Fluffy Lemon Creme Brulee Donut Rolls Recipe for Sweet Mornings

A sweet culinary adventure awaits with these mouthwatering lemon creme brulee donut rolls that blend classic dessert elegance with playful pastry creativity.

Delicate pastry dough transforms into golden spirals packed with zesty brightness.

Silky custard filling promises an unexpected twist on traditional treats.

Crisp caramelized sugar creates a stunning crackling exterior that hints at decadent layers underneath.

Each bite delivers a complex dance of textures and tantalizing flavors.

Homemade goodness beckons with irresistible charm, promising to delight even the most discerning dessert enthusiasts.

Unleash your inner baker and craft these remarkable rolls that will surely spark joy around the table.

Save Donut Rolls for Sweet Moments

• Store leftover donut rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their delicate lemon flavor.
• Warm rolls at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft texture. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Briefly heat for 10-15 seconds on low power. Check carefully to avoid making the rolls tough or rubbery.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Lemon Donut Roll Treat Matches

• Pair Zesty Citrus Cocktails: Craft a bright lemon martini or limoncello spritzer that echoes the donut's tangy lemon creme flavor profile.
• Complement Creamy Dessert Wines: Select a chilled moscato or sweet riesling that balances the rich, creamy texture of the donut rolls.
• Match Refreshing Tea Blends: Brew a cold lavender-lemon herbal tea or Earl Grey to cut through the dessert's decadent sweetness while enhancing its citrus notes.
• Elevate with Light Sparkling Wines: Choose a crisp prosecco or champagne that provides effervescent contrast and cleanses the palate between each delectable bite.

Lemon Creme Brulee Donut Roll Flavors

• Gluten-Free Citrus Dream: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free yeast and adjust liquid ratios to maintain dough consistency.
• Dairy-Free Lemon Sensation: Swap milk with almond or oat milk. Use coconut cream instead of traditional dairy for filling. Replace butter with dairy-free margarine to keep the recipe accessible.
• Vegan Zesty Roll: Substitute egg yolks with mashed banana or commercial egg replacer. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter alternative. Keep the lemon creme filling using cashew cream for richness.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Replace traditional sugar with natural sugar alternatives in both dough and filling. Add extra lemon zest for flavor complexity.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this donut roll its unique lemon creme brulee flavor?

The combination of vanilla extract, egg yolks, and lemon zest creates the distinctive creamy, tangy flavor profile, while the caramelized sugar topping mimics the classic creme brulee dessert.

• How difficult is this recipe for home bakers?

This recipe requires intermediate baking skills. While it involves multiple steps like yeast activation, kneading, and proofing, a baker with basic pastry knowledge can successfully execute the donut rolls with patience and careful technique.

• Can I make these donut rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight, which allows for slower fermentation and can enhance the flavor development.

• What makes the texture of these donut rolls special?

The combination of kneading and proper rising time ensures a soft, pillowy texture. The butter and egg yolks contribute to a rich, tender crumb that’s characteristic of high-quality pastry.

Lemon Crème Brûlée Donuts That Surprise and Delight

• Quick Preparation Magic: Takes just 2 hours total, with most time spent letting dough rise, making it surprisingly simple for a complex-looking dessert that looks professionally crafted.
• Family-Friendly Indulgence: Combines kid-friendly donut concept with sophisticated lemon creme brulee flavor, creating a universally appealing dessert that delights both children and adults with its playful yet elegant taste profile.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works brilliantly for brunches, afternoon tea, dessert tables, or as a weekend baking project that guarantees smiles and compliments from everyone who tastes these luxurious rolls.

Lemon Creme Brulee Donut Rolls Ingredients

• Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the donut rolls, all-purpose flour works best.
• Milk: Lukewarm milk activates yeast and adds softness to the dough.
• Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating light, airy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates tender texture in the rolls.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.

• Egg Yolks: Provide richness, color, and help bind ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet background flavor to the dough.

• Lemon Cream: Tangy filling that gives a bright, citrusy twist to the rolls.
• Brulee Topping: Creates a caramelized, crispy sugar layer for textural contrast.

Lemon Creme Brulee Donut Rolls Baking Method

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine lukewarm milk, yeast, and a touch of sugar in a mixing bowl.

Allow the mixture to rest and become frothy, creating a bubbly base for your delightful donut rolls.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients

Introduce egg yolks and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture.

Gently stir until everything melds together smoothly, creating a rich and fragrant liquid foundation.

Step 3: Develop the Dough

Transfer the yeast blend to a stand mixer.

Add flour, softened butter, remaining sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Knead the dough thoroughly for 5-10 minutes until it transforms into a silky, stretchy consistency that’s soft to the touch.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Place the dough in a generously greased bowl, ensuring it’s completely coated.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot.

Watch as the dough expands and doubles in size, typically taking 1-2 hours.

Step 5: Prepare Lemon Creme Filling

• Mascarpone cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Whip these ingredients until smooth and creamy, capturing the bright, tangy essence of lemon.

Step 6: Roll and Shape

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface.

Spread the lemon creme filling evenly across the dough.

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, creating beautiful spiral patterns.

Step 7: Second Dough Rise

Slice the log into individual rolls.

Place them on a baking sheet, allowing space between each roll.

Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven and bake the rolls until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

The aroma of lemon and fresh bread will fill your kitchen.

Step 9: Create Brulee Topping

Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of the warm rolls.

Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, creating a crisp, glassy top that crackles when touched.

Step 10: Final Touch

Dust the rolls with additional powdered sugar or drizzle with a light lemon glaze for extra decadence.

Serve warm and enjoy the perfect blend of soft dough, creamy lemon filling, and caramelized sugar.

Donut Prep Tips For Lemon Crème Brûlée Flavor

• Ensure milk is lukewarm (not hot) to help yeast bloom correctly without killing active cultures.
• Take time while kneading to develop gluten, creating soft and stretchy dough that results in tender donut rolls.
• Place dough in warm, draft-free spot like inside a turned-off oven to help consistent and reliable rising.
• Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother mixing and better incorporation into the dough.
• Gently press dough – if it springs back slowly, it's perfectly proofed and ready for shaping.

Lemon Creme Brulee Donut Rolls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent Lemon Crème Brûlée Donut Rolls bring French pastry elegance to a classic comfort treat. Sweet-tart citrus and caramelized sugar create an irresistible dessert experience you won’t want to miss.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients:

• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup lukewarm milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

Frying and Coating Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by combining it with lukewarm milk and a pinch of sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and aromatic for about 10 minutes.
2. Incorporate egg yolks and vanilla extract into the yeast mixture, creating a rich, smooth liquid base.
3. Transfer the liquid mixture to a stand mixer, gradually adding flour, softened butter, remaining sugar, and salt to form a cohesive dough.
4. Knead the dough thoroughly for 5-7 minutes until it develops a silky, elastic texture that springs back when touched.
5. Relocate the dough to a generously greased bowl, ensuring complete coverage with oil to prevent sticking.
6. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to proof in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in volume, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
7. Once risen, gently deflate the dough by pressing down to release trapped air bubbles.
8. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular shape, preparing it for filling and shaping.
9. Carefully spread the lemon creme filling evenly across the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. Roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a compact log of lemon-infused goodness.
11. Slice the log into individual rolls, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent baking.
12. Place the rolls on a lined baking sheet, allowing slight spacing between each piece for expansion.
13. Let the shaped rolls undergo a final rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy and increased in size.
14. Preheat the oven and bake the rolls until golden brown and the lemon creme filling is bubbling.
15. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Choose instant yeast for faster rising and more reliable results, especially in humid or cold kitchens.
• Warm milk precisely between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it, using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
• Incorporate room temperature butter gradually during kneading to ensure smooth, even dough texture and prevent separation.
• Allow dough to rise in a draft-free, slightly warm environment like a turned-off oven with the light on for consistent proofing.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg