Oh, my friends, get ready to have your taste buds dance! I’m super excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes today: **Crème Brûlée Donuts**! If you’ve ever had the heavenly experience of a rich crème brûlée—creamy, smooth, and topped with that satisfying crackly sugar layer—you’re going to adore these donuts.
These fluffy delights hold the spirit of traditional crème brûlée in each bite, and I can’t help but think of the first time my friend and I attempted to bring together two of our guilty pleasures: donuts and crème brûlée. Picture us, flour dust everywhere, gleefully whipping up batter like our lives depended on it. The sweet smell that filled our kitchen as they fried was nothing short of magical! Every bite is like a cozy hug wrapped in sweetness.
So, let’s dive in! Here’s how to create this delicious treat that will impress your family and friends and satisfy that sweet tooth.
What’s in Crème Brûlée Donuts?
All-purpose flour: This is the base of our donuts, giving them their fluffy texture. I usually opt for a good quality brand—nothing beats the classics!
Granulated sugar: We’ll use it in the batter and also to create that irresistible brûlée crust. It adds sweetness and a delightful crunch once caramelized.
Baking powder: This little powerhouse helps our donuts rise to fluffy perfection.
Salt: Just a pinch helps to balance the sweetness, bringing all the flavors alive!
Whole milk: It adds moisture and richness to the batter. Don’t skimp here; go for whole milk for the best result!
Unsalted butter: Nothing like the rich flavor of butter to help our donuts achieve that heavenly taste.
Eggs: These are structural heroes, giving our donuts body and richness.
Vanilla extract: Because life is too short for anything less than fabulous flavor! I prefer pure vanilla extract for its depth.
Vegetable oil: This is what we’ll use for frying these beauties. I like to use oils that can withstand high temperatures without smoking.
Heavy cream: The creamy filling that gives these donuts their signature crème brûlée vibes! It whips up beautifully.
Powdered sugar: This is our finishing touch, adding a sprinkle of elegance when dusted over the top before serving.
Is Crème Brûlée Donuts Good for You?
Now, let’s chat a bit about the health aspect. Are these donuts a health food? Well, not exactly! They are a delightful indulgence perfect for special occasions or when you need a little pick-me-up.
Heavy cream: While it makes the filling beautifully rich, heavy cream is also high in calories and fat. But hey, we’re in it for the flavor!
All-purpose flour and sugar: They provide the deliciousness, but they do come with a side of carbs and calories. Moderation is key!
If you’re looking to make a slightly healthier version, you could explore using alternative sweeteners or even whole-wheat flour. But let’s be honest; sometimes you just need to treat yourself!
Ingredients for Crème Brûlée Donuts
This recipe serves about 12 fabulous donuts. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tbsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
How to Make Crème Brûlée Donuts?
Ready to bring these heavenly donuts to life? Here we go!
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is blended together nicely.
3. Now, pour those lovely wet ingredients into the dry mix and gently stir until just combined. We want the donuts fluffy, so remember—no overmixing!
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. With a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop batter into the hot oil, frying a few at a time until they’re golden brown all over—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove them and let them drain on some paper towels.
6. To make that rich crème brûlée filling, whip the heavy cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. We want it to be light and airy!
7. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, grab a piping bag (or a sandwich bag with a corner snipped off) and fill each donut generously with the whipped cream mixture.
8. Now for the fun part—sprinkle 1/4 cup of granulated sugar evenly over the filled donuts. Using a kitchen torch (or broiler if you don’t have a torch), carefully caramelize the sugar until it’s golden and crispy. Step back and admire that shiny topping!
9. Allow the donuts to cool a tad before giving them a light dusting with powdered sugar.
10. Serve those babies warm and enjoy every last bite!
Sweet Tips for Getting It Just Right!
Before you dive in, here are a few extra tips!
– Make sure to use a high-quality kitchen torch for the best results when caramelizing the sugar—it makes all the difference!
– These donuts are best enjoyed immediately, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to a day. When you’re ready to indulge again, give them a gentle reheat in the oven to restore that freshly fried goodness.
– Feel free to experiment with flavor! You could add a hint of orange zest to the whipped cream for a citrus twist that pairs beautifully with the crème brûlée flavor.
I can’t wait for you to try these Crème Brûlée Donuts! I promise you’ll be amazed by how deliciously decadent they are. Be sure to share your own adventures in the kitchen with me—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Enjoy!
