Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe

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The Heart of Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe

There’s something so comforting about bread pudding—the warm, custardy center and the crisp-edged top create a harmony that instantly soothes the soul. Now, imagine swapping traditional bread for those iconic Krispy Kreme donuts. The result? A luxuriously soft interior peppered with sweet, silky pockets of donut bliss, wrapped in a golden caramelized crust that will make you sigh with delight.

I remember the first time I baked this Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe late on a weekend afternoon. The kitchen filled with the warm spice of cinnamon and vanilla, and that buttery steam that signals something special is baking. As you follow along, you’ll notice how the donuts soak up the creamy custard, transforming into a dessert that feels both nostalgic and delightfully new.

This is one of those recipes you’ll want to come back to again and again, whether for an impressive brunch centerpiece or a quiet treat with coffee. I promise, once you see how easy it is and taste the cozy texture, this Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe will become a beloved staple.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Krispy Kreme Donuts: The star ingredient—soft, sweet, and perfectly airy. If unavailable, doughnuts from your bakery or brioche can be good substitutes.
• Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: Richness that creates a silky custard. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for additional milk.
• Eggs: The binding magic, setting the custard firmly while keeping it tender. If you’re dairy-free, a flax egg won’t work here—eggs are key.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens without overpowering. Coconut or maple sugar works but shifts flavor slightly.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth. Pure is best, but imitation will still give you good results.
• Ground Cinnamon: Cozy spice highlight—try nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice if you want to experiment.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Powdered Sugar & Milk (for drizzle): A simple glaze for a subtle sweetness and glossy finish. Swap milk with cream or even a citrus juice for a bright twist.

Before You Begin

Having your mise en place ready makes this Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe a breeze. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and lightly grease your 8×8 baking dish so the edges crisp up just right. Chop your donuts into generous chunks—they should be bite-sized but still substantial to soak up all that custard. Give yourself about 15 minutes to prep, then 45 minutes for baking. Timing is friendly here; feel free to start it early on a weekend morning.

How to Make Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to encourage a crisp, golden edge.
2. Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Aim for a smooth custard with no lumps—you’ll notice the aroma of vanilla and cinnamon coming alive here.
3. Place the chopped Krispy Kreme donut chunks evenly in your prepared baking dish. The soft donut pieces will soak up the custard but still hold some structure.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the donuts. Using a spatula or your hands, gently press the mixture down so every bite is coated with silky custard. This resting step is key — let it sit for 10–15 minutes to soak.
5. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes. Look for a golden top with crisp edges and a center that’s just set but not dry. You should see the custard puff slightly and the aroma deepen into a warm, spiced comfort.

6. While baking, mix powdered sugar and 2–3 tablespoons milk in a bowl until smooth to create a glossy glaze. Adjust consistency if too thick by adding a little more milk.
7. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread pudding once it’s out of the oven. This simple step adds a sweet, silky finish that you’ll love biting into.
8. Serve warm for the best experience — the contrast of crisp edges, custard-soft donut bits, and the sweet drizzle is irresistible. Pair with coffee or cream for a cozy treat.

Creative Variations for Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe

• Berry Bliss: Fold fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries into the custard before baking for bursts of tart contrast.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Toss in mini chocolate chips or swirl in melted chocolate before baking for gooey pockets of chocolatey goodness.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger to the custard for a warm-spiced twist that pairs beautifully with the original cinnamon.
• Citrus Bright: Stir in lemon or orange zest to the custard and replace milk in the glaze with fresh citrus juice for a lively zing.
• Nuts & Caramel: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking and drizzle with caramel sauce instead of powdered sugar glaze.
• Mini Portions: Bake this in ramekins instead of a large dish for personal servings — perfect for sharing or fancy presentations.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture will stay soft but the edges lose some crispness.
• Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm single servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crisp edges and gentle custard warmth.
• Glaze fresh: Always add the powdered sugar glaze after reheating to preserve its glossy texture and fresh flavor.

Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs

• Can I use other donuts besides Krispy Kreme? Yes! Brioche or glazed bakery donuts work well, but Krispy Kreme’s light texture absorbs custard best for that signature softness.
• What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can use all whole milk, but the pudding will be less rich and silky. Adding a bit of melted butter can help boost mouthfeel.
• Can I make this dairy-free? This recipe relies on dairy for custard richness, so substitutions are tricky. You might experiment with coconut milk and egg substitutes, but texture will vary.
• How do I know when it’s done baking? Look for a golden crust and a custard set but slightly jiggly in the center — it will firm up as it cools.
• Can I prepare this the day before? Absolutely! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking. Let it sit 10 minutes at room temperature before putting it in the oven.

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