Crème Brûlée Donuts

Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

1. Cook the Sugar:
   • In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
2. Create the Caramel:
   • Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let it cook until it turns a deep amber color. Watch closely to prevent burning.
3. Cool the Caramel:
   • Remove the caramel from the heat and let it cool slightly. Be cautious as the caramel will be extremely hot. This caramel will be used to drizzle over the donuts, adding that classic crème brûlée flavor.

Assemble the Donuts:

1. Shape the Donuts:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out donuts. This will create the classic donut shape with a hole in the center.
2. Second Rise:
   • Place the cut-out donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise will make the donuts light and fluffy.
3. Fry the Donuts:
   • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. The donuts should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Fill and Finish the Donuts:

1. Fill with Custard:
   • Once the donuts have cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to fill each donut with the custard crème. The custard should be thick enough to stay inside the donut but soft enough to provide a creamy filling with each bite.
2. Drizzle with Caramel:
   • Drizzle the caramel sauce over the filled donuts. This adds the characteristic crème brûlée sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish.
3. Optional Crème Brûlée Effect:
   • For an authentic crème brûlée touch, sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of the caramel and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar. This will create a crunchy, caramelized crust, just like the traditional dessert.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Your Crème Brûlée Donuts are now ready to be served. Enjoy the delicious combination of fluffy dough, creamy custard, and caramelized sugar with every bite!

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