Crème Brûlée Donut Holes

Name: Crème Brûlée Donut Holes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing); Oil for frying

Posted on February 14, 2026

Delicious crème brûlée donut holes freshly baked and coated in caramelized sugar.

Dessert

The sun starts to peek through your kitchen window, casting a golden hue as the enticing aroma of fried dough fills the air. You inhale deeply, letting the sweet scent mingle with the promise of warm, delectable goodness about to emerge from your kitchen. Picture tiny, pillow-like doughnut holes, each one cradling a velvety custard filling, begging for attention. As you bring one close, a crackly shell of caramelized sugar glistens like edible jewelry, marvelously contrasting with their soft, tender exterior. The moment you take a bite, you experience a symphony of flavors — the rich creaminess of vanilla custard encased in a sweet, airy dough that gives way instantly, inviting you to savor every luscious moment.

Now imagine indulging in a summer afternoon treat, where each Crème Brûlée Donut Hole transports you to a quaint café in Paris. Not only are these delightful morsels visually tempting, but they also invite you to engage your senses fully. The exterior shatters elegantly under your bite, yielding to a creamy interior that feels like a hug on your palate. Whether you place them on a Sunday brunch table or serve them for a cozy evening dessert, these little gems create a joyfully sweet occasion and a moment worth cherishing.

Why You’ll Love This Crème Brûlée Donut Holes

These Crème Brûlée Donut Holes are more than just a pastry; they epitomize an experience that enchants both your taste buds and your heart. Imagine sharing these delectable treasures with friends and family. Each bite elicits gasps of delight, making them the centerpiece of any gathering, whether it’s an afternoon tea party, a birthday celebration, or simply a pampering treat for yourself.

With their enticing combination of textures — the crisp outside coupled with a luxurious custard filling — these donut holes stand out among traditional sweets. The undeniable richness of heavy cream melds flawlessly with the lightness of the dough, enveloping a sweet vanilla profile that dances elegantly on your tongue. Experience the thrill of creating something extraordinary that charms everyone, leaving them yearning for just one more!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Embarking on this culinary journey is an adventure that requires a few essential tools, each one contributing to the magic that will unfold.

Deep Fryer or Large Pot: A deep fryer gives you precise temperature control for frying, ensuring consistent results. If you opt for a pot, make sure it’s deep enough to safely accommodate the oil and donut holes.
Mixing Bowls: A set of large mixing bowls allows for the accurate combining of ingredients, ensuring a smooth batter for perfect texture.

Whisk and Spatula: A whisk is essential for blending ingredients effectively, while a spatula helps fold and scrape batter without losing any precious volume.
Kitchen Torch: This tool transforms the sugar coating into a stunning, crackly shell of caramelization, sealing in those decadent flavors.
Candy Thermometer: To achieve the perfect oil temperature and avoid greasy donut holes, a candy thermometer becomes an invaluable ally.

Preparing these delightful treats does require some patience, but it’s completely worth it! Take the time to gather all your tools and ingredients, and soak in the aromas as they begin to blend.

Ingredients for Crème Brûlée Donut Holes

To create these indulgent Crème Brûlée Donut Holes, you will need:

1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of your donut holes, providing structure and fluffiness.

1/4 cup sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough, creating a perfectly balanced flavor.
1/4 cup milk: Contributes to the moisture of the dough, ensuring it remains soft.
1/4 cup heavy cream: Elevates the flavor and richness of the custard for that crème brûlée feel.

2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together for a tender crumb.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting flavor profile.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Aids in leavening, helping your donuts rise while frying.

1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness beautifully.
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing): This is where the magic happens, becoming the iconic brûléed topping.
Oil for frying: Essential for that decadent golden brown finish.

Feel free to experiment with some substitutions, like using almond milk for a nutty twist or swapping in cake flour for a tender bite.

How to Make Crème Brûlée Donut Holes

Creating these little morsels of joy is a straightforward yet rewarding process. Follow these steps to yield perfect Crème Brûlée Donut Holes:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything blends seamlessly.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until you see a smooth batter form. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Heat oil in your deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Once the oil is hot, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil, frying in batches to avoid crowding. Cook each donut hole for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they become a glorious golden brown.

Remove the donut holes using a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel to soak up any extra oil.
After they cool slightly, fill each donut hole with the custard prepared separately (make sure to have this done ahead of time), using a piping bag or a squeeze bottle for precision.
Roll each filled donut hole in granulated sugar until generously coated.

Finally, using your kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar on top until it forms that coveted crackly shell.

Serve these enticing creations immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Chef’s Notes & Helpful Tips

Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare your custard the day before to save time and enhance flavor. Allow it to chill completely before filling the donuts.
Cooking Alternatives: If you prefer a lighter approach, you can bake these donut holes at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. They might not have the same crispy texture, but they will still be delicious!
Customization Ideas: Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a dash of warmth. You can even play with flavored extracts — a touch of almond or coconut can elevate the taste to new heights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Fryer: This leads to uneven cooking; ensure that each donut hole has space to fry properly.
Ignoring Oil Temperature: Too hot and they’ll burn quickly, too cool and they’ll absorb too much oil. Invest in a thermometer for best results.
Filling Too Early: Make sure each donut hole cools first to avoid a soggy mess from the custard reacting with warm dough.

What to Serve With Crème Brûlée Donut Holes

Pairing these delightful donut holes with the right accompaniments enhances the overall experience. Here are some ideas:

Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a refreshing tang that balances the sweetness.

Espresso or Coffee: The rich notes of coffee contrast beautifully with the creamy sweetness of the donuts.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream elevates the treat to new heights.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce can add another layer of decadence and flavor.

Caramel Sauce: For those who can’t resist, a quick drizzle of caramel on top adds a buttery richness.
Chopped Nuts: Pistachios or hazelnuts bring a lovely crunch and earthiness, making each bite more exciting.
Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or even salted caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert platter.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To enjoy these delights well beyond your initial baking day, implement proper storage methods:

Refrigerator: Keep filled donut holes in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 days for optimum freshness.

Freezer: Store unfilled donut holes in an airtight container for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw and fill with custard, then proceed with the sugar topping.
Reheating: Lightly reheat in a microwave for a few seconds, or toast briefly in an oven to regain their crispness before caramelizing the sugar.

Estimated Nutrition Information

While indulging in these’s may offer pure pleasure, it’s also good to mind your health. Approximately, each donut hole contains:

Calories: 120

Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Sodium: 60mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 0g

Sugars: 5g
Protein: 2g

(Note: Values may vary based on ingredient adjustments and portion sizes.)

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a store-bought custard instead of making my own?
Absolutely! A high-quality store-bought custard will save time and still deliver that rich flavor you’re craving.

Q2: What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
You can use your oven broiler to caramelize the sugar. Place the coated donut holes on a baking sheet and broil for just a minute or two, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Adjust any other ingredients as needed to maintain the balance.

Q4: What if I want to make them chocolate-flavored?
Add cocoa powder to your dry ingredients and consider filling with chocolate ganache for a double chocolate treat!

Q5: How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
Dropping a small amount of batter into the oil can help; if it sizzles and rises quickly, the oil is at the right temperature.

As you prepare to create these delightful Crème Brûlée Donut Holes, remember that each step is an invitation to indulge and enjoy the sweet moments of life. The satisfaction of biting into a perfectly cooked donut hole filled with creamy goodness is unparalleled. Treat yourself — and those you love — to a batch today. With every bite, you’ll find not just flavor but warmth and joy, making this recipe an irresistible addition to your culinary repertoire.