Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts are a decadent twist on the classic French dessert, combining the rich flavors of crème brûlée with the delightful texture of a fluffy, baked donut. Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden-brown donut, dusted with caramelized sugar that crackles with each bite, revealing a creamy custard filling inside.
To start, picture a perfectly baked donut—soft and airy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, achieved without the need for deep frying. This healthier baking method allows the flavors of the donut to shine through while maintaining a light and fluffy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Now, envision the crème brûlée custard filling—a luxurious blend of egg yolks, cream, vanilla bean or extract, and a hint of sugar, gently cooked until thick and velvety. This luscious custard is piped into the center of each cooled donut, filling it with a burst of creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the subtle crunch of the caramelized sugar topping.
Speaking of the topping, imagine a thin layer of granulated sugar sprinkled generously on top of each donut. With a quick pass under a broiler or a kitchen torch, the sugar caramelizes and forms a crispy, golden crust that shatters with each bite, reminiscent of the classic burnt sugar topping of traditional crème brûlée.
The aroma that fills the kitchen is simply irresistible—a tantalizing blend of vanilla, caramel, and baked goodness that promises a truly indulgent treat. It’s a scent that beckons you to savor every moment of anticipation before taking that first, satisfying bite.
Visually, Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts are a feast for the eyes—each donut adorned with a glistening caramelized top that begs to be cracked open, revealing the creamy custard within. The contrast of textures and colors makes them not only a delight to eat but also a joy to behold.
Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee for breakfast, served as a decadent dessert at brunch, or simply as a delightful treat any time of day, Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts offer a unique and memorable culinary experience. They embody the essence of indulgence, combining the familiar comfort of a donut with the luxurious flavors of crème brûlée, making them a must-try for any dessert enthusiast.
Ingredients
For the donuts:
- • 2 cups all-purpose flour
- • 2 teaspoons baking powder
- • 1/2 teaspoon salt
- • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- • 1/2 cup milk
- • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- • 2 large eggs
- • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crème Brûlée topping:
- • 1 cup heavy cream
- • 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- • 4 large egg yolks
- • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine sugar, milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix.
3. Fill donut pan cavities 3/4 full and bake 12-15 minutes. Let cool.
4. Heat cream and vanilla in a saucepan until boiling. Remove from heat and let sit 10 minutes. Remove vanilla pod.
5. Whisk egg yolks and sugar together. Add hot cream gradually, whisking. Simmer until thickened. Let cool.
6. Top donuts with crème brûlée mixture. Sprinkle with sugar and caramelize with a kitchen torch.