Discover how to make Heavenly Crème Brûlée Donut Holes with a creamy custard center and caramelized sugar crust. Perfect snack to impress your guests.
Heavenly Crème Brûlée Donut Holes
If you love the creamy, rich flavor of classic French crème brûlée but want a convenient finger food version, these Heavenly Crème Brûlée Donut Holes are exactly what you need. With a luscious custard center wrapped in lightly fried dough and finished with a caramelized sugar crust, they are a perfect snack or dessert to share.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe combines the smooth custard of a crème brûlée with the fun of bite-sized donut holes. Each round bite delivers creamy, sweet custard inside and a crispy, caramelized sugar topping outside. Plus, they’re easy to make at home without fancy equipment. Whether for parties, snacks, or a unique dessert, these donut holes impress every time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk (can substitute with almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (use coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for lower glycemic index)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free blend works too)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for caramelizing
- Vegetable oil for frying (can use canola or sunflower oil)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a saucepan, warm the milk, heavy cream, and sugar over medium heat until it begins to steam but not boil.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly pour in the warm milk mixture, whisking continuously to temper the yolks.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat while stirring until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove and let cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour the cooled custard into the dry ingredients and gently mix to form a soft dough.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to about 350°F (175°C). Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop dough balls into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove donut holes with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, sprinkle tops evenly with granulated sugar and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until crisp and golden.
Enjoy these heavenly treats warm or at room temperature!
Expert Tips
Make sure your custard is fully cooled before mixing with dry ingredients to prevent tough dough. Use a candy thermometer for accurate oil temperature. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, briefly place the sugared donut holes under a hot broiler to caramelize sugar, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Storage
Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 4 days. Do not freeze after caramelizing sugar as texture changes; instead, freeze before caramelizing and torch sugar just before serving.
Variations
- Vegan: Substitute egg yolks with silken tofu blended smooth and use plant-based milk and cream alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Swap milk and cream with coconut milk and coconut cream.
- Sugar-Free: Use erythritol or monk fruit sweetener suitable for caramelizing as a replacement for granulated sugar.
FAQ
- What makes these Heavenly Crème Brûlée Donut Holes different from regular donut holes?
- These donut holes feature a creamy custard center inspired by crème brûlée, finished with a caramelized sugar crust, offering a unique texture and flavor contrast.
- Can I make the custard filling ahead of time?
- Yes, prepare the custard up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until making the dough.
- How do I know when the oil temperature is right for frying?
- The oil should be around 350°F for perfect frying. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor it.
- Can I use a different sugar for caramelizing?
- Granulated white sugar works best for a crisp, classic brûlée crust, but cane sugar is also a good option.
- Are these Heavenly Crème Brûlée Donut Holes suitable for kids?
- Yes, they’re safe and delicious for kids, but adult supervision is advised when frying and using the kitchen torch.
Call to Action
Try making these Heavenly Crème Brûlée Donut Holes soon and share your experience! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and save it for your next gathering. Don’t forget to explore more snack recipes like Easy Weeknight Dinners or check out tips on dessert cooking at Food Network. Enjoy every bite!
