If you’re dreaming of donuts with a creamy twist, these Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts are for you! They are soft and fluffy, topped with a crunchy caramel layer that looks just like the classic dessert.
Who doesn’t love the sound of crackly sugar on top? I always find it hard to stop at just one! 🍩 A quick bake in the oven, and you have a fun treat that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your donuts. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour blend or oat flour. They may change the texture slightly, but they can still work well!
Melted Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to the flavor. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or even use vegetable oil in a pinch. Just note that it may slightly alter the flavor.
Heavy Cream: It gives a luxurious texture to the filling. If you want to reduce calories, you can swap it with half-and-half or a lighter cream, though the texture may be less velvety. You can also use whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Vanilla Pudding: Store-bought is super convenient, but homemade can add a special touch! If you need a different flavor, consider using chocolate pudding or custard. It’s fun to experiment!
Brown Sugar: This adds a nice caramel flavor on top. If you prefer, you can use regular granulated sugar or even coconut sugar for a healthier touch, though it won’t have the same richness.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crust on Your Donuts?
Getting a nice caramelized top is key to that crème brûlée donut experience! Here’s how to do it right:
- After filling your donuts, sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar evenly on top. Less is more here; too much sugar can burn easily.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar. Hold the torch a few inches above the donuts and move it in small circles until the sugar melts and bubbles.
- Keep a close eye! Sugar can quickly go from perfect to burnt. Once you see a beautiful golden color, stop!
Let the donuts cool briefly after caramelizing, and enjoy that delightful crack when you take a bite!
How to Make Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 2 tbsp sugar (for brûlée topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and bake the donuts, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for cooling and assembling. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes to 1 hour for a delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a donut pan to ensure your donuts come out easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s all well mixed. This helps your donuts rise nicely!
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until everything is just combined—don’t worry if it’s a bit lumpy; overmixing can make the donuts tough!
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Now it’s time to fill the donut pan! Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each donut mold about halfway with the batter. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. The donuts should be lightly golden when they’re done, and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted.
6. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Filling:
While the donuts are cooling, whip the heavy cream in a bowl until soft peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the vanilla pudding to create a light and airy filling.
8. Fill the Donuts:
After the donuts are completely cool, use a piping bag fitted with a nozzle to fill each donut with the creamy vanilla filling. Take your time to ensure each donut is nicely stuffed!
9. Caramelize the Topping:
Take the filled donuts and sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar on top of each one. If you have a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a crispy, glass-like crust on top of the donuts—this is what makes them extra special!
10. Serve:
Let the donuts cool for a minute after caramelizing the sugar, then serve immediately while they’re fresh and warm. Enjoy your delightful Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts!
Can I Substitute the Milk with a Non-Dairy Alternative?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk as a substitute for regular milk. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened version to keep the flavor balanced, and remember that different non-dairy milks may slightly alter the texture, so keep an eye on the mixing consistency!
Can I Use Other Types of Sugar for Topping?
Sure! While brown sugar gives a lovely caramel flavor, you can also use white granulated sugar or even coconut sugar for a different taste. If you’re looking for a more health-conscious option, try using a sugar substitute that can caramelize. Just be aware that some may not achieve that perfect brûlée texture!
How to Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be aware that the caramelized sugar may lose its crispness once stored.
Can I Make These Donuts Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare and bake the donuts a day ahead, and store them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, whip the cream filling and caramelize the tops just before serving to keep that delightful texture and taste fresh!
