Ever found yourself staring at a dozen leftover glazed donuts, wondering what to do with them? I mean, tossing them out feels like an absolute sin, right? Enter Glazed Donut Bread Pudding! It’s like the love child of brunch and dessert, and trust me, it’ll make your taste buds do a little happy dance. In this article, I’ll walk you through why you need this recipe in your life and how to whip it up in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Quick: Seriously, if you can tear donuts into pieces, you can make this pudding.
- Rich & Indulgent: Just think about it—glazed donuts soaked in a creamy custard. Yum!
- Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert: Why choose when you can have both?
- Impress Your Guests: Serve this, and they’ll think you’re a master chef. (Spoiler: it’s super simple!)
- Endless Variations: Switch it up with different donut flavors or toppings. Your creativity is the limit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to raid your pantry and treat yourself to something special! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 dozen glazed donuts
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Espresso whipped cream (for topping)
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be well on your way to donut heaven!
STEP 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your pudding cooks evenly.
STEP 2: Cut the Donuts
Grab those glazed beauties and cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can do this with your bare hands; no need for fancy knives here!
STEP 3: Whisk the Custard
In another bowl, whisk together:
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Make sure it’s smooth and well-combined.
STEP 4: Pour Over Donuts
Take that luscious egg mixture and gently pour it over the donut pieces, ensuring every little bit is soaked up!
STEP 5: Let It Sit
Let it sit for about 30 minutes so all the flavors mingle and the donuts can absorb the deliciousness.
STEP 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish (don’t skip this step!) and transfer the donut mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
STEP 7: Bake
Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the pudding is set. Keep an eye on it because over-baking is just sad!
STEP 8: Prepare Toppings
While that’s baking, whip up some espresso whipped cream. Trust me, you need this little touch of gourmet magic.
STEP 9: Cool Down
Once it’s finished baking, let it cool for a few minutes. It’ll be hard to resist, but patience is a virtue, my friend.
STEP 10: Serve & Enjoy!
Top with that homemade espresso whipped cream and dig in! It’s the ultimate reward for your patience.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Stale Donuts Work Too: If your donuts are a few days old, don’t toss them! They’ll work perfectly in this recipe.
- Let It Chill: Give it some time in the fridge before serving for an even better texture.
- Mix It Up: Try different types of donuts—chocolate, maple, or even filled ones for a twist!
Fun Variations & Topping Ideas
Variations:
- Chocolate Heaven: Use chocolate-glazed donuts and add chocolate chips for extra decadence.
- Fruit Twist: Mix in some fresh berries or slices of banana before baking.
- Nutty Flavor: Toss in chopped nuts or top with caramel sauce for crunch.
Toppings:
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel over the top never hurt anyone.
- Fresh Fruit: Think strawberries, raspberries, or even slices of peach. They add a nice freshness.
- Ice Cream: Because who wouldn’t want a scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm pudding?
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers (though I doubt it)? Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But let’s be real—good luck with that!
- Reheat: Warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Top off with some more whipped cream, and you’re good to go!
Leftover Ideas
If you somehow have leftovers (again, very hard to believe), you can try:
- Donut Bread Pudding French Toast: Slice it up and fry it like french toast. Genius, right?
- Parfaits: Layer it with yogurt and fruit for a fun breakfast option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different types of donuts?
Absolutely! Get creative. Just remember, sweeter donuts will make a sweeter pudding.
How can I add some spice?
Try adding nutmeg or some pumpkin spice during fall for a seasonal twist!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
In summary, Glazed Donut Bread Pudding is the perfect recipe when you want to impress your friends or treat yourself to an indulgent dessert (or breakfast—no judgement here). It’s easy to make, absolutely delicious, and a sure crowd-pleaser!
So roll up your sleeves and get baking! And hey, don’t forget to leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. Reaction pictures are always welcome too! 😄
Glazed Donut Bread Pudding
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the glazed donuts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture over the donut pieces, ensuring they are all soaked.
- Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- Grease a baking dish and transfer the donut mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- While it’s baking, prepare the espresso whipped cream.
- Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve topped with espresso whipped cream.
