Salted Caramel Brioche Donuts

Why Salted Caramel Brioche Donuts Are So Loved

These donuts combine the richness of buttery brioche with the indulgence of salted caramel—creating a treat that feels both comforting and luxurious. They’re soft, slightly chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, making them an elevated version of the classic donut. The salty-sweet contrast makes them irresistibly satisfying.

What Are Salted Caramel Brioche Donuts?

Salted Caramel Brioche Donuts are deep-fried or baked pastries made from a rich brioche dough. They are often filled with or topped with creamy salted caramel sauce. Brioche dough is known for its buttery, egg-rich consistency, which results in a donut that is softer and more flavorful than standard doughnuts.

Ingredients That Make These Donuts Special

• Brioche Dough – Eggs, butter, flour, sugar, and milk for rich flavor and soft texture

• Salted Caramel – Made with sugar, butter, heavy cream, and sea salt

• Oil for Frying – Neutral oil like canola or vegetable

• Optional Toppings – Powdered sugar, sea salt flakes, or caramel drizzle

Caramel Choices: Which Caramel Works Best?

• Homemade Salted Caramel: Richest flavor; perfect for filling or drizzling

• Store-bought Caramel Sauce: Great for convenience—just warm and use

• Caramel Filling (thicker): Ideal for stuffing the center without leaks

Best choice? Homemade salted caramel with heavy cream and real butter for a deep, smooth finish.

How to Make Salted Caramel Brioche Donuts (Step-by-Step)

1. Make Brioche Dough: Mix flour, sugar, salt, eggs, yeast, and butter. Knead until smooth. Let it rise until doubled.

2. Shape Donuts: Roll out dough and cut into rounds. Let rise again.

3. Fry or Bake: Fry in hot oil until golden or bake at 375°F (190°C) until puffed and lightly browned.

4. Prepare Caramel: Heat sugar until melted, whisk in butter and cream, finish with sea salt.

5. Fill or Top: Inject caramel into cooled donuts or drizzle on top.

6. Optional Garnish: Sprinkle sea salt flakes or dust with powdered sugar.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Drizzle or Filling

• Espresso Caramel – Add a touch of espresso to the caramel

• Mini Donuts – Bite-sized versions for parties

• Baked Version – Skip frying for a lighter take

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: Dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated overnight

• Storage: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temp for 1–2 days

• Freezing: Freeze unfried dough shapes or cooled donuts without caramel

What to Serve With Salted Caramel Brioche Donuts

• Hot espresso or cappuccino

• Vanilla ice cream (for dessert plating)

• Fresh berries for a tart contrast

• A glass of cold milk or oat milk

For Holidays & Celebrations

Perfect for brunch tables, dessert buffets, or edible gifts. Add festive sprinkles or shape into stars/hearts for themed occasions. They’re especially popular for Christmas brunch, Easter, or birthday breakfasts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

FAQs

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes! They won’t be as crispy, but still delicious. Brush with butter before baking.

Q: How long do they stay fresh?
A: Best the same day, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Q: Can I use store-bought dough?
A: You can use refrigerated brioche dough or enriched bread dough in a pinch.

Final Thoughts & Encouragement

Salted Caramel Brioche Donuts are a bakery-level delight that you can make at home. Don’t be intimidated by the brioche dough—it’s worth every step. Once you master the process, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe for holidays, special brunches, or anytime indulgence.

Salted Caramel Brioche Donuts

Salted Caramel Brioche Donuts are the ultimate indulgent treat—fluffy, golden brioche doughnuts filled or topped with rich, buttery salted caramel. Made from a tender, buttery yeast dough, these donuts are soft on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside. The sweet and salty caramel adds a luxurious contrast, creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee, serving them at brunch, or making a special dessert for the holidays, these brioche donuts elevate classic comfort food to bakery-quality status. Their pillowy texture, deep caramel flavor, and slight saltiness make them irresistible to caramel lovers and donut fans alike.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Course Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine French-Inspired, American Bakery

Servings 12 donuts

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook (or large mixing bowl and wooden spoon)
• Dough cutter or round biscuit cutter
• Rolling Pin
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
• Thermometer (for frying)
• Piping bag or injector (for filling)
• Wire cooling rack
• Medium saucepan (for caramel)

Ingredients

  

For the Brioche Donut Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Salted Caramel:

• Neutral oil (vegetable or canola), for deep frying

Optional Toppings:

• Extra caramel drizzle
• Sea salt flakes
• Powdered sugar

Instructions

 

• Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
• Make Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs and yeast mixture. Mix using dough hook on low until combined.
• Add Butter: Slowly add softened butter, one tablespoon at a time. Knead until dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides (about 10–12 minutes).
• First Rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled.
• Shape Donuts: Roll dough on a floured surface to ½ inch thickness. Cut out donut rounds. Place on parchment-lined tray. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
• Heat Oil: Heat oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry Donuts: Fry 2–3 donuts at a time, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden. Remove with slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined rack.
• Make Salted Caramel: In a dry saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until amber. Add butter and mix until melted. Slowly pour in cream (it will bubble). Stir until smooth. Add sea salt.
• Fill Donuts: Let donuts cool. Use a piping bag to inject caramel into the center or spoon over the top.
• Finish & Serve: Dust with powdered sugar or top with more caramel and sea salt. Serve warm or at room temp.

Notes

• Plan Ahead: Brioche dough requires a longer rise time due to its rich, buttery nature. You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight for even better flavor and easier handling in the morning.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Oil: Fry in small batches to maintain a steady oil temperature and ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to greasy or undercooked donuts.
• Temperature Matters: Keep frying oil at 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside and stay raw inside.
• Caramel Consistency: If your caramel sauce thickens too much while cooling, gently reheat it on low to make it easier to fill or drizzle.
• Filling Options: You can mix a little mascarpone, whipped cream, or pastry cream into your caramel to create a lighter, creamier filling.
• Storage Tips: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat slightly before serving. Avoid refrigerating unless the filling is highly perishable.
• Freezing: Unfilled, unfried dough rounds can be frozen on a tray and transferred to a bag for later use. Thaw and allow to rise before frying.
• Gluten-Free Option: While traditional brioche is not gluten-free, you can experiment with a gluten-free brioche mix, though texture will vary.
• Decorating: For extra flair, drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel or roll donuts in cinnamon sugar before filling.

Keyword bakery-style donuts, breakfast treat, brioche donuts, caramel dessert, filled donuts, gourmet donuts, homemade caramel donuts, Salted caramel donuts