If you are ready to indulge in a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, look no further than this Donut Bread Pudding Recipe. Taking ordinary stale donuts, this recipe transforms them into a luscious, custardy delight that beautifully blends the richness of cream and eggs with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. Every bite offers a perfect mix of soft, gooey texture and a hint of caramelized sweetness, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Donut Bread Pudding Recipe lies in its simple yet thoroughly satisfying ingredients. Each one adds an essential layer of flavor, moisture, or texture, ensuring that the final dessert is nothing short of spectacular.
- 1 dozen plain and chocolate cake stale donuts: Using stale donuts helps soak up the custard beautifully while adding rich cake-like texture.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs provide the custard’s structure and creaminess crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 1/2 cups milk: Adds moisture and lightness to the custard base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Offers a luscious richness that elevates the pudding’s texture.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brings a subtle, buttery depth to the custard.
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness and moistness to the pudding.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Balances the brown sugar with straightforward sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Gives a warm, aromatic essence essential to classic bread pudding.
- 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon: Injects that comforting, spicy note that pairs so well with baked desserts.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing the pudding from being flat.
- 1/2 cup butter: Required for the topping or to be combined with the bourbon sauce for indulgence.
- 1 cup sugar: For the bourbon sauce, to create a sweet glaze with a kick.
- 1 large egg: Serves as a binder in the bourbon sauce or drizzle.
- 1/2 cup bourbon (adjust to taste): The boozy touch adds complexity and warmth to the sauce.
How to Make Donut Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your bread pudding evenly. Meanwhile, cut your stale donuts into bite-sized pieces to allow them to soak up the custard properly.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a very large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, melted butter, brown sugar, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. This custard mixture is where all the flavors combine to create that silky, fragrant base for your Donut Bread Pudding Recipe.
Step 3: Combine Donuts with Custard and Let Soak
Toss the donut pieces into the custard, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This soaking period is crucial—it allows the donuts to absorb the custard fully, promising every forkful bursts with rich, creamy goodness.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Pan
Spray a 9×5 loaf pan generously with baking spray to prevent sticking. Then, transfer the soaked donut mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake your pudding in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow it to cool for about 15 minutes so the pudding firms up slightly and becomes easier to serve.
How to Serve Donut Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
This Donut Bread Pudding Recipe is stunning on its own, but a few thoughtful garnishes elevate it to memorable. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm bourbon caramel sauce, or even a handful of toasted nuts add the perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
While this pudding is a dessert, it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For brunch vibes, serve alongside fresh berries or a cup of strong coffee to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pudding in individual ramekins for a charming touch, or layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and berry compote for an elegant presentation. For a festive gathering, top with edible flowers or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Donut Bread Pudding Recipe keeps very well in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container, and it will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this pudding wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy all the deliciousness without compromise.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes to revive the warm, comforting texture. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions for about 45 seconds, but be mindful not to overheat to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh donuts instead of stale ones?
While fresh donuts can work, they may become too soggy since they haven’t dried out enough to soak up the custard properly. Using stale donuts helps achieve the ideal texture for this Donut Bread Pudding Recipe.
Is it necessary to use bourbon in the sauce?
Bourbon adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce, but you can omit it or substitute with vanilla extract or a splash of rum if you prefer a non-alcoholic version or different flavor profile.
Can I add fruit or nuts to this bread pudding?
Absolutely! Blueberries, chopped apples, or nuts like pecans and walnuts make excellent additions for added texture and bursts of flavor that complement the cinnamon and vanilla beautifully.
How long does it take for the donut pieces to soak in the custard?
Twenty minutes is enough time for the donuts to absorb the custard thoroughly. If you have extra time, letting it soak longer won’t hurt and can sometimes improve the pudding’s texture.
What’s the best way to cut and serve this pudding?
Allowing the pudding to cool slightly makes it easier to slice neatly. Use a sharp knife and serve in thick slices with your favorite toppings for a rustic yet elegant dessert experience.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Donut Bread Pudding Recipe, it will become one of your go-to desserts that never fails to impress. With its effortless combination of ingredients transforming simple donuts into something extraordinary, this recipe is a true celebration of comfort food at its finest. Give it a try and prepare to wow your family and friends with every indulgent spoonful!
Print
Donut Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Donut Bread Pudding is a decadent twist on traditional bread pudding, using stale plain and chocolate cake donuts soaked in a rich custard mixture infused with cinnamon and vanilla. Baked to golden perfection, this dessert offers a moist, flavorful treat perfect for serving warm with a drizzle of bourbon for an added kick.
Ingredients
Donut Mixture
- 1 dozen plain cake and chocolate cake stale donuts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Bourbon Topping
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup bourbon (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the pudding evenly.
- Prepare the custard mixture: In an extra-large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, melted butter, brown sugar, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Soak the donuts: Add the bite-sized donut pieces to the custard mixture, tossing gently to combine thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes to allow the donuts to absorb the custard and soften.
- Prepare the baking pan: Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with baking spray to prevent sticking. Transfer the soaked donut mixture into the pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake the pudding: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown on top and set in the center. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 15 minutes.
- Make the bourbon topping: While the pudding cools, in a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar, egg, and bourbon until smooth and combined. Drizzle this bourbon sauce over the warm bread pudding before serving.
Notes
- Use stale donuts for optimal texture; fresh donuts may become too soggy.
- You can adjust the bourbon quantity in the topping to suit your preference or omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving to let the custard set properly.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently before serving.
