Donut bread pudding? Yes, please! This isn't your grandma's bread pudding (unless your grandma was incredibly adventurous!). This recipe takes the beloved comfort food and gives it a fun, unexpected twist using leftover donuts. It's the perfect way to use up those slightly stale donuts and create a dessert that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make.
What Kind of Donuts Work Best?
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Almost any kind of donut will work, although some will yield a richer, more flavorful result than others.
- Glazed donuts: These provide a lovely sweetness and a slightly sticky texture that adds to the pudding's overall richness.
- Chocolate donuts: A decadent choice that adds intense chocolate flavor to the pudding.
- Cake donuts: These tend to be denser and absorb the custard more evenly, resulting in a moist and evenly textured pudding.
- Powdered sugar donuts: These offer a delicate sweetness and a light, fluffy texture.
Avoid donuts with overly hard or chewy fillings, as these might not integrate well into the pudding.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 6-8 stale donuts, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 6 cups)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional additions: ½ cup chocolate chips, raisins, chopped nuts, or caramel sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Combine donuts and custard: Gently fold the donut pieces into the custard mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. If using any optional additions (chocolate chips, raisins, etc.), add them now.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the pudding is set and lightly golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread pudding cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. It's delicious served warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh donuts for this recipe?
While you can technically use fresh donuts, stale donuts are ideal. Stale donuts absorb the custard better, resulting in a moister and more evenly textured bread pudding. If using fresh donuts, consider slightly toasting them in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the custard.
How long can I store leftover donut bread pudding?
Leftover donut bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bread pudding up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the baking dish and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What are some other variations I can try?
Get creative! Experiment with different types of donuts, spices, and mix-ins. Consider adding a layer of caramel sauce to the bottom of the baking dish for an extra touch of decadence. You could also use different milks (almond, soy) to adjust the flavor profile.
This donut bread pudding recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simple preparation and delicious outcome make it perfect for a cozy night in or a delightful dessert for a gathering. Enjoy!
