than traditional deep-fried donuts:

Lower in Fat: Baking eliminates the need for excess frying oil, reducing saturated fat content.
Protein-Rich Custard: The egg yolks and milk in the pastry cream provide protein and calcium.
Less Oil Absorption: Unlike fried donuts, baked donuts don’t absorb oil, making them less greasy but still delicious.

How to Serve Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, when the sugar topping is crisp, and the pastry cream is silky. Here are some great ways to serve them:

With Coffee or Espresso: The creamy filling and crisp caramelized top pair perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or cappuccino.
As a Brunch Showstopper: Arrange them on a platter for an elegant homemade brunch spread.
With Fresh Berries: Serve alongside strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fresh, fruity contrast.
Drizzled with Chocolate: For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle the donuts with melted dark chocolate before serving.

Creative Variations and Customizations

Want to experiment with flavors? Try these delicious variations:

Chocolate Crème Brûlée Donuts: Add melted chocolate or cocoa powder to the pastry cream for a chocolatey twist.
Caramel Espresso Donuts: Infuse the custard with espresso powder and drizzle with salted caramel for a bold coffee flavor.
Lemon Crème Brûlée Donuts: Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the custard for a refreshing citrus twist.
Almond Crème Brûlée Donuts: Stir in almond extract and garnish with toasted almond flakes for a nutty touch.

Tips for Making the Best Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts

For perfectly soft, flavorful, and bakery-style donuts, follow these expert tips:

Use High-Quality Vanilla: Since vanilla is the dominant flavor in the pastry cream, use pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for the best taste.
Knead the Dough Well: Kneading for at least 5-10 minutes develops gluten, creating a light and fluffy texture.
Let the Dough Rise Fully: A well-risen dough results in light, airy donuts with the perfect texture.
Caramelize the Sugar Properly: Heat the sugar until it reaches a deep amber color, but be careful not to burn it.
Use a Kitchen Torch for the Classic Brûlée Effect: Instead of dipping the donuts in caramel, sprinkle sugar on top and torch it for an even brûlée crust.

Best Drinks to Pair with Crème Brûlée Donuts

Pairing these donuts with the right drink enhances their luxurious flavors:

Café au Lait: A smooth coffee with steamed milk pairs beautifully with the rich pastry cream.
Vanilla Chai Latte: The warm spices of chai complement the vanilla and caramelized sugar topping.
Prosecco or Sparkling Wine: The light bubbles help balance the richness of the donuts.
Iced Caramel Macchiato: The sweet caramel and espresso notes bring out the deep flavors of the brûlée topping.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These donuts are best eaten fresh, but if you need to store them:

Refrigeration: Store filled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: You can freeze unfilled donuts for up to 1 month. Thaw and fill before serving.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore freshness.

Conclusion

Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts are the ultimate fusion of a classic French dessert and a soft, fluffy donut. With their silky pastry cream filling, caramelized sugar topping, and light, airy texture, they’re an elevated homemade treat that feels straight out of a high-end bakery.

Whether you’re making them for a brunch, a special occasion, or just because you love crème brûlée, these donuts deliver on flavor, texture, and presentation. Their perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and doughy goodness makes them a must-try for any baking enthusiast.

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