The first time I took a bite of a Burnt Honey Brioche Donut, it felt like a cozy hug on a chilly morning. These golden, fluffy delights are not just any ordinary treat; they’re filled with a velvety custard that balances the sweetness of caramelized honey, making them the perfect indulgence. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or simply want to elevate your baking game, these donuts are a fancy yet surprisingly achievable project that you can whip up at home. The combination of a rich brioche base and a creamy filling will impress not only yourself but also anyone lucky enough to share them with you. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made dairy-free without losing any of their luxurious charm. Ready to roll up your sleeves and create something extraordinary? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why are Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts Special?
Indulgent Bliss: These donuts are the ultimate treat, marrying fluffy brioche with a smooth custard filling for a delightful bite.
Unique Flavor: The caramelized burnt honey elevates the sweetness, making each donut an experience you won’t forget.
Easy to Make: With a straightforward recipe, even novice bakers can master these donuts and impress friends and family.
Versatile Options: You can easily adapt the recipe for dairy-free or alternate flavors like maple syrup custard.
Perfect Pairing: Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for an unforgettable brunch, much like our Pomegranate Salad Honey that adds freshness to your meal.
Let’s get started on creating these show-stopping donuts that promise both satisfaction and joy!
Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts Ingredients
For the Dough
- Bread Flour – This gives the dough its characteristic chewiness; be sure to measure accurately for the best results.
- Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and helps achieve a golden-brown exterior on the donuts.
- Active Dry Yeast – The leavening agent that makes your donuts light and fluffy; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
- Large Egg – Aids in structure and lift; using eggs at room temperature improves incorporation.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture, making the brioche tender; consider dairy-free butter as a substitute if needed.
- Salt – Enhances all flavors in the dough; no substitutions are required here.
- Whole Milk (warmed) – Hydrates the dough and activates the yeast; feel free to use plant milk for a dairy-free option if desired.
- Vegetable Oil for Frying – Maintains high heat for frying; can be substituted with canola or peanut oil.
For the Custard Filling
- Heavy Cream (cold) – This is whipped to create a light and airy custard, a crucial element of the filling.
- Corn Starch – Thickens the custard for a satin-like texture; stick to the recipe for the best results.
- Egg Yolks – Enriches the custard and provides the creamy texture that you’ll love.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor, making the custard irresistible.
- Honey – This ingredient creates the burnt honey custard, delivering a wonderful caramelized sweetness; for a twist, maple syrup can be used instead.
Now that you have the ingredients ready, it’s only a matter of time before you enjoy the heavenly taste of Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts
Step 1: Dough Preparation
Begin by warming 1 cup of whole milk to about 110°F (43°C) and sprinkle 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast over it. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of bread flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 large egg, mixing well. Gradually add the yeast mixture along with 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, kneading for 10-20 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Rising Period
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, then cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. For enhanced flavor, you can also refrigerate the dough overnight — this will give your Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts a richer taste.
Step 3: Shaping
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into equal pieces and shape them into balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, covering them with a towel to rest for an additional 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up slightly.
Step 4: Frying
In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 365°F (185°C). Carefully add the dough balls in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While they are still warm, roll them in granulated sugar for that extra crunch!
Step 5: Custard Preparation
To create the luscious custard filling, first caramelize 1/2 cup of honey over medium heat until it becomes dark and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 egg yolks, 1 cup of warmed milk, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Gradually mix in the caramelized honey, continuing to whisk over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat, and fold in 1 cup of cold heavy cream for a light, airy texture.
Step 6: Filling
Once your Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts have cooled completely, use a sharp knife or a donut filling tool to poke a hole in the side of each donut. Fill a piping bag with the smooth custard and generously pipe it into each donut until you see the filling start to emerge. Serve the filled donuts warm for the best experience.
How to Store and Freeze Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts
Room Temperature: Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain their delightful texture. Ensure they are covered tightly to avoid drying out.
Fridge: If you wish to keep them longer, refrigerate the Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: For prolonged storage, freeze the donuts for up to 1 month. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy the donuts warm again, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps restore their fluffy texture, enhancing the indulgent experience!
Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts Variations
Feel free to elevate your Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts with these tasty twists that will invite exploration and joy!
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Maple Twist: Swap honey for maple syrup in the custard for a unique flavor that surprises the palate. This substitution offers a warm and earthy sweetness that complements the brioche beautifully.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based milk alternative to make the donuts suitable for lactose-intolerant friends. You won’t sacrifice any of the rich flavors or textures, ensuring everyone can indulge.
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Zesty Custard: Add citrus zest, like lemon or orange, into the custard for a vibrant pop of freshness. The brightness from the zest will cut through the richness, adding a delightful twist that invigorates each bite.
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Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for an aromatic depth. It’ll evoke warm memories and make these donuts a perfect treat for cozy gatherings.
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Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate melted chocolate into the custard for a rich, indulgent filling. The combination of honey and chocolate is decadent, turning your donuts into a true showstopper.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts, like pistachios or hazelnuts, to the sugar coating for extra texture and flavor. This adds a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft brioche.
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Coconut Flurish: Use coconut milk in place of regular milk for an exotic note in both the dough and custard. This tropical twist will make your donuts feel like a mini getaway.
Consider pairing these delightful donuts with a refreshing Honey Glazed Corn for a perfect brunch spread! Your taste buds deserve a dance of flavors, so go ahead and experiment!
Make Ahead Options
These Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts are a fantastic choice for meal prep, perfect for busy weekends! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by letting it rise in the refrigerator overnight, which also enhances its flavor. On the day you plan to serve them, simply shape the dough into balls and allow them to rest for about 30 minutes before frying. The custard filling can also be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated; just give it a good stir before filling the donuts. For the best quality, store the finished donuts covered at room temperature if serving within a day, or refrigerate them for longer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply fill the donuts with custard and savor their indulgent deliciousness!
Expert Tips for Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts
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Watch the Honey: Make sure to caramelize your honey just until it turns dark golden and fragrant; overdoing it can lead to bitterness.
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Oil Temp Matters: Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 365°F (185°C); if too low, donuts absorb oil, becoming greasy.
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Knead Effectively: Knead the dough thoroughly for 10-20 minutes to ensure your Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts have the perfect chewy texture.
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Room-Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for the dough to mix more smoothly and rise better.
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Resting Time Is Key: Don’t skip the resting time after shaping; it allows the dough to puff up, resulting in light and airy donuts.
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Filling Trick: Poke a small hole on the side of each donut to fill with custard evenly, ensuring you get that delicious creaminess in every bite.
What to Serve with Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts
Imagine enjoying these delightful donuts with perfect accompaniments that enhance their rich, sweet flavors and create a memorable meal experience.
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Fresh Berries: A bowl of mixed berries adds a tart freshness that balances the sweetness of the donuts, making every bite delightful.
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Espresso: A strong espresso cuts through the richness of the custard, providing an invigorating contrast while offering a gourmet vibe.
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Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be dolloped on the side for an indulgent, creamy element that complements the donuts beautifully.
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Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote, such as raspberry or blueberry, introduces a layer of sweetness and a hint of acidity that pairs perfectly with the donuts.
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Spiced Chai: This aromatic tea balances the sweet flavors with its warm spices, creating a comforting pairing, perfect for cozy mornings.
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Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey enhances the burnt honey flavor in the donuts, adding richness and a beautiful glaze.
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Caramel Sauce: A decadent caramel sauce alongside for dipping adds an extra indulgent twist, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
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Lemon Curd: A dollop of zesty lemon curd can elevate the flavor experience with its bright tanginess, providing a refreshing contrast.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a luscious dessert option that takes your donuts to a whole new level of indulgence.
Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts Recipe FAQs
What type of honey should I use for the custard?
Using the best quality honey you can find is key for that rich flavor in your Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts. Look for a pure, natural honey with a robust taste—local varieties are often fantastic. Additionally, you can experiment with flavored honeys, such as wildflower or orange blossom, to add a unique twist to your custard!
How should I store leftover donuts?
Absolutely! Store your Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to keep them fresh. If you plan to keep them longer, move them to the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let them sit at room temperature for a while before enjoying them to regain their delightful softness.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, you can! For the best results, wrap each cooled donut tightly in plastic wrap, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This will help prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
What should I do if my donuts don’t puff up?
If your Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts aren’t puffing up as expected, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and properly activated in warm milk. Additionally, ensure that the dough rises in a warm, draft-free area, as cold temperatures can slow or halt the rising process. Kneading the dough thoroughly is also fundamental for developing the proper texture!
Are these donuts suitable for vegans?
While this recipe is not inherently vegan, you can modify it easily to be dairy-free! Substitute unsalted butter with dairy-free butter, use plant-based milk, and replace the eggs with a suitable egg replacer, such as flaxseed meal or a commercial egg substitute. This way, you can still enjoy delicious Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts tailored to your dietary needs.
Deliciously Indulgent Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm 1 cup of whole milk to about 110°F (43°C) and sprinkle 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast over it. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of bread flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 large egg, mixing well.
- Gradually add the yeast mixture along with 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, kneading for 10-20 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- For enhanced flavor, you can refrigerate the dough overnight.
- Once risen, punch the dough down and transfer to a floured surface. Divide into equal pieces and shape into balls.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover with a towel to rest for 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil to 365°F (185°C) in a deep pot or fryer.
- Carefully add the dough balls in batches, frying for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and roll in granulated sugar while warm.
- Caramelize 1/2 cup of honey over medium heat until dark and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk 2 egg yolks, 1 cup of warmed milk, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth.
- Mix in the caramelized honey and whisk over medium heat until thickened. Fold in 1 cup of cold heavy cream.
- Once donuts are cool, poke a hole in each donut and fill with custard using a piping bag.
- Serve warm for the best experience.
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