Name: Lemon Crème Brûlée Donut Rolls: The Sweetest Twist on a Classic Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the dough:; 2 ¼ tsp yeast; ½ cup warm milk; 1 tbsp sugar; 3 cups flour; 2 eggs; 2 tbsp butter; ½ tsp salt; For the lemon crème brûlée filling:; 8 oz cream cheese; ½ cup heavy cream; Zest of 1 lemon; ¼ cup sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; For the topping:; 1 tbsp granulated sugar

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Okay, picture this: a soft, pillowy donut rolled up with a luscious lemon crème brûlée filling, then dusted with sugar and perfectly caramelized. Yep, that’s what these Lemon Crème Brûlée Donut Rolls are all about. If you’ve ever been obsessed with crème brûlée and donuts (who isn’t?!), this recipe will make your dessert dreams come true.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These donut rolls are like little pockets of joy. The creamy lemon filling contrasts perfectly with the crispy sugar topping, and the inside is rich and smooth. You can make them in a flash, and they’re the perfect treat for brunch, an afternoon snack, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent.

Ingredients

For the dough, you’ll need flour, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, yeast, and a pinch of salt.
For the filling, cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, sugar, and vanilla extract will give it that smooth, tangy kick.
For the sugar topping, you’ll just need a bit of granulated sugar.

Full ingredient list is down below in the recipe card!

Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing your yeast, warm milk, and a bit of sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, add flour, eggs, butter, and salt to the mix. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. Let it rest and rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size. The wait will be worth it!

Make the Lemon Crème Brûlée Filling

While your dough is rising, whip up the crème brûlée filling. Beat together cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, sugar, and vanilla until it’s nice and smooth. It’ll have a light, tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the donut.

Roll and Slice the Dough

Once your dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread a generous amount of the lemon filling over the dough. Then, roll it up like a jelly roll and slice it into individual rolls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Donut Rolls

Bake the rolls at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-bake—this is a dessert, not a bread roll!

Caramelize the Sugar

Once the rolls are baked, sprinkle a little sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it. If you don’t have a torch, you can pop them under the broiler for a few seconds, but watch carefully so they don’t burn.

Let Them Cool Before Serving

Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes. The sugar will harden up into a perfect crispy shell, and the creamy filling will stay soft and dreamy inside. Serve warm for the best experience.

Expert Tips and Tricks

If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use regular sugar and place the rolls under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
For an extra lemony flavor, add a bit of lemon juice to the filling.
The dough can be made the night before. Just let it rise in the fridge overnight and bake it the next day for a hassle-free morning treat!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Try adding a bit of lemon curd into the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free butter.
If you’re not a fan of lemon, you can switch it out with orange zest or even a touch of lavender for a floral twist.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Lemon Crème Brûlée Donut Rolls are perfect on their own with a cup of coffee or tea. Pair them with a fresh fruit salad to balance out the richness, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a few berries for an extra touch of elegance.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These rolls are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to bring back their soft texture.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake them the next day for a fresh, warm treat.

Do I have to use a kitchen torch?
No, you can use the broiler in your oven to caramelize the sugar, just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! Try using a classic cinnamon sugar filling for a different spin, or even chocolate ganache for something extra decadent.

Can I freeze these?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Conclusion

Lemon Crème Brûlée Donut Rolls are the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and a little bit of crunch. They’re a showstopper at brunch, but honestly, they’re good anytime. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or sneaking one for yourself, these rolls are a treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Lemon Crème Brûlée Donut Rolls: The Sweetest Twist on a Classic Dessert

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Soft, pillowy donut rolls filled with a luscious lemon crème brûlée filling, dusted with sugar, and caramelized to perfection. These donut rolls are the perfect treat for brunch or whenever you’re craving something indulgent.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including resting and rising time)
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the dough: Mix yeast, warm milk, and sugar in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, eggs, butter, and salt, and knead until smooth. Let the dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make the lemon crème brûlée filling: Whip together cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Roll and slice the dough: Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling over it, and roll it up like a jelly roll. Slice into individual rolls.
Bake the rolls: Place the rolls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Caramelize the sugar: Sprinkle sugar on top of the rolls and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar. Alternatively, place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
Cool and serve: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.

Notes

For a stronger lemon flavor, add a bit of lemon juice to the filling.
You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, refrigerating it overnight, and bake the rolls the next day.
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use the broiler to caramelize the sugar.