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Donut bread pudding is a dessert lover’s dream. It combines light and creamy textures with a touch of decadence from the eggs and cream. Each bite is fluffy yet rich, enhanced by the comforting flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. This ultimate comfort food will warm your soul and leave you craving more.

Bread pudding wasn’t something I grew up eating on the West Coast. My first encounter with it was at a British restaurant during my childhood, and I couldn’t fathom why anyone would choose a dessert made from bread.

However, my husband’s love for bread pudding led to many orders at various pastry shops over the years, and slowly, I began to appreciate this wonderful dessert. Now, I adore its delicious flavor and its versatility—no matter what you add, it’s always incredibly tasty!

I’ve tried many bread pudding recipes over the years, but this time I decided to use day-old old-fashioned donuts. The result was an incredibly delicious and decadent dessert that I hope you’ll love as much as I do!

Some More Bread Pudding Recipes

What is Bread Pudding?

Bread pudding is a classic dessert made by soaking stale or day-old bread in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and spices, then baking until golden and set. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a decadent, custardy treat with a slightly crisp top and a soft, creamy interior. Often flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or other spices, bread pudding can include raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Donuts: Provide the base and unique flavor, adding a sweet and doughy texture.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and give the pudding a rich, custardy consistency.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and a creamy texture to the pudding.
• Heavy cream: Enhances the richness and creaminess of the dessert.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding and balances the flavors.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, spicy note that enhances the overall flavor.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Chocolate chips: Add bursts of chocolaty goodness and a delightful texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and a smooth, velvety texture to the pudding.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar: Creates a sweet, smooth glaze to top the pudding.
• Heavy cream: Adds a rich, creamy consistency to the glaze.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with a warm, aromatic flavor.

How to Make Donut Bread Pudding

Step 1 – Prepare the Donuts:
Cut 5 cups of old glazed donuts into bite-sized pieces and evenly distribute them in a greased 10-inch round baking dish.

Step 2 – Make the Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined.

Step 3 – Assemble the Bread Pudding:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the donut pieces, pressing down gently to ensure the donuts soak up the custard. Sprinkle 1/2 cup chocolate chips over the top if desired, and drizzle 2 tablespoons melted butter over the pudding.

Step 4 – Let it Sit:
Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes to let the donuts absorb the custard fully.

Step 5 – Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 6 – Make the Glaze:
While the bread pudding is baking, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 4-5 tablespoons heavy cream, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add more cream if needed to adjust the consistency.

Step 7 – Glaze and Serve:
Once the bread pudding is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle the prepared glaze over the top before serving. Enjoy warm!

Add-Ons to This Bread Pudding!

• Caramel Sauce
• Raisins
• Dried Cranberries
• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• Chocolate Chips
• Fresh Berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
• Toasted Coconut Flakes
• Butterscotch Chips
• Marshmallows
• Chopped Apples or Pears
• Peanut Butter Chips
• Maple Syrup Drizzle
• White Chocolate Chunks
• Shredded Coconut
• Cream Cheese Dollops

Donut Bread Pudding is a delightful twist on a classic dessert that combines donuts’ sweet, familiar taste with the rich, creamy texture of traditional bread pudding. It’s an easy-to-make, versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

I hope you get the chance to make this delicious dessert for your family and friends. Experiment with different types of donuts, add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits and try various glazes or sauces for an extra touch of sweetness. Happy baking, and savor every bite!

Cheers,

Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com

I named my blog Happy Happy Nester because I love everything related to the home. I’ve always enjoyed decorating my surroundings. Get cozy and stay for a bit, thanks for visiting!

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