Irresistible Donut Bread Pudding Recipe Perfect for Holidays

The smell of warm, sugary donuts blending with creamy custard and holiday spices is pure magic. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a family brunch where someone tossed leftover donuts into the bread pudding mix, and wow—what a game changer! This Irresistible Donut Bread Pudding Stuffing isn’t just a dessert; it’s a whole new way to celebrate the holidays with a sweet twist. Trust me, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and creativity, and it’s sure to make your holiday table unforgettable.

Whether you’re looking for a dessert that feels indulgent or a festive dish that surprises your guests, this recipe has you covered. Using donuts (yes, donuts!) adds a unique flavor and texture that traditional bread pudding just can’t match. Plus, it’s easy to make, customizable, and a fantastic way to repurpose leftover pastries. Let’s dive into how to create this show-stopping dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in under an hour, making it a stress-free option for busy holiday prep.
• Uses Leftovers: Got stale donuts sitting around? This recipe transforms them into a masterpiece.
• Unique & Memorable: Perfect for impressing guests with a creative twist on classic bread pudding.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet, soft, and packed with flavor—both kids and adults will love it.
• Customizable: Add your favorite spices, toppings, or even mix in some fruit for a personal touch.

What sets this recipe apart is its use of donuts. They bring a slightly chewy texture, a subtle sweetness, and a hint of indulgence that makes the dish unforgettable. If you’ve ever had bread pudding and thought, “This is good, but it could use something extra,” this recipe is the answer. It’s fun, festive, and feels like a warm holiday hug in every bite.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a dessert that feels anything but ordinary. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen!

• Donuts: About 6-8 stale or day-old donuts, torn into bite-sized pieces (any flavor works, but glazed or cinnamon are ideal).
• Eggs: 4 large eggs (room temperature works best for smooth custard).
• Milk: 2 cups whole milk (or substitute with almond milk for dairy-free).
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup for richness (optional, but recommended).
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (adjust to taste based on the sweetness of your donuts).
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for a warm, fragrant flavor.
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon for a classic holiday spice kick.
• Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon (optional, but adds a cozy depth).
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted (to drizzle over the top for extra flavor).
• Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, caramel sauce, or powdered sugar for serving.

Substitutions: If you’re making this gluten-free, use gluten-free donuts. For a dairy-free version, swap out the milk and heavy cream for almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.

Equipment Needed

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish works perfectly for this recipe.
• Mixing Bowls: One large bowl for the custard mixture.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the eggs and milk smoothly.
• Knife: To tear or cut the donuts into smaller pieces.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters for the custard.
• Optional: A cooling rack for letting the bread pudding set before serving.

If you don’t have a baking dish, you can use a deep pie pan or even individual ramekins for personal-sized portions. And if you’re short on mixing bowls, a large measuring jug works fine for combining the custard ingredients.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the donuts: Tear or cut the donuts into bite-sized pieces and arrange them evenly in the greased baking dish.
3. Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
4. Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the donuts, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Press gently with a spatula or your hands to help the donuts absorb the liquid.
5. Add butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top for extra richness.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set (a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean).
7. Cool: Let the bread pudding cool for about 10 minutes to set before serving.

Pro tip: If your bread pudding looks too dry during baking, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes. If it’s too wet, bake for an additional 5 minutes uncovered.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Use stale donuts: Fresh donuts can turn mushy, while day-old ones hold their shape better.
• Don’t skimp on the custard: The egg and milk mixture is what makes the bread pudding creamy and indulgent.
• Balance sweetness: Adjust the sugar based on how sweet your donuts are. Glazed donuts may need less sugar than plain ones.
• Watch the oven: Every oven is different, so check on your bread pudding after 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare this dish up to a day ahead and reheat it before serving.

Variations & Adaptations

• Seasonal Twist: Add dried cranberries or chopped pecans for a festive touch.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.
• Fruit Addition: Fold in diced apples or pears for a fruity variation.
• Diet-Friendly: Use sugar-free donuts and a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.
• Personal Touch: Swap the vanilla with almond or rum extract for a unique flavor profile.

My favorite variation? Adding a splash of bourbon to the custard for an adults-only holiday treat. It’s a crowd favorite!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this donut bread pudding warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, making it perfect for cozy holiday mornings or post-dinner dessert.

To store, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While indulgent, this recipe includes wholesome ingredients like eggs and milk, which provide protein and calcium. Opting for sugar-free or lower-calorie donuts can make it a bit lighter. A single serving (about 1 cup) is estimated to contain around 280 calories, 12g fat, and 6g protein.

Keep in mind potential allergens like eggs, dairy, and gluten if serving a crowd. You can easily adapt the recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a holiday dessert that’s creative, comforting, and downright irresistible, this Donut Bread Pudding Stuffing is the answer. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but doesn’t require complicated steps or fancy ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose leftovers and add a fun twist to your holiday spread.

I love how this dish brings people together—whether it’s the laughter over the idea of using donuts or the smiles after the first bite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your variations or tips in the comments below. Happy holidays and happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use any type of donut?

Yes! Glazed, chocolate, or even jelly-filled donuts work well. Just note that sweeter donuts may require less sugar in the custard.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the milk and cream with almond or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter.

Can I freeze this bread pudding?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave individual portions for quick reheating, or cover the dish with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh or reheat it before serving.

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