If you’re looking for a dessert that’s indulgent, comforting, and incredibly easy to make, this Donut bread pudding recipe is your answer.
Combining soft, sweet donuts with a creamy custard and a touch of cinnamon, this dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Whether you’re serving it for brunch, a cozy family gathering, or a special treat, following this recipe will help you create a rich, gooey bread pudding that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Donut Bread Pudding
Before we jump into the recipe, let me give you the lowdown on why this dessert is next-level amazing:
- Sweet and Gooey: Every bite is soft, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep and simple ingredients, perfect for beginners.
- Perfect for Leftover Donuts: Got extra donuts? Don’t throw them away – turn them into something magical!
- Pinterest-Worthy: Gorgeous layers, a glossy glaze, and a sprinkle of cinnamon make it photogenic.
This is the kind of dessert that makes people say, “Wow, did you really make this?”
Ingredients for Donut Bread Pudding
Here’s what you’ll need. I’ve broken it down into sections for convenience:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Donuts | 6-8 | Glazed or plain, cubed |
| Eggs | 4 large | Room temperature |
| Whole milk | 2 cups | Can substitute half-and-half for extra creaminess |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Optional for richer custard |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup | Adjust for sweetness |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | Essential for flavor |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Adds warmth and depth |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 tsp | Optional, for spice lovers |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | Melted, for richness |
| Powdered sugar | 1/2 cup | For glaze |
| Milk (for glaze) | 2-3 tbsp | Adjust consistency |
| Vanilla extract (for glaze) | 1 tsp | Adds flavor |
Tip: Glazed donuts add extra sweetness and shine to the pudding. If you’re using plain donuts, you may want to add a little extra sugar to the custard.
Step-by-Step Donut Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish (or similar size) with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures your pudding doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Donuts
Cut your donuts into 1-inch cubes. If your donuts are fresh, that’s perfect. If they’re a little stale, even better – they’ll soak up the custard beautifully. Place the cubes in the prepared baking dish.
Pro Tip: Use a mix of glazed and cinnamon sugar donuts for extra flavor layers.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy cream (optional)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg (optional)
Whisk until smooth and well combined. Pour over the donut cubes, pressing gently so the donuts absorb the custard.
Let it sit for 10 minutes – this step ensures every piece is soaked with that delicious custard.
Step 4: Bake the Pudding
Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll notice the edges will puff slightly and the custard will set perfectly.
Pro Tip: For extra richness, brush a little melted butter over the top halfway through baking.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
While the pudding is baking, let’s make a simple glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker drizzle.
Once your pudding is baked, drizzle the glaze generously on top. Optional: sprinkle cinnamon sugar or even chopped nuts for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Add fresh berries on top for a fruity twist.
- For an adult version, drizzle with a little bourbon caramel sauce.
This dessert is flexible and can be customized to your taste – that’s part of the fun!
Additional Tips for Donut Bread Pudding
- Donuts: Slightly stale donuts work best because they absorb custard better.
- Custard: Don’t overbake – the center should be set but still creamy.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the pudding a day before and refrigerate. Bake when ready – just add a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Variations:
- Add chocolate chips between layers.
- Mix in sliced bananas or berries for a fruity twist.
- Use maple glaze instead of vanilla for a breakfast-style pudding.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use other types of donuts?
Yes! Cinnamon, chocolate, or even filled donuts work beautifully. Just adjust sugar in custard if your donuts are very sweet.
Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free donuts or substitute with gluten-free bread slices.
Q3: Can I freeze this dessert?
Yes, you can freeze baked pudding (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Q4: How do I prevent soggy pudding?
Make sure donuts are cut evenly and soak in custard just enough. Slightly stale donuts are ideal.
Q5: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Grease your slow cooker, layer donuts and custard, and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – a Donut Bread Pudding Recipe that’s easy, delicious, and perfect for Pinterest-loving foodies. Whether you’re using leftover donuts, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something sweet, this dessert delivers.
So, grab your donuts, mix up that custard, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate sweet indulgence. Your taste buds will thank you! 😋
Easy Donut Bread Pudding Recipe for Sweet Dessert Lovers
Ingredients
- 6 –8 donuts cubed (glazed or plain)
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess
- 1 cup heavy cream optional, for richer custard
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg optional
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar for glaze
- 2 –3 tbsp milk for glaze
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.Cube the donuts into 1-inch pieces and place them in the prepared dish.In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream (optional), sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. Pour over donuts and let sit 10 minutes.Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and set. Brush with melted butter halfway if desired.For glaze: whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.Drizzle glaze over baked pudding. Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon sugar or nuts on top.Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
