If you love the rich, creamy decadence of crème brûlée but want a fun, handheld twist, these Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts are your new favorite dessert. They’re tender and airy, baked instead of fried for a lighter texture, and topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust that gives you that classic brûlée crunch in every bite.
Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special treat, these donuts combine the best of custard and pastry with a stunning finish. Plus, they’re easy to make at home with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.
Ingredients (Makes 8 Donuts)
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a donut pan or spray with nonstick spray.
2. Make the Donut Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix.
3. Fill the Donut Pan
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling about ¾ full.
4. Bake
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow donuts to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
5. Caramelize the Tops
- Once the donuts are completely cool, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar on top of each donut.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a crispy, golden crust.
- If you don’t have a torch, place the donuts under a broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Nutrition Facts (Per Donut)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
Note: Nutrition varies depending on size and toppings.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a torch for best brûlée: It gives you control over caramelization without heating the whole donut.
- Don’t overbake: The donuts should be soft and tender, not dry.
- Flavor variations: Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) to the batter for a fresh twist.
- Make ahead: Bake the donuts ahead, store in an airtight container, then brûlée just before serving.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Something Special from Me ????✨
I love how these baked crème brûlée donuts marry the richness of custard with the fun, hand-held nature of donuts. They’re perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself without the mess of frying. Plus, the crackly caramelized sugar top adds a touch of elegance that’s sure to wow.
Here’s a fun idea — serve them alongside a rich espresso or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels straight out of a Parisian café.
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