Crème Brûlée Heart Donuts combine the elegance of crème brûlée with the fluffy, delightful texture of donuts. These heart-shaped treats are filled with rich vanilla custard, topped with a caramelized sugar crust, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or celebrating any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two classic desserts—crème brûlée and donuts—into one indulgent treat.
- The caramelized sugar topping adds a satisfying crunch.
- Heart-shaped design makes them ideal for Valentine’s Day or romantic occasions.
- Homemade custard filling ensures a creamy, rich interior.
- Easy to customize with different flavors or shapes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Donuts:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Instant yeast
- Salt
- Warm milk
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Custard Filling:
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolks
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla bean or extract
For the Topping:
- Granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Directions
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Warm the milk and butter until melted. Add the milk mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix and knead until a soft dough forms.
- Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Make the Custard Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, heat milk and cream over medium heat until steaming (do not boil).
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened. Stir in vanilla.
- Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressed directly on the surface), and refrigerate until chilled.
Shape and Fry the Donuts:
- Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness and use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out shapes. Place the hearts on a lined baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and let cool.
Fill and Top the Donuts:
- Use a piping bag with a round tip to fill each donut with the chilled custard. Insert the tip into the side or bottom of the donut and pipe in the filling.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar over the tops of the filled donuts. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12 heart-shaped donuts
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: About 3 hours
Variations
- Chocolate Crème Brûlée Donuts: Add cocoa powder to the custard for a chocolate twist.
- Citrus Burst: Infuse the custard with orange or lemon zest for a tangy flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough.
- Baked Donuts: Bake the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of frying for a lighter option.
- Coffee Custard: Replace some of the milk in the custard with brewed coffee for a mocha-inspired filling.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store unfilled donuts at room temperature for 1 day or filled donuts in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Enjoy the donuts cold or lightly warm them in the microwave (without the caramelized sugar).
FAQs
Can I bake the donuts instead of frying?
Yes, bake the heart-shaped donuts at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking when cutting shapes?
Lightly flour the cutter before each cut to prevent sticking.
What’s the best way to caramelize the sugar?
Use a kitchen torch for even caramelization. Avoid using the oven broiler as it may melt the custard.
Can I make the custard in advance?
Yes, prepare the custard up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
Can I use store-bought custard?
Absolutely! It’s a convenient shortcut if you’re short on time.
How do I ensure the donuts are evenly fried?
Fry in small batches and flip the donuts halfway through cooking for even browning.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk, butter, and egg alternatives for the dough and custard. Use coconut cream for a rich filling.
Why isn’t my sugar caramelizing properly?
Ensure the sugar is evenly spread and use a kitchen torch at a consistent distance for even heat.
Can I use different shapes for the donuts?
Yes, feel free to use round or other festive cutters to suit the occasion.
How do I store leftover donuts?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for the best flavor.
Conclusion
Crème Brûlée Heart Donuts are the ultimate combination of two decadent desserts. With their fluffy, fried dough, creamy vanilla custard filling, and crunchy caramelized sugar topping, they’re a showstopper for any celebration. Try out the variations or create your own spin on this delightful treat, and enjoy the sweet indulgence of homemade donuts!
PrintCrème Brûlée Heart Donuts
These Crème Brûlée Heart Donuts combine the best of two worlds: soft, fluffy donuts with a creamy custard filling and a crisp caramelized sugar topping. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any romantic occasion, these heart-shaped treats are as stunning as they are delicious.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Custard Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Custard Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, heat milk and cream over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Shape and Fry the Donuts:
- Roll out the dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts. Place the hearts on a floured surface, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
4. Fill the Donuts:
- Using a piping bag with a round tip, fill the donuts with the prepared custard by inserting the tip into the side of each donut.
5. Caramelize the Sugar:
- Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the top of each donut. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the caramelized sugar cool slightly to harden, then serve fresh.
Notes
- To make it easier to fill the donuts, ensure the custard is well chilled.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, broil the donuts on high for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the sugar, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.