Donut bread pudding transforms those day-old glazed treats into a decadent dessert that combines the comfort of traditional bread pudding with the unmistakable joy of donuts. This ingenious culinary creation has gained popularity as home cooks discover how easily leftover donuts can be reborn into something even more delicious than their original form. The magic happens when those airy, sweet donuts soak up a rich custard mixture, creating layers of texture and flavor that simply can’t be achieved with regular bread.
What makes donut bread pudding truly special is its versatility and simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or professional skills to create this showstopping dessert at home. Whether you’re looking to reduce food waste or simply trying to find a creative way to use up those donuts from yesterday’s breakfast run, this recipe delivers an impressive result with minimal effort. I’ve discovered that this dessert brings together the nostalgic flavors of classic donuts with the warm, comforting essence of traditional bread pudding in a way that makes everyone ask for seconds.
Donut Bread Pudding
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 6 large glazed donuts cut into chunks
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for glaze
- 2 tbsp milk for glaze
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Place the donut chunks in the greased baking dish.
- Pour the custard mixture over the donuts, pressing down gently to ensure they soak up the liquid.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow full absorption.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- While the pudding bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread pudding before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Customization: Add chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition
The Delicious History Behind Donut Bread Pudding
Bread pudding dates back centuries as a practical way to use stale bread, with variations appearing in cuisines around the world. The earliest recorded recipes emerge from medieval European kitchens, where frugal cooks refused to waste precious bread. These humble beginnings set the stage for what would eventually become a beloved comfort food across cultures.
The transition to using donuts instead of bread represents a distinctly modern American twist. This innovation likely began in home kitchens as a creative solution for using leftover donuts before spreading to restaurant menus and food blogs. The evolution of bread in modern desserts has always reflected our changing relationship with food, and donut bread pudding perfectly exemplifies this progression.
What makes this dessert particularly appealing in 2025 is its alignment with the growing movement toward reducing food waste. Rather than tossing those slightly stale donuts, transforming them into a luxurious bread pudding gives them new life. This combination of practicality and indulgence speaks to contemporary values around thoughtful consumption without sacrificing pleasure.
What Makes Donut Bread Pudding So Irresistible
Donut bread pudding captures hearts and palates because it delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The outside develops a delicate caramelized crust while the interior remains soft and custardy. This contrast creates a multidimensional eating experience that standard bread pudding can’t quite match.
The glaze on donuts contributes another layer of sweetness and flavor that integrates beautifully with the custard base. As the donuts bake in their bath of eggs, milk, and cream, they absorb these rich ingredients while still maintaining some of their distinctive donut character. The result is a dessert that’s familiar yet surprising.
Another appealing aspect is how the donut’s structure holds up differently than regular bread. The rising importance of yeast in bread making becomes evident here, as yeast donuts provide an airy, light foundation that soaks up custard while maintaining structural integrity. This creates pockets of flavor and an interesting textural landscape throughout the pudding.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
Creating the perfect donut bread pudding requires just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 12 glazed yeast donuts (day-old works best)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Optional: caramel sauce or chocolate sauce for serving
Equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for cutting donuts
- Oven
Yeast donuts are strongly recommended for this recipe because they provide a light, pillowy texture that absorbs the custard beautifully. Cake donuts can work in a pinch, but they’ll create a denser final product. Glazed donuts contribute additional sweetness and flavor, but you can adjust the added sugar if using heavily frosted or filled varieties. Churro & foodie-themed apparel can make your baking experience even more fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Donut Bread Pudding
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious donut bread pudding:
1. Prepare your ingredients and equipment
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
- Gather all ingredients and measure them out
2. Cut the donuts into pieces
- Slice each donut into six equal wedges
- Arrange the donut pieces in the prepared baking dish, distributing them evenly
3. Prepare the custard mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg until well combined
- Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth
4. Assemble and soak
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the donut pieces in the baking dish
- Gently press down on the donuts to ensure they’re all soaking in the custard
- Let sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the donuts to absorb the custard
5. Bake to perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly
- Insert a knife into the center – it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs
6. Serve and enjoy
- Allow the pudding to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving
- Serve warm, optionally topped with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar
Complete Donut Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Calories: 425 per serving
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 425
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Sugar: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 320mg
Ingredients:
- 12 glazed yeast donuts (preferably day-old)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Optional: caramel sauce or chocolate sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cut each donut into 6 equal pieces and arrange evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture over the donut pieces, making sure all pieces are soaked.
- Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the donuts to absorb the custard.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally with caramel sauce or chocolate sauce drizzled on top.
Recipe Notes:
- Day-old donuts work best as they absorb the custard more effectively.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar to 1/2 cup, especially if using heavily glazed donuts.
- This recipe can be prepared the night before and refrigerated, then baked in the morning for a special breakfast.
- If the top begins to brown too quickly during baking, cover with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time.
Looking for inspiration? Check out these bread desserts easy recipes for more delicious ideas!
Creative Variations and Expert Tips
The basic donut bread pudding recipe provides a wonderful foundation, but don’t be afraid to experiment with these creative variations:
Flavor variations to try:
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Use chocolate-glazed or chocolate-filled donuts, add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the custard, and serve with chocolate sauce
- Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples and increase cinnamon to 1 teaspoon in the custard mixture
- Maple Pecan: Substitute maple syrup for half the brown sugar and add 1/2 cup toasted pecans
- Lemon Berry: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the custard and fold in 1 cup fresh berries
- Rum Raisin: Soak 1/2 cup raisins in 2 tablespoons rum, then add to the mixture
For the best results, follow these professional baking tips:
- Donuts that are 1-2 days old will absorb the custard better than fresh ones
- For extra richness, brush the top with melted butter before the final 10 minutes of baking
- Let the assembled pudding rest for at least 15 minutes before baking to allow the donuts to fully absorb the custard
- For a crispy top and custardy center, place the baking dish in a water bath during baking
- Test for doneness by inserting a knife in the center – it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs
One common question is whether specialized Yonutz donuts or Louisville menu items can be used in this recipe. The answer is absolutely yes! Specialty donuts with unique flavors can bring exciting new dimensions to your bread pudding. Just be mindful of adjusting the added sugar based on how sweet your donuts already are.
How to Store Donut Bread Pudding
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of your donut bread pudding. Here’s a detailed guide to keeping your delicious creation fresh:
Storing at Room Temperature:
- Donut bread pudding can be kept at room temperature for up to 24 hours
- Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil
- Keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources
Refrigerating Donut Bread Pudding:
- For longer storage, refrigerate leftover donut bread pudding for up to 3 days
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container
- To reheat, microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds or warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes
Freezing Donut Bread Pudding:
- Donut bread pudding freezes surprisingly well for up to 2 months
- Cut into individual portions before freezing for easier reheating
- Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place in freezer bags
- Label with the date to track freshness
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
When storing donut bread pudding in the freezer, it’s important to protect it from freezer burn by ensuring it’s wrapped airtight and completely. For best results, consume frozen donut bread pudding within 2 months. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor should remain delicious. If you’re interested in submitting your own variation to our collection, submit a dessert recipe to be featured on our site!
Frequently Asked Questions About Donut Bread Pudding
Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying donut bread pudding:
Can I use cake donuts instead of yeast donuts?
Yes, you can use cake donuts, but expect a denser final texture. Yeast donuts provide a lighter, fluffier result because of their airy structure. If using cake donuts, you might want to reduce the amount of custard slightly as they won’t absorb as much liquid.
What’s the best type of donut to use?
Glazed yeast donuts work best because they have a good balance of sweetness and texture. However, almost any donut variety will work, including chocolate-frosted, sprinkled, or even filled donuts (though you may want to scrape out excessive filling).
Can I make donut bread pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight before baking. This actually improves the flavor as it gives the donuts more time to absorb the custard. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.
Is donut bread pudding served hot or cold?
Donut bread pudding is typically served warm, which highlights its custardy texture. However, it can also be enjoyed at room temperature or even cold from the refrigerator. Many people find it tastes best when slightly warmed.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or egg-free?
Yes, you can substitute plant-based milk for the dairy milk and cream (coconut milk works particularly well). For an egg-free version, try using a commercial egg replacer or a mixture of cornstarch and water as a binding agent, though the texture will differ from the traditional recipe.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also love our steakhouse donut bread pudding recipe for a more savory-sweet variation! Have a favorite local shop that makes amazing donuts for this recipe? Submit a favorite local dessert shop to our business directory.
Why Donut Bread Pudding Deserves a Spot in Your Dessert Rotation
Donut bread pudding represents the perfect intersection of comfort food, creative cooking, and practical resourcefulness. By transforming leftover donuts into a spectacular dessert, you’re not just creating something delicious but also participating in sustainable cooking practices. This dessert exemplifies how food transformation can lead to culinary discoveries that surpass the original ingredients.
The versatility of donut bread pudding makes it appropriate for nearly any occasion. Serve it at brunch with fresh fruit for an impressive morning treat, or dress it up with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream for an elegant dinner party dessert. Its comfort food status also makes it perfect for family gatherings where you want to offer something special yet approachable.
As we move further into 2025, expect to see more creative variations of this trend appearing in bakeries, restaurants, and home kitchens. The combination of nostalgia, practicality, and indulgence makes donut bread pudding more than just a passing fad—it’s a dessert with staying power. So next time you find yourself with a box of day-old donuts, don’t toss them out. Transform them into something even more spectacular with this simple yet impressive recipe.