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Crème Brûlée Heart Donuts Recipe

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4.6 from 90 reviews

Crème Brûlée Heart Donuts combine the rich, creamy custard filling of classic crème brûlée with the light, fluffy texture of fried heart-shaped donuts. These decadent treats feature a golden caramelized sugar topping that adds a satisfying crunch, making them a perfect indulgent dessert or special breakfast delight.

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 (vegetable or canola recommended)

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 Donut Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
  2. Shape the Donuts: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the donuts, then set them aside on a baking sheet.
  3. Fry the Donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the heart-shaped donuts in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove donuts and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  4. Make the Custard Filling: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale and thick. Slowly pour the hot cream into the yolk mixture while continuously whisking to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (around 170°F/77°C). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let custard cool completely, then refrigerate until ready to use.
  5. Fill the Donuts: Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, fill the cooled custard into each donut by inserting the tip into the side or center of the donut and squeezing gently until filled.
  6. Caramelize the Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the filled donuts. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar by moving the flame in small circles until the sugar melts and forms a crispy, golden crust, similar to crème brûlée.
  7. Serve: Allow the caramelized sugar to harden briefly before serving. Enjoy these rich, creamy, and crispy crème brûlée heart donuts fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Be careful when frying to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure even cooking without excessive oil absorption.
  • Tempering the eggs properly when making the custard is crucial to prevent scrambling.
  • Use a kitchen torch for best results when caramelizing the sugar; an oven broiler can be used but watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Donuts are best eaten fresh but the custard-filled donuts can be refrigerated and caramelized just before serving.
  • You can substitute vanilla extract with vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor.

Keywords: Crème Brûlée, Heart Donuts, Custard-filled Donuts, Fried Donuts, Caramelized Sugar Topping, Dessert Donuts

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