Delicious Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts with Caramelized Sugar Crust

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
  8. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth and pale.
  9. Gradually pour the hot cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
  10. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 2-3 minutes). Do not boil.
  11. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  12. Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the crème brûlée custard mixture. Allow excess custard to drip off before placing them back on the wire rack.
  13. Sprinkle the tops of the donuts evenly with granulated sugar.
  14. Using a kitchen torch, carefully torch the sugar on top of each donut until caramelized and golden.
  15. Let the caramelized sugar cool and harden before serving.
  16. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
  17. Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 12 donuts

FAQs:

  1. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
    • While a donut pan is ideal for shaping these baked donuts, you can use a muffin tin instead. Simply shape the dough into rounds and place them in the muffin cups. Adjust the baking time as needed.
  2. How do I achieve the caramelized sugar crust on top of the donuts?
    • To achieve the signature caramelized sugar crust of crème brûlée, sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the tops of the cooled donuts. Use a culinary torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden crust. Alternatively, place the donuts under a broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  3. What kind of custard filling works best for these donuts?
    • A rich and creamy custard filling, similar to traditional crème brûlée, works best. You can make a custard filling using egg yolks, sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract. Fill the donuts using a piping bag with a narrow tip inserted into the side.
  4. Can I prepare the donuts ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can bake the donuts ahead of time and store them unfilled and unglazed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Fill and glaze them just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
  5. How should I store leftover crème brûlée donuts?
    • Store leftover crème brûlée donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2-3 days. To retain the crispness of the caramelized sugar crust, store them unfilled and unglazed, and finish them with sugar and torching just before serving.

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