Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe

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The Comfort of Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe

There’s something truly special about turning sweet breakfast treats into a warm, comforting dessert. The Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe has become one of my go-to cozy kitchen projects when I want something indulgent yet effortlessly simple. I love how the soft, doughy donuts soak up that velvety custard, then bake into golden, lightly crisp pockets of flavor. You’ll notice that unique Krispy Kreme glaze peeking through in every bite, adding just the right hint of sweetness.

If you’ve got a few leftover donuts or just want to elevate your weekend brunch, this recipe is an absolute winner. The creamy custard mingles with the cinnamon and vanilla in a way that’s familiar but elevated. Plus, it’s a warm hug on a plate that’s so easy to pull together, you’ll be making it again before you know it. Let’s dig into what makes this Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe truly irresistible.

Ingredient Guide

• Krispy Kreme Donuts (6–8): The star of the show! Their soft, glazed texture soaks up custard in the most heavenly way.
• Whole Milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess and richness to the custard without overpowering.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Boosts that velvety texture, making the pudding indulgent yet light.
• Large Eggs (3): Binds everything together and creates that custardy base you want.
• Granulated Sugar (⅓ cup): Sweetens the mixture just right without masking flavors.
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Infuses warmth and aroma that elevates every bite.
• Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp): Adds a cozy spice depth, perfect for fall or anytime feel-good eats.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness, highlights other flavors.
• Powdered Sugar (½ cup) + Milk (2–3 tbsp): For a simple, glossy glaze drizzle to finish—adds an extra touch of sweetness and shine.

Prep Before You Begin

Timing is your friend here. I like to prep the custard mixture first because it gives you the chance to whisk everything until completely smooth, creating that perfect base for soaking the donuts. Have your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and your baking dish greased—this helps the pudding bake evenly and slide out easily when it’s ready. The donuts should be cut into rustic chunks so they soak in as much custard as possible without falling apart. A little mise en place goes a long way with this recipe!

How to Make Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 baking dish. I prefer a little butter spread evenly for that golden base that won’t stick.
2. Whisk together the custard ingredients: eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. You want a smooth, glossy mixture without lumps—this is the magic that makes your pudding tender and flavorful.
3. Cut your Krispy Kreme donuts into chunks, roughly an inch or so. Don’t worry if they’re uneven—these irregular pieces soak up custard beautifully, giving you a lovely mix of textures.
4. Arrange the donut chunks evenly in the greased baking dish. Think of this as layering a quilt of soft doughy goodness waiting for its custard hug.
5. Pour the custard mixture slowly over the donuts, pressing gently to make sure all pieces get saturated. You’ll hear that soft squish, and you’ll notice the donuts soaking up the liquid beautifully as you press down lightly. Then let it sit for 10–15 minutes; this step is key because it lets the flavors meld and the donuts plump up with custard.

6. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top turns lightly golden and the center is set but still moist. Avoid overbaking — you want it soft and pudding-like, not dry. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean but still moist.
7. While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar and milk until smooth, forming a creamy, thick drizzle. This glaze adds a final glossy sweetness that complements the cinnamon and vanilla perfectly.
8. Once out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over the warm pudding, letting it pool in the nooks and crannies of the donut chunks. Serve warm for the ultimate comforting experience.

Creative Variations for Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe

• Add a handful of chocolate chips or chunks before baking for a melty surprise.
• Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during fall for a seasonal touch.
• Mix in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for texture contrast.
• Top with fresh berries or sliced bananas just before serving to brighten flavors.
• Drizzle melted caramel or espresso sauce in place of powdered sugar glaze for a decadent variation.
• Use maple syrup in the custard mix to deepen sweetness and add complexity.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s even better when gently reheated.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or heat the whole dish in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
• Glaze tip: You can drizzle fresh glaze after reheating to revive that glossy finish.

Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs

• Can I use other donuts? Absolutely! While Krispy Kreme adds a unique flavor and texture, you can swap in glazed or plain donuts, adjusting sugar as needed.
• Do I need to soak the donuts? Letting the custard sit for 10–15 minutes after pouring is key to fully absorb flavor without turning mushy.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight then bake fresh in the morning.
• What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can use extra whole milk but the texture won’t be quite as rich or velvety.
• How do I know when it’s done baking? Look for a golden top and a set center that gently jiggles but doesn’t wobble.

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