Easy Creme Brûlée Donut Sliders
Day 1 of My Big Game Appetizers! 🏈 These Easy Creme Brûlée Donut Sliders are perfect for when you crave creme brûlée donuts but don’t want to wait for the dough to rise. They are topped with the caramelized sugar topping for a crunchy bite and a creamy custard filling. This is probably my favorite Hawaiian sliders hack ever!

Ingredients you’ll need to Make Creme Brûlée Donuts:
- Egg Yolks
- Granulated Cane Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Flour
- Whole Milk
- Unsalted Butter
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- 12-count Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- Melted Butter

Can Creme Brûlée Donuts be Made in Advance?
The custard inside can be made in advance up to 3 days. Make sure though that you press that Saran Wrap directly on the surface of the custard to help prevent any “skin” barrier from forming. I suggest making the donuts the day you will be serving for best texture and flavor. However, you can prep these donuts up to 1 day in advance if you are in a crunch.
How to Make A Creme Brûlée Custard Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add the milk. Heat until hot but not boiling! It won’t take too long and you should be able to use your finger as a temperature gage for when it’s hot (think running your hand under hot water temperature).
- In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the hot milk and immediately whisk to help temper the eggs (so they don’t bake) for 1 minute.
- As you whisk continuously, slowly add in the remaining of hot milk.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan over medium heat. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until thick, about 4-5 minutes.
- Pour back into the large bowl, then stir in the butter.
- Cover with plastic wrap. Press the wrap directly on the surface of the custard.
- Refrigerate until completely cooled, about 1-2 hours, or in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.
- In the meantime, whisk the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks. Use a spatula to fold the whipping cream into the custard so it’s light and fluffy.
- Transfer to a piping bag with a pointed tip. Set aside.

How to Store Creme Brûlée Slider Donuts:
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, and in the fridge up to 3 days. If needed, you can reheat in the oven at 400F for 3-4 minutes.
Cook with me! ⬇️
I truly hope you all enjoy this treasured recipe that has nestled its way into our hearts here in the ABM kitchen! ’till next time… xxL
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If you loved this delicious recipe I would truly appreciate it so much if you would give a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #abrightmoment and tagging me @brightmomentco. It always makes my day seeing y’alls creations!
For more great A Bright Moment recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
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“”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Easy Creme Brûlée Donut Sliders
PREP TIME: 15 COOK TIME: 20 TOTAL: 35
INGREDIENTS
Servings: 12 donuts
For the Custard Filling
- 2 large Egg Yolks
- 1/3 cup Granulated Cane Sugar
- 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1 tbsp. Flour
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1 tbsp. Unsalted Butter
- 1/3 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
For the “Donuts”
- 12-count Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter
- (Optional) 1/2 cup Granulated Cane Sugar, for filling
For the Caramelized Sugar Topping
- 1 cup Granulated Cane Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
INSTRUCTIONS
For the Custard Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add the milk. Heat until hot but not boiling! It won’t take too long and you should be able to use your finger as a temperature gage for when it’s hot (think running your hand under hot water temperature).
- In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the hot milk and immediately whisk to help temper the eggs (so they don’t bake) for 1 minute.
- As you whisk continuously, slowly add in the remaining of hot milk.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan over medium heat. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until thick, about 4-5 minutes.
- Pour back into the large bowl, then stir in the butter.
- Cover with plastic wrap. Press the wrap directly on the surface of the custard.
- Refrigerate until completely cooled, about 1-2 hours, or in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.
- In the meantime, whisk the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks. Use a spatula to fold the whipping cream into the custard so it’s light and fluffy.
- Transfer to a piping bag with a pointed tip. Set aside.
For the “Donuts”
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Separate the Hawaiian sweet rolls into individual pieces. Brush each roll with the melted butter.
- (Optional) Toss in the granulated sugar before or after baking.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden and slightly crisp on the exterior.
- Let the rolls cool completely at room temperature, about 10 minutes.
- Pipe the custard into the sides of each roll. Set aside.
For the Caramelized Sugar Topping
- Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium high heat. Do NOT Stir.
- Cook until an amber-like color, swirling the saucepan occasionally, about 8-10 minutes. Again do not stir as the sugar may crystallize. If you have a candy thermometer, heat until a “hard crack.”
- Dip the tops of the “donuts” into the caramelized sugar, then let cool 1 minute before enjoying!
I truly hope you all enjoy this treasured recipe that has nestled its way into our hearts here in the ABM kitchen! ’till next time… xxL
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Did you love this recipe?
I would truly appreciate it so much if you would give a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram – tagging me @brightmomentco. It always makes my day seeing y’alls creations!
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