Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines the best of both worlds—creamy, indulgent pastry cream and the satisfying crunch of caramelized sugar—then these Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts are just what you need. Perfect for a special occasion or just a weekend indulgence, these donuts are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

Pastry Cream Filling

• 1 & 1/2 cups (360mL) milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Yeast Donuts

• 3/4 cup (180mL) lukewarm milk (around 110°F)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, divided
• 2 & 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant or active dry yeast
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3 to 4 cups (360g to 480g) all-purpose flour, spoon and leveled
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Sugar Topping

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60mL) water

Directions

1. Make the Pastry Cream Filling

1. Heat the Milk: In a saucepot, heat the milk until it is steaming but not boiling.
2. Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Combine and Cook: Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepot and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
4. Finish the Cream: Remove from heat, stir in the butter and vanilla extract, then transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming and chill in the refrigerator.

2. Make the Donut Dough

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm milk with half of the granulated sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the yeast mixture, stirring until combined.
3. Form the Dough: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Donuts: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes. Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Second Rise: Cover the donuts with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

3. Bake the Donuts

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Bake the donuts for about 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

4. Fill the Donuts

1. Prepare for Filling: Once the donuts have cooled, use a small knife to make a hole in the side of each donut.
2. Fill: Using a piping bag fitted with a small tip, fill each donut with the chilled pastry cream.

5. Make the Sugar Topping

1. Caramelize the Sugar: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
2. Dip the Donuts: Carefully dip the tops of the filled donuts into the caramelized sugar. Place them on a wire rack to let the sugar harden.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Calories: 310 per donut
• Servings: 12 donuts

Enjoy your homemade Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts! They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the creamy filling and the crunchy, caramelized topping. Happy baking!