Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can! While frying gives that classic golden texture, baking the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes works well. Brush with butter after baking to mimic the richness of a fried dough. Then cool, fill, and brûlée as usual.

How do I prevent the custard from curdling or clumping?

Keep the heat medium to low and whisk constantly when cooking your pastry cream. Temper your eggs properly by slowly adding hot milk to the yolk mixture before combining everything. Strain the finished custard through a fine mesh sieve for a silky texture.

What’s the best sugar to use for the brûlée topping?

Granulated white sugar is your best bet for a crisp, glass-like finish that caramelizes evenly under a torch. Avoid powdered sugar (it burns) and use caution with brown sugar or turbinado — they require more precision and may burn faster.

Do I need a blowtorch, or can I use a broiler?

A kitchen blowtorch gives the best control and results — direct heat caramelizes the sugar quickly without warming the custard. If you don’t have one, place the sugared donuts under a very hot broiler for 10–20 seconds , watching closely.

How do they get the crunchy sugar topping?

The signature brûlée effect is created by sprinkling granulated sugar on top of the filled donut and torching it with a butane kitchen torch. This caramelizes the sugar, forming a golden, glassy shell that cracks just like the top of traditional crème brûlée.

Can I make crème brûlée donuts without a torch?

Yes — but results vary. You can place the sugar-coated donut under a preheated broiler for a few seconds to melt the sugar. However, a torch offers more control , better caramelization, and less risk of overheating the custard or dough. For best results, invest in a culinary torch — they’re widely available and useful for more than just crème brûlée donuts .

Does Krispy Kreme or Dunkin' offer crème brûlée donuts?

Occasionally. Krispy Kreme has released crème brûlée donuts as a limited edition item, usually around holidays or during specialty promotions. Dunkin’ Donuts has offered custard-filled donuts, but rarely with an authentic brûléed top. For the real deal — and total control over ingredients — homemade crème brûlée donuts are your best bet.

7 Heavenly Crème Brûlée Donuts You’ll Want to Devour Now

Description

Crème brûlée donuts are filled with silky vanilla custard and topped with a caramelized sugar crust. A French-inspired gourmet donut made at home!

Ingredients

Scale

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
¾ cup warm whole milk
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)

For the Custard Filling:

2 cups whole milk
5 egg yolks
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
1 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramelized Topping:

Extra granulated sugar for brûlée (about ½ cup)

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Instructions

Bloom yeast in warm milk and sugar.
Mix eggs, flour, salt, and butter to form dough.
Let rise in warm place for 1-2 hours.
Roll out dough and cut circles.
Let rest, then fry until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
Whisk yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
Heat milk and temper yolks.
Thicken on stove, then add butter & vanilla.
Chill until thick.
Use piping bag to fill donuts with custard.
Dip tops in sugar, torch to crisp.

Prep Time: 2 hours (includes rising & chilling)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Deep-fried
Cuisine: French-American Fusion