Bread Pudding With Donuts Recipe – Kitchen Happiness

Are you looking for a delightful way to transform leftover donuts into something extraordinary? Say hello to our incredible Bread Pudding With Donuts Recipe! This isn’t just any bread pudding; it’s a comforting, sweet, and incredibly simple dessert that will make you feel like a baking pro, even if you’re just starting out. Perfect for those seeking easy baking recipes, this dish takes the humble donut and elevates it into a rich, custardy treat.

We’ve packed this guide with essential baking tips for beginners, ensuring your first attempt is a resounding success. Get ready to impress your taste buds and loved ones with this surprisingly simple yet utterly delicious creation! It’s the perfect way to use up those day-old donuts and create a brand new family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking success. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious donut bread pudding:

Ingredient	Quantity	Unit
Day-old donuts (glazed, plain, or cake work best)	8-10 (medium-sized)
Whole milk	2	cups
Heavy cream	1/2	cup
Granulated sugar	1/2	cup
Large eggs	3
Egg yolks	2
Vanilla extract	1	teaspoon
Ground cinnamon	1/2	teaspoon
Pinch of salt
Unsalted butter (for greasing pan)	1	tablespoon
For Optional Glaze:
Powdered sugar	1	cup
Milk or water	2-3	tablespoons
Vanilla extract	1/4	teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Beginner-Friendly Guide

Ready to turn those donuts into a masterpiece? Follow these detailed steps, and you’ll have a warm, custardy bread pudding in no time!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your pudding goes in, leading to even baking.
• Take your 9×13 inch baking dish and generously grease the inside with about 1 tablespoon of butter. Make sure to get the bottom and all sides. This prevents the pudding from sticking and makes for easy serving and cleanup.

Step 2: Chop Your Donuts

• Gather your day-old donuts. Using a sharp knife, cut them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don’t worry about perfect uniformity; a little variation adds character!
• Evenly distribute the donut pieces in your prepared baking dish. Try to create a relatively flat layer, though some overlapping is fine. This ensures every piece gets soaked in the custard.
• Beginner Tip: Day-old donuts are ideal because they’re slightly stale and will absorb the custard much better than fresh, super-soft ones.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, large eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
• Using a whisk, beat these ingredients together until they are well combined and the sugar has largely dissolved. You want a smooth, uniform mixture.
• Beginner Tip: Whisk vigorously but try not to incorporate too much air, which can create a foamy top. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure no sugar crystals are left behind – a grainy pudding is no fun!
• Common Mistake: Not whisking enough can lead to an inconsistent custard and pockets of uncooked egg. Make sure everything is thoroughly blended.

Step 4: Pour the Custard Over the Donuts

• Carefully pour the custard mixture evenly over the chopped donuts in the baking dish.
• Gently press down on the donut pieces with a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure they are mostly submerged in the custard. This helps them soak up all that delicious liquid.

Step 5: Let It Soak (The Secret to Success!)

• This step is crucial for a perfectly moist and flavorful bread pudding. Let the dish sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.
• Why this is important: This allows the donut pieces to fully absorb the custard mixture, preventing dry spots and ensuring a rich, custardy texture throughout the entire pudding. Don’t skip this!
• Alternative: If you’re short on time, you can reduce the soaking time slightly, but aim for at least 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Bake Your Bread Pudding

• Place the baking dish in your preheated oven.
• Bake for 35-45 minutes.
• How to check for doneness: The pudding should be golden brown on top, and the edges should be set. When you gently shake the dish, the center should have only a slight jiggle, similar to a firm custard or gelatin, not liquidy.
• Beginner Tip: Ovens can vary! Start checking at 35 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly but the center isn’t set, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
• Common Mistake: Overbaking will result in a dry, rubbery pudding. Undermaking will leave it too liquidy. Trust the jiggle test! A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean, without raw liquid custard.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

• Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the pudding to set further and makes it easier to serve.
• While it’s cooling, you can prepare the optional glaze.

Step 8: Prepare the Optional Glaze (If Desired)

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Add more liquid a tiny bit at a time if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
• Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm bread pudding just before serving.

Serve your warm, comforting Bread Pudding With Donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply as is. Enjoy your homemade delight!

Tips & Tricks for Bread Pudding Perfection

Even though this is an easy recipe, these extra tips will help you achieve the best possible results and make you feel like a pro baker:

• Stale is Best: Don’t rush out to buy fresh donuts! Day-old or slightly stale donuts are truly ideal. Their drier texture allows them to absorb the rich custard mixture much better, leading to a perfectly moist, not soggy, pudding.
• Donut Variety Matters: While glazed, plain, or cake donuts are fantastic, try to avoid jelly-filled or cream-filled donuts. The fillings can burst during baking, making your pudding watery or overly sweet in concentrated spots.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother, more emulsified custard, ensure your eggs and dairy products are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily and evenly.
• Don’t Overbake: This is crucial! Overbaking is the fastest way to a dry, rubbery bread pudding. Look for that slight jiggle in the center; it will continue to set as it cools.
• Cover if Browning Too Fast: If you notice the top of your pudding is getting too dark before the center is cooked through, simply tent it loosely with aluminum foil. This will protect the surface while allowing the inside to finish baking.
• Customization is Key: Feel free to get creative! Add a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), or even some dried cranberries to the donut pieces before adding the custard. A splash of bourbon or rum in the custard can also add a delightful depth of flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: This pudding is divine warm, often accompanied by a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or just a simple dusting of powdered sugar. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce also works wonders!
• Proper Storage: Store any leftover bread pudding covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or a low oven.

Essential Baking Tools

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials you’ll need for this recipe:

• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Baking Pan (9×13 inch)
• Measuring Cups
• Spatula
• Measuring Spoons
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board

Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious Bread Pudding With Donuts (based on 10 servings per 9×13 inch pan). Please note, these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Carbohydrates	55 g
Protein	8 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	35 g

*Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As a beginner, you might have some questions. We’ve got you covered!

1. Can I use fresh donuts instead of day-old?

While day-old donuts are ideal because their slightly stale texture absorbs the custard better, you can certainly use fresh ones. If you do, consider letting them sit out uncovered for a few hours to dry out a bit, or even lightly toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes before cutting.

2. How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?

The edges should be set and golden brown, and the center should have only a slight jiggle when gently shaken. A knife or toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean, without raw liquid custard clinging to it. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so keep an eye on it!

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble the pudding (donuts and custard) up to 12 hours in advance. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

4. What kind of donuts work best for this recipe?

Plain glazed, cake, or old-fashioned donuts are fantastic choices. They provide a great base flavor and texture. Avoid highly decorated donuts with sprinkles (they tend to melt) or jelly-filled donuts, as the filling can create too much moisture or burst during baking.

5. How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover bread pudding covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, individual portions can be gently warmed in the microwave or in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through.

Conclusion: Your Delicious Donut Adventure Awaits!

There you have it! A truly delightful and surprisingly simple Bread Pudding With Donuts Recipe that transforms humble donuts into a show-stopping dessert. This recipe is a testament to how easy and rewarding baking can be, especially for beginners.

We hope these detailed instructions and baking tips for beginners have empowered you to step into the kitchen with confidence. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite donut types or add-ins – this recipe is very forgiving and adaptable. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and prepare to indulge in a warm, comforting slice of pure bliss. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations with us in the comments below!