Description
At its core, a Mini Crème Brûlée Donut is a bite-sized baked pastry that mimics the flavor profile of the famous French custard dessert. Unlike a traditional fried donut that might feel heavy or greasy, these are typically baked to maintain a light and airy structure. This lightness is essential because it provides the perfect vessel for the star of the show: the silky vanilla custard.
Ingredients
Donuts
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup (50 g) sugar
1 large egg
½ cup (120 ml) milk
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla Custard Filling
1 cup (240 ml) milk
3 egg yolks
¼ cup (50 g) sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Brûlée Topping
¼–⅓ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Custard
Heat milk in a saucepan until just steaming.
Whisk yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl.
Slowly whisk in warm milk, then return mixture to the pan.
Cook on medium, stirring constantly, until thick.
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, cover, and chill.
2️⃣ Bake the Donuts
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a mini donut pan.
Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Mix egg, milk, butter, and vanilla, then combine with dry ingredients.
Pipe or spoon batter into pan (¾ full).
Bake 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool completely.
3️⃣ Fill
Use a piping bag with a small tip to inject custard into each donut.
4️⃣ Brûlée Finish
Dip the tops in a thin layer of sugar.
Use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crisp.
(Or broil briefly, watching closely.)
Notes
These Mini Crème Brûlée Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, when the caramelized sugar topping is perfectly crisp and the custard is silky smooth. They make a beautiful bite-size dessert for parties, brunch tables, or special occasions — a classic French dessert flavor in a fun, playful form.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mini donuts
- Calories: ~150 kcal
Keywords: Bite sized custard donuts, brûlée style mini pastries, caramelized sugar topped donuts, vanilla cream filled mini donuts, small scale crème brûlée desserts.