Gourmet Donut Bread Pudding

Imagine waking up to the intoxicating aroma of warm vanilla, cinnamon, and freshly baked donuts transforming into a luxurious, comforting pudding. This isn’t your average bread pudding; it’s a celebration of indulgence, using the humble donut as the star of the show. Get ready to elevate your brunch game with this incredibly simple yet utterly decadent donut bread pudding!

What Makes This Donut Bread Pudding Special?

This recipe reimagines the classic bread pudding by swapping out traditional bread for fluffy, flavorful donuts. The result is a texture that’s both wonderfully soft and slightly chewy, with pockets of melt-in-your-mouth donut goodness. The custard base, infused with vanilla and warm spices, soaks into the donuts, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients for Donut Bread Pudding Perfection

• 6 glazed donuts (about 1 pound), preferably a mix of flavors or one uniform flavor, cut into 1-inch cubes. Day-old donuts work perfectly!
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Optional Toppings: Caramel sauce, whipped cream, fresh berries, powdered sugar, chocolate shavings.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Donut Bread Pudding

1. Prepare the Donuts: Begin by cutting the donuts into roughly 1-inch cubes. Don’t worry about perfect uniformity; slightly different sizes will add to the textural interest of the finished pudding. Spread the donut cubes evenly on a baking sheet. This helps them dry out slightly, allowing them to absorb the custard more effectively.
2. Dry the Donuts (Optional but Recommended): Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the donut cubes for 10-15 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted and slightly dried out. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy bread pudding. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
3. Whisk the Custard Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and the sugar is dissolved. This luscious custard will be the heart of your bread pudding, infusing the donuts with its rich flavor.
4. Combine Donuts and Custard: Place the slightly cooled donut cubes into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the donuts, ensuring that all the donut pieces are submerged. Gently press down on the donuts with a spatula to help them absorb the custard.
5. Let the Mixture Soak: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This soaking time is essential for the donuts to fully absorb the custard and become incredibly tender. The longer the soak, the more flavorful and moist the finished bread pudding will be.
6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Bake the donut bread pudding for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. To test for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the pudding. If it comes out mostly clean, the bread pudding is ready. A little bit of moistness is fine.
8. Cool and Rest: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set further and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
9. Garnish and Serve: Serve the donut bread pudding warm, topped with your favorite garnishes such as caramel sauce, whipped cream, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or chocolate shavings.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

* Donut Selection: While glazed donuts are a classic choice, feel free to experiment with different donut flavors! Chocolate, Boston cream, jelly-filled, or even maple bacon donuts can add unique twists to your bread pudding.
* Preventing Soggy Bread Pudding: Drying out the donuts slightly in the oven is the key to preventing a soggy bread pudding. This step helps the donuts absorb the custard without becoming overly mushy.
* Spice it Up: Adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of ground cloves or allspice can add warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
* 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.
* Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the bread pudding and adjust the baking time accordingly. The top should be golden brown and the custard should be set.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This donut bread pudding can be assembled ahead of time and baked later. Prepare the pudding according to the instructions, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the pudding is cold.

Variations and Substitutions

* Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free donuts to make this recipe gluten-free. There are many delicious gluten-free donut options available at most grocery stores.
* Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk or soy milk for the whole milk and coconut cream for the heavy cream to make this recipe dairy-free. Be sure to use dairy-free donuts as well.
* Vegan: Use vegan donuts, plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) to replace the eggs for a completely vegan bread pudding.
* Regional Twists: In some regions, people like to add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for an extra layer of flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10

A Sweet Ending: Your Donut Bread Pudding Masterpiece

With its comforting warmth, delightful textures, and customizable flavors, this donut bread pudding is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect way to transform leftover donuts into a show-stopping dessert or a brunch centerpiece that will impress your guests. Enjoy the simple joy of creating something truly special with this easy-to-follow recipe! For another great recipe using the oven, check out these Healthy Blueberry Muffins!