Crème Brûlée Doughnuts

Crème Brûlée Doughnuts

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar for coating
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk and yeast mixture with sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
3. Add the softened butter and knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/2 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out doughnut shapes. Place on a baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes.
5. In a deep fryer or large pot, heat oil to 375°F. Fry the doughnuts in batches until golden brown on each side. Remove and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Coat the warm doughnuts in granulated sugar.
7. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and vanilla bean seeds until simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and salt. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
8. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.
9. Cut a small slit in each doughnut and pipe the crème brûlée filling inside.
10. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar on top of each doughnut until golden and crispy. Enjoy!

Tips

• Make sure to let the dough rise properly to achieve light and fluffy doughnuts.
• Use a candy thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
• Be careful when using the kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, as it can get very hot.
  Prep time: 2 hours
  Calories: 320 per serving (1 doughnut)