Recipe for Bread Pudding Made With Donuts That Impresses

Have you ever wondered how to transform leftover donuts into a decadent dessert that’s both comforting and delightfully indulgent? Enter the bread pudding made with donuts—a creative twist on the classic bread pudding recipe that uses soft, sweet donuts as the base instead of traditional bread.

This recipe is perfect for those who want to avoid food waste while treating themselves to a rich, custardy dessert packed with flavor and texture.

Whether you have plain glazed, chocolate, or cinnamon sugar donuts on hand, this pudding will soak up the luscious custard mixture and bake into a golden, creamy delight that’s just begging to be devoured.

It’s an ideal dessert for brunches, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite spices, nuts, or fruit to make it uniquely yours.

Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread pudding made with donuts stands out because it combines the best of both worlds: the familiar comfort of bread pudding with the irresistible sweetness and texture of donuts. The donuts add an extra layer of flavor and richness, making the pudding more tender and moist than traditional versions.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can use any type of donuts—glazed, powdered, filled, or plain—and easily add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fresh berries.

The custard is perfectly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, giving the pudding a warm, inviting flavor that feels like a hug in dessert form.

Another reason to love this recipe is how simple it is to make. It requires minimal prep, uses ingredients you probably already have, and bakes up beautifully in under an hour.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to rescue leftover donuts and turn them into a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• 6 medium-sized donuts (glazed, cinnamon sugar, or plain work best)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for richer pudding)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking dish or similar size
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the donuts: Slice the donuts into 1-inch cubes and place them in the greased baking dish. If you’re using raisins or chocolate chips, sprinkle them evenly over the donut pieces.
3. Mix the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and slightly frothy.
4. Pour custard over donuts: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the donut cubes, making sure all pieces are soaked. Press down gently with a spatula to help the donuts absorb the liquid.
5. Let it soak: Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature so the donuts absorb the custard well.
6. Add butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the pudding for extra richness.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set (a toothpick inserted should come out clean).
8. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the pudding cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For a creamier pudding, substitute half or all of the milk with heavy cream. You can also experiment with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

Variation: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. Fresh or dried fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, or chopped apples also pair wonderfully with the sweet donuts.

Serving tip: Warm the pudding before serving and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This donut bread pudding is best served warm, fresh out of the oven. Complement it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream to balance the sweetness with creamy coolness.

For a brunch setting, pair it with fresh fruit or a light salad like the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas to add a refreshing contrast.

If you want to enjoy it as part of a cozy dinner, consider serving it alongside a comforting soup like the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food. For other creative plant-based dessert ideas, check out the Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for more inspiration.

Conclusion

This bread pudding made with donuts is a delightful way to reinvent your favorite sweet treats into a comforting, custardy dessert that everyone will love. It’s an easy recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special with minimal effort.

Whether you’re looking to use up leftover donuts or simply want to try a fun twist on classic bread pudding, this recipe will not disappoint.

With its rich vanilla and cinnamon flavors, soft, custard-soaked texture, and endless opportunities for customization, it’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different donuts and mix-ins to make it your own.

Enjoy every warm, gooey bite!

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