Why You’ll Love Dreams Creme Brulee Recipe

This recipe transforms classic crème brûlée into a hand-held delight by wrapping silky vanilla custard inside pillowy fried dough, then finishing each piece with a shatteringly crisp caramel glaze. The contrast of textures — from the creamy center to the golden dough and crunchy topping — makes each bite irresistible. It’s a perfect centerpiece dessert for gatherings, celebrations, or an elegant sweet treat at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:
all-purpose flour
active dry yeast
sugar
eggs
butter
milk
alcoholic liqueur (optional)
salt

For the cream filling:
milk
egg yolks
sugar
cornstarch
vanilla extract
salt
white chocolate
butter

For the caramel topping:
sugar
water

Directions

Prepare the dough:
In a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, liqueur (if using), and salt. Knead until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

Make the cream filling:
In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt. Heat the milk until steaming, then slowly whisk it into the yolk mixture. Return everything to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and white chocolate until melted. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Shape and fry the dough:
Divide the risen dough into small balls and place each on a parchment square. Let rise again until puffy. Heat oil in a deep pot and fry the dough balls until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to a paper towel-lined tray to cool.

Fill the dreams:
Once cool, use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to fill each fried dough piece with the chilled pastry cream.

Make the caramel topping:
In a saucepan, heat the sugar and water until it forms a golden caramel. Working quickly and carefully, dip the tops of the filled dreams into the hot caramel. Let them cool on parchment paper until the caramel hardens.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 10–12 filled dreams, depending on the size of your dough balls. Total preparation time, including rising, chilling, and frying, is approximately 3 to 4 hours. Active prep and cooking time is about 1 hour.

Variations

Chocolate Dreams: Add cocoa powder to the dough and use a chocolate ganache filling for a rich twist.
Fruit-Infused Cream: Mix in fruit puree (like raspberry or passionfruit) into the custard for a fruity flavor.
Coffee Caramel: Infuse the caramel topping with espresso for a mocha-inspired version.
Liqueur Boost: Use flavored liqueurs such as amaretto, orange, or Irish cream to flavor the custard or dough.
Mini Version: Make bite-sized dreams for party platters or dessert buffets.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover filled dreams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. For best results, eat them within 24 hours to maintain the caramel’s crispness. If the caramel softens, briefly place them under a broiler or use a kitchen torch to re-crisp just before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it may melt the caramel and make the dough soggy.

FAQs

What are “dreams” in this dessert?

“Dreams” refer to the light, fried dough balls that are filled with custard and topped with caramel. They’re named for their airy, soft texture and decadent flavor.

Can I make the cream filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard filling a day in advance. Just keep it chilled in the refrigerator until ready to use.

What type of caramel should I use?

A simple caramel made from sugar and water is best. It should be cooked to a golden amber color and used immediately for dipping.

Do I need a deep fryer?

No, a deep pot with a few inches of oil is sufficient. A kitchen thermometer helps monitor the oil temperature for safe and even frying.

Can I substitute the alcoholic liqueur?

Yes, the liqueur in the dough is optional. You can omit it or replace it with additional milk if preferred.

How do I know when the dough is ready to fry?

The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels soft and puffy. Pressing a finger gently into it should leave a small indent that slowly springs back.

What’s the best way to caramelize the sugar?

Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir just until the sugar dissolves, then let it boil undisturbed until golden. Be cautious, as caramel can burn quickly.

Can I store these after making?

Yes, store them in the refrigerator. The texture is best the same day, but they can be enjoyed for up to 2–3 days if properly stored.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.

What tools do I need?

A stand mixer (or hands for kneading), piping bag, deep pot for frying, thermometer, and a saucepan for caramel are essential tools for this recipe.

Conclusion

Dreams Creme Brulee is a creative, indulgent take on the classic custard dessert. By wrapping silky vanilla pastry cream in fried dough and topping it with crackling caramel, this dessert offers both comfort and elegance in every bite. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, these dreamy delights are sure to leave a lasting impression.