Donut Bread Pudding

Donut Bread Pudding is a delightful way to transform day-old donuts into a comforting and decadent dessert. Imagine turning those slightly stale donuts into a warm, gooey, and flavorful pudding that everyone will love! This recipe offers a simple yet impressive treat, perfect for a family gathering or a cozy night in.

It’s a fun twist on classic bread pudding, taking a shortcut with the already delicious donuts. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid food waste by using up donuts that might otherwise end up in the trash. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make!

Why this Donut Bread Pudding is Special

This recipe stands out because it utilizes the already delicious flavors of donuts. You don’t need to add much to get a rich and satisfying pudding.

It’s quicker than traditional bread pudding because the donuts already have sugar and flavor. It’s a fun way to get creative in the kitchen and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make some amazing Donut Bread Pudding? Here’s how to do it, step by step! This recipe is super easy, so don’t worry if you’re not a pro baker.

Preparing the Donuts

First, you’ll need to get your donuts ready. If they’re whole, cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Don’t worry about making them perfect!

If your donuts are super fresh and soft, consider letting them sit out for an hour or so to dry out a bit. Slightly stale donuts soak up the custard better. This helps prevent a soggy donut bread pudding. You can use any kind of donuts you like – glazed, chocolate, jelly-filled – it’s all good!

Making the Custard

Now, let’s make the custard. In a large bowl, crack your eggs. Whisk them well until they are light and frothy.

Add your milk, cream, and sugar to the bowl. If the recipe calls for any extracts or spices, like vanilla or cinnamon, add those now too. Whisk everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the custard is smooth. Give it a taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

Assembling and Baking

Grab a baking dish and lightly grease it. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but any similar size will work.

Pour the cubed donuts into the prepared baking dish. Then, gently pour the custard mixture over the donuts, making sure all the pieces are evenly soaked. Press down lightly on the donuts to help them absorb the custard. Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the donuts to really soak things up.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the donut bread pudding for about 30-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. Watch it carefully to avoid over-baking.

Cooling and Serving

Once the donut bread pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This will help it set up and prevent it from being too runny.

You can serve it warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce makes it even more special. Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Enjoy your delicious donut bread pudding!

Tips and Variations

Want to take your Donut Bread Pudding to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks to make it even better, plus some fun variations to try!

Avoiding a Soggy Pudding

Nobody likes a soggy bread pudding! Here’s how to avoid it. First, remember to let your donuts dry out a bit if they’re too fresh. Day-old donuts are perfect!

Don’t overdo the custard. Too much liquid will make the donut bread pudding mushy. Follow the recipe measurements carefully. Also, make sure your baking dish isn’t too large, or the custard will spread out too thin.

Creative Donut Combinations

The best part about donut bread pudding is how versatile it is! Try mixing different donut flavors for a unique taste.

• Chocolate and Glazed: A classic combo that’s always a hit.
• Jelly-Filled and Cake Donuts: The jelly adds a fruity burst, while the cake donuts provide a denser texture.
• Maple and Cinnamon: Perfect for a cozy, autumnal flavor.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! The more unique the donuts, the more interesting your donut bread pudding will be. If you are looking for another easy breakfast idea, why not try some baked oatmeal recipe for a change?

Adding Fruits and Nuts

Want to add some extra texture and flavor? Toss in some fruits and nuts!

• Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries add a fresh, tangy sweetness.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas make the donut bread pudding extra moist and flavorful.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Chopped nuts give a satisfying crunch.

Simply sprinkle the fruits and nuts over the donuts before pouring on the custard. You can also mix them directly into the custard for even distribution.

Savory Donut Bread Pudding Options

Who says donut bread pudding has to be sweet? You can make a savory version too!

Use plain or lightly glazed donuts as your base. Add shredded cheese, cooked bacon or sausage, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. Pour an egg and milk mixture seasoned with salt and pepper over the donuts.

Bake as usual for a unique and delicious savory breakfast or brunch. It’s a surprisingly tasty twist on a classic.

FAQ

Got questions about Donut Bread Pudding? We’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make the perfect dessert.

What is donut pudding?

Donut bread pudding is like bread pudding, but even better! Instead of bread, we use donuts. It’s a delicious and comforting dessert that’s perfect for using up leftover donuts. The donuts soak up a creamy custard mixture and bake until golden brown and perfectly set.

Is donut dough the same as bread dough?

Not quite! While both donut dough and bread dough have similar ingredients like flour, yeast, and sugar, donut dough usually has more fat and sugar. This makes the donuts richer, sweeter, and more tender than regular bread. That richness adds amazing flavor and texture to the donut bread pudding. For some of us a donut alone isn’t enough, but with all that sugar, remember to check HealthLine to make sure you’re eating healthy!

What can be made from leftover donuts?

So many things! Besides donut bread pudding, you can make donut trifles, donut French toast, donut ice cream sandwiches, or even grind them into crumbs to top other desserts. Leftover donuts are surprisingly versatile! Get creative and see what you can come up with. If you’re feeling adventurous after this, why not try some fried twinkies?

What is the secret of bread pudding?

The secret to amazing bread pudding, including donut bread pudding, is to use slightly stale bread or donuts. This helps them absorb the custard better. A well-balanced custard, proper baking time, and letting it cool properly are also super important for a perfect texture! It is important to check and see what ingredients are best for your custard check HealthLine to see what ingredients work best for your dietary needs.

Serving and Storage

Your Donut Bread Pudding is ready to be enjoyed! Here are some tips for serving it and storing any leftovers (if there are any!).

Serving Suggestions

Donut bread pudding is delicious on its own, but a few toppings can make it even more amazing!

• Whipped cream: A classic topping that adds a light and airy sweetness.
• Vanilla ice cream: The cold ice cream complements the warm pudding perfectly.
• Chocolate sauce: For the chocolate lovers!
• Fresh fruit: Berries, bananas, or sliced peaches add a fresh and vibrant touch.
• Caramel sauce: For an extra decadent treat.

Pair your donut bread pudding with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the perfect dessert experience. It could also be a great pairing with cherry smoothie recipe, to balance out the sweetness!

Storing Leftovers

If you have any donut bread pudding left over (lucky you!), here’s how to store it.

• Refrigerate: Store the bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices of bread pudding. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bread pudding can last for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat refrigerated donut bread pudding, simply microwave it for a minute or two, or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. To reheat frozen bread pudding, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Before you reheat it why not try another recipe, like egg bite recipes

For a healthier donut alternative you can make a batch of cottage cheese bagels recipe. These are delicious and easy to customize.

Conclusion

Donut Bread Pudding is truly a simple yet delightful way to enjoy a comforting dessert. It’s so versatile, allowing you to get creative with different donut flavors and fun additions.

Whether you’re using up leftover donuts or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give this donut bread pudding recipe a try and enjoy the sweet reward of transforming ordinary donuts into a delicious and memorable family treat! You’ll love it!

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