Name: Baked Crème Brûlée Doughnuts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping); 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; ¼ cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup heavy cream; ¾ cup milk (for custard); 3 large egg yolks; 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Craving a bakery-style treat you can make at home? Imagine a fluffy baked doughnut filled with silky custard and topped with a shatteringly crisp caramelized sugar layer. These Baked Crème Brûlée Doughnuts are an irresistible mashup of two dessert icons: classic crème brûlée and soft, airy doughnuts. Every bite offers creamy richness balanced by the crackle of caramel—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for brunch, afternoon coffee, or a special dessert, these doughnuts deliver elegance without the fuss of frying. And the best part? You don’t need a blowtorch (though it helps if you have one!). Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this showstopper at home.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create these gorgeous doughnuts, you’ll need a doughnut pan—it’s essential for getting that signature shape without frying. A hand mixer or stand mixer helps achieve a smooth custard and fluffy batter. A fine-mesh sieve ensures the custard filling is silky, while a kitchen torch or broiler caramelizes the sugar topping to perfection. Finally, a piping bag makes filling the doughnuts neat and easy.

Each tool plays a role: the pan shapes, the mixer aerates, the sieve refines, the torch caramelizes, and the piping bag transforms your bake into something bakery-worthy. With everything ready, you’ll breeze through the process!

Ingredients for the Baked Crème Brûlée Doughnuts

All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the doughnuts, keeping them light but sturdy.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the doughnut batter and creates the signature caramelized topping.
Baking powder: Ensures a soft, fluffy rise.
Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens flavors.
Eggs: Add richness and help bind the batter.
Milk: Moistens the batter and enriches the custard filling.
Butter: Gives a tender crumb and buttery flavor.
Vanilla extract: Infuses both doughnut and custard with aromatic warmth.
Heavy cream: Essential for the creamy, luxurious custard.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard filling smoothly.

How To Make the Baked Crème Brûlée Doughnuts

Step 1: Prepare the Doughnut Batter

Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, mix eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth, then pipe into greased doughnut pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, until golden.

Step 2: Make the Custard Filling

Heat milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan. Separately, whisk egg yolks and cornstarch. Slowly temper the hot mixture into the yolks, then return to the pot, whisking over medium heat until thickened. Strain through a sieve and cool completely.

Step 3: Fill the Doughnuts

Once doughnuts are cooled, use a small knife or piping tip to create a cavity. Pipe the chilled custard into the centers, filling generously.

Step 4: Caramelize the Tops

Sprinkle a layer of sugar over the top of each doughnut. Using a kitchen torch (or under a broiler), caramelize the sugar until it melts and hardens into a crisp, glassy top.

Serving and Storing Baked Crème Brûlée Doughnuts

Serve these doughnuts fresh on the day they’re made, ideally within a few hours of caramelizing the tops to enjoy the full crackly effect. Pair them with coffee, tea, or even a glass of sparkling wine for an indulgent dessert moment.

For storing, keep unfilled doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Once filled, store them in the refrigerator, but note the caramel topping may soften. For best texture, caramelize just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I caramelize the tops without a torch?

Use your oven’s broiler. Place sugared doughnuts under the broiler for a minute or two, watching closely to avoid burning.

Can I make the custard in advance?

Absolutely! Make it up to two days ahead and store in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent skin.

What if I don’t have a doughnut pan?

You can bake the batter in muffin tins or mini bundt pans, though shapes will vary.

Can I freeze these doughnuts?

Unfilled doughnuts freeze well for up to a month. Thaw, fill, and caramelize when ready to serve.

Why is my custard lumpy?

It’s likely overheated or not whisked enough. Always strain it through a fine sieve for silky results.

Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you love inventive desserts, you might also enjoy the Cinnamon Donut Bread for a cozy loaf cake vibe or the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for creamy, spiced indulgence.

For fruit-lovers, try the Irresistible Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes bursting with tangy-sweet flavor. Or explore the Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes for a gooey, nostalgic twist. And if you’re into easy no-bakes, the No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake is a must-try.

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When you make these Baked Crème Brûlée Doughnuts, leave a comment below and share how they turned out. Did you go classic or put your own spin on the filling? For more delicious creations, visit my Pinterest at LadyPlate—I share daily recipes you’ll love!

Baked Crème Brûlée Doughnuts

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 doughnuts

Print Recipe

Description

Baked Crème Brûlée Doughnuts combine fluffy baked doughnuts, silky vanilla custard filling, and a crisp caramelized sugar top. This recipe transforms a classic French dessert into an irresistible, bakery-worthy treat you can make at home.