Dreams Crème Brûlée is a delightful combination of luscious cream and enveloping dough, creating a dessert that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. On a quiet evening or as a showstopper at a gathering, these sugary delights can evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Having made this treat time and time again, I’ve found that its balance of textures—crispy outside and creamy inside—ensures every bite is heavenly. It’s perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet yet sophisticated.

Reasons to Try It

Why make Dreams Crème Brûlée at home? This recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also a fun project that brings family and friends together. With a slight hint of liqueur to enhance texture, these bites are packed with flavors and charm. They are ideal for celebrations, cozy family dinners, or an impressive dessert at your next potluck.

“These Dreams Crème Brûlée are a game-changer! The creamy filling balanced with the crispy exterior is simply addictive! I can’t wait to make them for my next dinner party!” – Sarah J.

How This Recipe Comes Together

This recipe is broken down into simple, manageable steps that make it accessible for both seasoned bakers and kitchen newbies. You’ll start by preparing the dough and allowing it to rise until perfectly puffy. While the dough is resting, you’ll whip up a decadent cream filling that’s both rich and silky. Finally, you’ll fry the dough into perfect little balls and fill them with the luxurious cream. With a dash of caramel on top, these Dreams Crème Brûlée become a masterpiece you’ll be proud to serve.

What You’ll Need

To gather the ingredients for Dreams Crème Brûlée, you’ll need the following:

For the Dough:

4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons (9g) active dry yeast
1/3 cup (75g) sugar
2 eggs
7 tablespoons (100g) butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup (200ml) milk
1 tablespoon liqueur (optional, for a crispier texture)
A pinch of salt

For the Cream:

2 cups (500ml) milk
1/2 cup (100g) egg yolks
1/5 cup (40g) sugar
1/3 cup (50g) cornstarch
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
3.5 ounces (100g) white chocolate
7 tablespoons (100g) butter, at room temperature

For the Caramel Topping:

1 3/4 cups (350g) sugar
About 3 1/3 tablespoons (100ml) water

Feel free to switch out the white chocolate for a dark chocolate variant if you’re looking for a bolder flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and salt. Knead on low-medium speed for about 12 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
First Rise: Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Make the Cream: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla, and sugar. While that sits, heat the milk in a saucepan. Once hot, pour it into the yolk mixture and whisk immediately to combine. Return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring regularly until the cream thickens. Remove it from heat and stir in the butter and white chocolate until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator.
Shape the Dough: Cut squares of parchment paper. Divide the risen dough into balls, each weighing 1.5 to 1.75 ounces (45-50g). Place them on the parchment paper and allow to rise again for 1.5 hours until doubled.
Fry the Dough: Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 320-340°F (160-170°C). Carefully fry the dough balls for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and let them cool.
Fill with Cream: Once cooled, fill the dough balls with the chilled cream using a piping bag fitted with a small tip.
Prepare Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water, stirring gently until caramel forms. Once made, transfer to another pan to prevent overcooking.
Dip in Caramel: Dip each dream into the warm caramel, allowing excess to drip off, then let them cool completely.
Serve: Present your Dreams Crème Brûlée with love and a sprinkle of extra sugar for that finishing touch!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

To elevate your dessert, serve Dreams Crème Brûlée alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a rich espresso for a balanced finish that guests will rave about.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you find yourself with any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal flavor and texture, it’s best to consume them fresh. Avoid freezing, as the cream filling may separate upon thawing.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Don’t Rush the Rising: Letting the dough rise fully is essential for achieving that fluffy texture.
Temperature is Key: Ensure your frying oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy balls.
Use Quality Chocolate: The choice of white chocolate can significantly affect flavor, so select a high-quality option.

Creative Twists

Looking to mix things up? Try adding citrus zest to the cream for a refreshing flavor. You could also integrate other fillings like raspberry or caramel for a fruity or nutty surprise. Experiment with different liqueurs, or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for added warmth.

Your Questions Answered

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can! Just skip the blooming phase—mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
You can knead the dough by hand for about 15-20 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe typically makes about 16-20 filled dough balls, depending on the size you choose.

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and make some Dreams Crème Brûlée that will impress with every sumptuous bite! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones.