Creme Brulee Donuts – Bakery-Style Treats You Can Make Yourself

These Crème Brûlée Donuts are a delightful twist on a classic French dessert, combining the smooth, custardy filling of crème brûlée with the soft, airy texture of a baked donut. Finished with a crackly caramelized sugar topping, each bite is pure bliss—rich, creamy, and lightly crisp. Best of all, these donuts are made with lighter ingredients, so you can enjoy this bakery-worthy treat without the guilt. Perfect for brunch, a special breakfast, or a well-deserved indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Custard-Filled Goodness – The creamy vanilla filling is just like classic crème brûlée.
Caramelized Crunch – A thin layer of caramelized sugar adds the perfect crisp.
Baked, Not Fried – These donuts are oven-baked for a lighter, healthier spin.
Elevated Brunch Treat – Impressive enough for guests, easy enough for any morning.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 2 tbsp light butter, melted
• 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup granulated erythritol (or preferred sweetener)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Custard Filling:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp granulated erythritol
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 2 tbsp granulated erythritol (or regular sugar for best caramelization)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.

Make the Donut Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the egg, almond milk, melted butter, applesauce, sweetener, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined.

Bake the Donuts
Spoon the batter evenly into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are firm and spring back when lightly touched. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Prepare the Custard Filling
In a small saucepan, whisk together almond milk, cornstarch, erythritol, and egg yolk. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool completely.

Fill the Donuts
Once the donuts and custard are fully cooled, use a piping bag with a filling tip to inject each donut with the custard.

Caramelize the Tops
Sprinkle each donut top with a bit of erythritol or regular sugar. Use a kitchen torch to gently melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, glassy layer.

Nutritional Information (Per Donut)

Calories: 110
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Torch for Perfection – A kitchen torch works best for caramelizing the tops, but you can also use your oven’s broiler—just watch closely!
• Cool Before Filling – Make sure both the donuts and custard are fully cooled before filling to avoid sogginess.
• Even Coating – Sprinkle the sugar evenly for a consistent crackly crust.
• Storage Tip – Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Torch the tops right before serving for maximum crunch.

Why This Recipe Works

By baking instead of frying and using a lighter custard filling, these Crème Brûlée Donuts offer all the indulgence of a pastry-shop favorite without the excess calories. The satisfying crack of caramelized sugar against the tender donut and creamy filling makes each bite truly unforgettable.

Crème Brûlée Donuts bring the elegance of crème brûlée to a fluffy, baked donut, complete with that signature sugar crackle. Light enough to enjoy anytime and simple enough to make at home, these donuts are the perfect blend of French sophistication and cozy comfort.