Description
Lemon Crème Brûlée Donut Rolls are a delightful twist on classic Hawaiian rolls, filled with a luscious lemon cheesecake cream and topped with a caramelized brûlée glaze. These soft, sweet rolls offer a perfect balance of creamy, tangy lemon filling and a crunchy, caramelized sugar topping, making them an irresistible treat for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Rolls and Topping
- 1 (24 oz) package Hawaiian rolls
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups cheesecake filling
- 1/4 cup lemon curd
- Zest of one lemon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Carefully separate the Hawaiian rolls into individual buns and place them on a lined baking dish. Brush each roll generously with the melted unsalted butter.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the buttered rolls for about 5 minutes or until the tops turn lightly browned. This quick baking step adds a delicate crispness to the surface, preparing them for filling.
- Prepare the Lemon Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cheesecake filling, lemon curd, and freshly grated lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy. Spoon this mixture into a piping bag fitted with a wide tip.
- Fill the Rolls: Insert the piping tip into the side of each roll and gently squeeze to fill each bun with a dollop of the lemon cheesecake mixture until well filled. Repeat this for all the rolls to ensure each bite is rich and flavorful.
- Make the Brûlée Glaze: Place a small saucepan over medium heat and combine the granulated sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a low boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, until it turns a deep amber brown, creating a caramel syrup.
- Glaze the Rolls: Remove the caramel syrup from heat and let it cool for about 1 minute to thicken slightly. Then, evenly pour the syrup over the tops of the filled rolls, coating them with a shiny, caramelized glaze.
- Cool and Serve: Place the glazed rolls on a cooling rack set over a lined baking sheet to catch any drips. Allow the glaze to harden and dry for at least 10 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect crème brûlée crust. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese for the cheesecake filling to ensure smooth blending.
- Be cautious while making the caramel glaze as the sugar mixture can burn quickly once it starts to caramelize.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat briefly before serving to soften the glaze slightly.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest by 1/2 teaspoon.
- You can substitute store-bought lemon curd and cheesecake filling or make your own for a homemade touch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American