Donut Bread Pudding Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food Remix

Bread pudding. The words alone conjure up images of warm, comforting desserts, perfect for chilly evenings or a sweet brunch treat. But what if we took this classic dish and gave it a playful, decadent twist? Enter: Donut Bread Pudding. Yes, you read that right. We’re transforming those leftover (or intentionally purchased!) donuts into a bread pudding that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s the ultimate comfort food remix, a delightful way to use up those day-old donuts, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a dessert that’s both familiar and excitingly new!

Why This Recipe Works

This donut bread pudding recipe isn’t just about throwing donuts into a custard. It’s a carefully crafted balance of flavors and textures that elevate it beyond a simple repurposing project. Here’s why it works:

• Donut Power: Donuts, especially glazed or filled varieties, bring their own inherent sweetness and flavor to the party. This reduces the need for excessive added sugar and creates a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Custard Perfection: The custard is designed to complement the donuts, not overpower them. We use a blend of milk, cream, and eggs to create a smooth, velvety base that soaks into the donuts without making them soggy.
• Texture Contrast: The beauty of bread pudding lies in its contrast. We achieve this by slightly drying out the donuts before baking, allowing them to absorb the custard while retaining some structural integrity. This results in a delightful mix of soft, custardy interiors and slightly caramelized edges.
• Customization Options: This recipe is a fantastic base, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to add your favorite nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, or even a splash of liqueur to personalize it to your liking.

Ingredients

• 6-8 assorted donuts (glazed, jelly-filled, chocolate, etc.), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
• Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet)
• Optional: Caramel sauce or whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Donuts: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the donut cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly dried out. This step helps prevent the bread pudding from becoming too soggy. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Assemble the Bread Pudding: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the slightly dried donut cubes in the prepared dish. If using nuts or chocolate chips, sprinkle them evenly over the donuts.
4. Pour the Custard: Gently pour the custard mixture over the donuts, making sure to saturate them evenly. Use a spoon or spatula to press down lightly on the donuts to ensure they are submerged in the custard.
5. Let it Soak: Let the bread pudding sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. This allows the donuts to fully absorb the custard.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out relatively clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce or top with whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your donut bread pudding turns out perfectly every time:

• Donut Selection: Use a variety of donuts for the best flavor and texture. Glazed, jelly-filled, and chocolate donuts all work well. Avoid using overly greasy or heavily frosted donuts, as they can make the bread pudding too rich.
• Drying the Donuts: Don’t skip the step of drying out the donuts in the oven. This is crucial for preventing a soggy bread pudding.
• Soaking Time: Allowing the bread pudding to soak for at least 30 minutes is essential for the donuts to fully absorb the custard.
• Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the bread pudding and adjust the baking time as needed. The bread pudding is done when it’s golden brown and the custard is set.
• Prevent Burning: If the top of the bread pudding starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
• Custard Consistency: The custard should be smooth and creamy. If you notice any lumps, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it over the donuts.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover donut bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQ

Q: Can I use day-old donuts?

A: Absolutely! In fact, day-old donuts are ideal for this recipe, as they are already slightly dried out.

Q: Can I use a different type of milk?

A: While whole milk provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute it with 2% milk or even almond milk. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Q: Can I freeze donut bread pudding?

A: While you can freeze bread pudding, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the bread pudding cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I add other ingredients?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add your favorite nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, or even a splash of liqueur. Consider adding a tablespoon or two of bourbon or rum to the custard for an extra kick.

Q: My bread pudding is too dry. What did I do wrong?

A: You may have over-baked the bread pudding or dried out the donuts too much. Make sure to check the bread pudding frequently during baking and adjust the baking time as needed. Also, ensure that the donuts are not overly dried out before adding the custard.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a donut bread pudding recipe that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite. It’s a fun, delicious, and surprisingly easy way to transform those humble donuts into a show-stopping dessert. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use up leftovers, a unique brunch idea, or simply a comforting treat, this recipe is sure to deliver. So go ahead, gather your donuts, preheat your oven, and prepare to experience the ultimate comfort food remix!