Donut Bread Pudding
If you have a box of leftover glazed donuts sitting on the counter, don’t toss them — turn them into the most decadent donut bread pudding instead. This easy dessert recipe transforms stale glazed donuts into a rich, custardy baked treat with crisp golden edges and a soft center. It’s simple enough for a weekend brunch but indulgent enough for dessert.
Using stale donuts is the secret to the best texture because they soak up the creamy custard mixture without becoming mushy. Serve this warm with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an unforgettable treat.
Why You’ll Love This Donut Bread Pudding Recipe
- Great way to use leftover donuts
- Rich, creamy, and comforting
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for brunch, holidays, or dessert
- Delicious served warm with whipped cream and berries
What is Donut Bread Pudding?
Traditional bread pudding uses stale bread soaked in a custard mixture before baking. This version swaps the bread for glazed donuts, giving the pudding extra sweetness and flavor. The glaze melts into the custard as it bakes, creating a caramelized, bakery-style dessert everyone loves.
Ingredients for Donut Bread Pudding
- 6 stale glazed donuts
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
- Caramel sauce
- Maple syrup
How to Make Donut Bread Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Cut the Donuts
Cut the stale glazed donuts into bite-sized pieces and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Pour the melted butter over the top of the donut pieces.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
Add the milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined.
Step 4: Soak the Donuts
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the donuts.
Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the donuts can absorb the liquid.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
Serve warm with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Tips for the Best Donut Bread Pudding
Use Stale Glazed Donuts
Slightly stale donuts work best because they absorb the custard without falling apart. Fresh donuts can become overly soft and mushy.
Don’t Skip the Soaking Time
Allowing the donuts to sit in the custard for 10 minutes helps every bite become rich and creamy.
Watch the Bake Time
The center should be set but still soft. Overbaking can dry out the pudding.
Add Extra Flavor
Try mixing in:
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped pecans
- Cream cheese cubes
Variations
Chocolate Donut Bread Pudding
Use chocolate glazed donuts and add mini chocolate chips.
Maple Bacon Donut Bread Pudding
Top with crispy bacon crumbles and drizzle with maple syrup.
Berry Donut Bread Pudding
Add raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries before baking.
What to Serve with Donut Bread Pudding
This glazed donut bread pudding pairs perfectly with:
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Fresh fruit
- Vanilla ice cream
- Breakfast sausage or bacon for brunch
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover donut bread pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300 degrees until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh donuts?
Yes, but stale donuts work much better because they absorb the custard properly.
Can I make donut bread pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake the next day.
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
This easy donut bread pudding recipe is the perfect way to use leftover glazed donuts while creating a warm, comforting dessert everyone will rave about. With a creamy vanilla custard and soft baked donut texture, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Donut Bread Pudding
Ingredients
- 6 stale glazed donuts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 4 eggs beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla paste
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8x8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut the glazed donuts into small bite-sized pieces and place them evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the donut pieces.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Add the milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined to make a custard mixture.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the donuts. Let soak for 10 minutes so the donuts absorb the liquid. Gently press donuts into the liquid if needed.
- Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve warm topped with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Notes
• Add cinnamon, chocolate chips, or chopped pecans for extra flavor.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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