Description
Romantic Creme Brulee Heart Donuts capture culinary passion with French-inspired elegance. Sweet pastry hearts caramelize with creamy custard, promising delightful indulgence you’ll savor with each delicate, love-infused bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Donuts):
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cooking and Coating:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Creme Brulee Filling Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk, allowing the mixture to become frothy and aromatic, indicating the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
- Create a luxurious dough foundation by blending melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt with the activated yeast. Gradually incorporate flour, kneading until the texture transforms into a smooth, elastic canvas.
- Let the dough rest and rise in a warm environment, watching it double in volume and develop depth of flavor, which typically takes 1-2 hours.
- Craft the silky custard filling by gently heating milk and cream until they release a subtle steam. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch into a velvety mixture.
- Temper the egg mixture by slowly incorporating the heated dairy, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Cook the custard until it thickens to a luxurious consistency, then infuse with vanilla essence.
- Chill the custard thoroughly, allowing it to set and develop a rich, creamy texture perfect for filling.
- Roll out the risen dough and cut heart-shaped donuts with precision, letting them prove a second time to ensure light, airy texture.
- Carefully fry the donuts in hot oil, achieving a golden-brown exterior that’s crisp and inviting, maintaining a consistent temperature around 350F.
- Once cooled, delicately puncture each donut and pipe the chilled custard into its center, ensuring a generous, smooth fill.
- Transform the donuts into a decadent dessert by sprinkling a fine layer of granulated sugar across the surface.
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it transforms into a glassy, amber-colored crust that shatters beautifully when touched.
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to experience the contrast between the crisp caramel top and the creamy, tender interior.
Notes
- Choose the right yeast to ensure a fluffy, light donut texture that rises perfectly every time.
- Maintain precise milk temperature when activating yeast, keeping it between 100-110°F to prevent killing the yeast or slowing down fermentation.
- Use a digital thermometer for accurate oil temperature when frying, ensuring golden-brown donuts without absorbing excess oil.
- Consider making the custard filling a day ahead to enhance flavor development and save preparation time on serving day.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a combination of gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum to maintain dough structure.
- Chill the custard thoroughly before filling donuts to prevent leaking and achieve a clean, precise filling.
- If you lack a kitchen torch, create a caramel topping by broiling sugar-sprinkled donuts in the oven, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum 24 hours to preserve their crisp texture and fresh taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 322
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg