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Crème Brûlée Heart Donuts Recipe

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These Crème Brûlée Heart Donuts combine the classic French dessert flavor with a delightful fried pastry. Soft, fluffy donuts are filled with a rich vanilla custard and topped with a crisp layer of caramelized sugar for a decadent treat perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Donuts:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Oil for frying

For the Custard Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar for caramelizing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Custard Filling: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it simmers gently. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and ¼ cup sugar until pale and thick. Slowly pour the hot cream into the yolks while whisking continuously to temper the eggs. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool, then refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
  3. Shape the Donuts: Roll the dough out to about ½ inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out donuts. Place them on a floured baking sheet and let them rest for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Fry the Donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  5. Fill the Donuts: Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, fill each donut with the chilled custard filling by inserting the tip and gently squeezing the custard inside.
  6. Caramelize the Topping: Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over each filled donut. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden-brown crust reminiscent of classic crème brûlée.
  7. Serve: Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a minute, then serve immediately for the best texture contrast.

Notes

  • Make sure the custard filling is fully chilled before filling the donuts to prevent leakage.
  • You can substitute vegetable oil for frying if preferred.
  • Use a reliable kitchen torch for even caramelization; if unavailable, broil briefly but watch closely.
  • Donuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made.
  • Handle the caramelized sugar topping carefully to avoid burns.

Find it online: https://amandafood.com/creme-brulee-heart-donuts-recipe/