Indulge in the perfect fusion of classic French elegance and comforting donut goodness with these Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts. Featuring a tender, airy donut base topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar crust, this dessert offers the best of both worlds—the creamy richness of crème brûlée and the satisfying bite of a baked donut. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these treats will elevate your dessert game to delicious new heights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Decadent & Light: Creamy custard-inspired donuts without the heaviness of frying.
Irresistible Crunch: The signature caramelized sugar topping adds a delightful crisp.
Perfectly Portable: Enjoy the elegance of crème brûlée in a fun, handheld form.
Easy to Bake: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible.
Show-Stopping Dessert: Impress guests or treat yourself to a gourmet sweet anytime!
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
To create these delightful Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to form a delicious treat.
Here’s what you’ll need:
All-purpose flour: The base of your donuts, providing structure and a soft texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create that lovely caramelized topping.
Baking powder: This leavening agent gives the donuts their fluffy rise.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice that complements the vanilla.
Whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and contributes to a tender crumb.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Unsalted butter: Melted for a rich flavor and moist texture.
Vanilla extract: The star flavor that brings everything together, making it taste like crème brûlée.
Heavy cream: Whipped to top the donuts, adding a luxurious touch.
Brown sugar: Used for the topping, it caramelizes beautifully for that signature crunch.
Feel free to get creative!
For a chocolate twist, consider adding cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
If you’re in the mood for something fruity, fresh berries make a delightful addition before the whipped cream and brown sugar.
Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts
Making Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts is a delightful journey that’s as simple as it is rewarding.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring these sweet treats in no time!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
While it warms up, lightly grease your donut pan to ensure easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
This blend creates the perfect base for your donuts, ensuring they rise beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the whole milk, large egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract.
This mixture adds moisture and flavor, making your donuts irresistibly soft.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Gently mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make your donuts tough.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Bake your donuts for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden.
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, signaling they’re ready.
Step 7: Cool the Donuts
Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for the perfect texture.
Step 8: Prepare the Topping
While the donuts cool, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
This fluffy topping will add a luxurious finish to your donuts.
Step 9: Assemble the Donuts
Once the donuts are cool, spread a thin layer of whipped cream on top of each one.
Sprinkle a teaspoon of brown sugar evenly over the whipped cream.
Now, using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the brown sugar until it forms a crispy crust.
If you don’t have a torch, you can place the donuts under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Enjoy your Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts immediately for the best texture and flavor!
Tips for Success
Measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay!
Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour.
Let the donuts cool completely before adding the whipped cream and brown sugar.
Experiment with toppings like chocolate or fresh fruit for a unique twist.
Equipment Needed
Donut pan: Essential for shaping your donuts; a muffin tin can work in a pinch.
Mixing bowls: Use at least two for wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly; a fork can suffice.
Kitchen torch: Ideal for caramelizing sugar; broiler works too.
Wire rack: Helps cool donuts evenly; a plate can be a temporary substitute.
Variations
Chocolate Crème Brûlée Donuts: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate flavor.
Fruit-Infused Donuts: Top with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries before adding whipped cream for a fruity twist.
Maple Pecan Donuts: Substitute maple syrup for granulated sugar and add chopped pecans to the batter for a nutty crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these donuts suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based milk and butter for a vegan-friendly treat.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte for a delightful breakfast.
Serve with a side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, to add a refreshing contrast.
For a special touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant presentation.
FAQs about Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts
Can I make Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the donuts a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, add the whipped cream and caramelized sugar topping for that fresh taste.
What can I use instead of a kitchen torch?
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, don’t worry! You can place the donuts under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
How do I store leftover donuts?
Store any leftover Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best enjoyed within a couple of days, but you can reheat them slightly in the microwave for a warm treat.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the baked donuts! Just make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
What are some creative toppings for these donuts?
Get creative! You can top your Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts with chocolate ganache, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. The possibilities are endless!
Final Thoughts
Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience that brings joy to any occasion.
The combination of soft, fluffy donuts with that satisfying caramelized sugar topping creates a symphony of textures and flavors.
Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging solo, each bite is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life.
This recipe is a testament to how easy it can be to elevate your baking game.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let these donuts bring a little sweetness to your day!
Delicious baked donuts inspired by the classic dessert crème brûlée, featuring a crispy caramelized sugar topping.
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup whole milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the donuts cool, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Once the donuts are cool, spread a thin layer of whipped cream on top of each donut.
Sprinkle a teaspoon of brown sugar evenly over the whipped cream.
Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the brown sugar until it forms a crispy crust. Alternatively, place the donuts under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
For a chocolate twist, add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
For a fruitier option, top the donuts with fresh berries before adding the whipped cream and brown sugar.
