Decadent Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding: The Ultimate Easy Dessert Recipe

Prepare to experience a dessert sensation unlike any other! This Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding Recipe transforms humble leftover doughnuts into an extraordinarily rich, unbelievably moist, and utterly spectacular treat. Forget complex baking; this recipe is designed for ease without compromising on a truly decadent flavor. It’s the perfect way to elevate simple glazed doughnuts into a warm, comforting masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion, a comforting weekend brunch treat, or simply a brilliant way to use up those extra doughnuts, this bread pudding delivers every time. Its velvety custard-soaked interior and perfectly caramelized edges create an irresistible texture that’s pure bliss.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding

This isn’t just another bread pudding; it’s a revelation! Here’s what makes this particular recipe an absolute must-try:

• Ingenious Use of Leftover Doughnuts: Let’s be honest, it doesn’t happen often, but when you do have a few Krispy Kreme doughnuts lingering, this recipe is your golden ticket! Stale doughnuts are actually ideal for bread pudding as they absorb the rich custard mixture much better than fresh ones, preventing a soggy result and yielding a superior texture. It’s a delicious solution to food waste.
• Effortlessly Simple Ingredients: Beyond the star ingredient (Krispy Kreme doughnuts), the rest of the components are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. We’re talking about eggs, milk, sugar, and basic spices – making this a fuss-free dessert to whip up.
• A True Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion: This bread pudding transcends meal times. It’s elegant enough for a holiday gathering, comforting enough for a Sunday brunch, and fun enough for a kids’ party. Its universally appealing sweet flavor and delightful texture ensure it’s a hit with guests of all ages.
• Unmatched Decadence: The iconic light and airy texture of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, combined with a rich, creamy custard, creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is purely luxurious. Each bite is a symphony of sweet, comforting flavors.
• Customizable to Your Liking: While fantastic on its own, this recipe is a canvas for creativity. Easily add fruits, nuts, or different sauces to tailor it to your personal taste.

Essential Groceries and Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding. Most of these items are kitchen staples, making this recipe incredibly accessible.

For the Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding:

• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: The star! About 12 original glazed doughnuts are perfect. Stale doughnuts (2-3 days old) are actually preferred as they absorb the custard better without becoming mushy. Any plain glazed doughnut variety will work if Krispy Kreme isn’t available.
• Large Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the rich, creamy texture of the custard. Make sure they are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Milk: Whole milk is recommended for the richest custard, but 2% or even a non-dairy alternative like almond milk can be used for a slightly lighter version.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient is key to the bread pudding’s intense sweetness and ultra-creamy consistency. It replaces a significant portion of granulated sugar you’d typically add.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and moisture to the custard, complementing the sweetness of the doughnuts.
• Salt: Just a pinch helps to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Essential for adding warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile. Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
• Ground Cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs beautifully with doughnuts and gives the pudding a cozy, aromatic touch.
• Ground Nutmeg: A small amount provides an extra layer of warm spice, enhancing the comfort food feel.

For the Irresistible Vanilla Sauce:

• Heavy Cream: Forms the luscious base of our vanilla sauce, giving it a rich and smooth texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds a delightful richness and helps create that glossy, melt-in-your-mouth quality in the sauce.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cream and butter.
• Light Brown Sugar: Contributes a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to the sauce, adding complexity.
• Vanilla Extract: Crucial for the signature vanilla flavor of the sauce.

Note: Detailed quantities are provided in the full recipe card below.

Recipe Walkthrough: Step-by-Step Instructions

This is a detailed guide to creating your amazing Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding. Follow these steps for perfect results!

1. Prepare the Doughnuts: Begin by taking your Krispy Kreme doughnuts and cutting them into approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) bite-sized pieces. You can tear them for a more rustic look or use a knife for cleaner cuts. Ensure they are evenly sized to promote consistent soaking and baking. Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, then evenly distribute the doughnut pieces across the bottom of the dish.
2. Whisk the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the essential custard ingredients: large eggs, milk, sweetened condensed milk, light brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. Ensure there are no lumps of brown sugar.
3. Soak the Doughnuts: Carefully pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the doughnut pieces in the baking dish. It might seem like a lot of liquid, but the doughnuts will absorb it beautifully.
4. Press and Rest: Using the back of a spoon or a spatula, gently press down on the doughnut pieces to ensure they are fully submerged and coated in the custard. This step is crucial for achieving that wonderfully moist texture. Allow the doughnuts to soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For an even more decadent and thoroughly soaked pudding, you can let it rest for up to an hour, or even overnight in the refrigerator (bring to room temperature before baking). While it soaks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the edges are slightly crispy, and the center is set (a knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean). The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.

6. Prepare the Vanilla Sauce: While the bread pudding bakes, prepare the irresistible vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
7. Simmer the Sauce: Whisk the sauce ingredients continuously until all the sugars and butter have melted and the mixture is smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until it slightly thickens. Be careful not to bring it to a rolling boil, as it can separate. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat.
8. Cool and Serve: Once the bread pudding is baked, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it cool for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the pudding to set further and makes it easier to serve. Cut into generous slices.
9. Drizzle and Enjoy: Serve each warm slice of Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with a generous drizzle of the warm vanilla sauce over the top. The combination of warm pudding and creamy sauce is truly heavenly!

Pro Tip: For the absolute best results, slightly stale doughnuts are preferred. A good 2-3 day old Krispy Kreme doughnut will soak up the custard mixture more effectively, leading to a richer, more uniformly moist bread pudding. This is a fantastic and delicious way to repurpose those slightly past-their-prime glazed doughnuts!

Recipe Variations and Substitute Ideas for Your Bread Pudding

This Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations and substitute ideas:

• Raisins or Golden Raisins: For a classic touch and a burst of fruity sweetness, stir in half a cup of plump raisins or golden raisins into the doughnut mixture before adding the custard. You can even soak them in a splash of warm rum or water first to plump them up.
• Toasted Pecans: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor by stirring in half a cup of chopped, toasted pecans into the bread pudding mixture before baking. Walnuts or almonds would also be delicious.
• Decadent Butter Rum Sauce: Instead of the vanilla sauce, consider drizzling your finished bread pudding with a rich, buttery rum sauce for an adult-friendly twist.
• Extra Rich Custard with Egg Yolks: For an even more luxurious and creamy custard, separate one or two of your eggs and add only the yolks to the custard mixture. This will boost the richness significantly.
• Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Serve a warm slice with a generous scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of warm pudding and cold topping is simply divine! You could even do both!
• Fruit Medley: For a hint of tartness and fresh flavor, drain a small can of fruit cocktail and gently fold a little into the doughnut mixture before adding the custard. Berries like blueberries or raspberries would also work wonderfully.
• Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips with the doughnuts for a chocolatey surprise.
• Orange Zest: For a bright, citrusy note, add a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the custard mixture. It pairs surprisingly well with the sweet doughnuts.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with other warm spices like a touch of cardamom or ginger in the custard for a different aromatic profile.

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Necessary Gear and Equipment

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You don’t need a lot of specialized equipment to make this Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding, which is part of its appeal! Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: This is the ideal size for this recipe, allowing for even baking and a good ratio of crispy edges to custardy interior. A ceramic, glass, or enameled cast iron dish will all work beautifully. A deeper dish is preferable to prevent overflow during baking.
  Our Recommended 13 Inch Enameled Cast Iron Baking Dish
• Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least one large bowl for whisking the custard mixture. Having a couple on hand is always useful for mise en place.
  Glass Mixing Bowls
• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining your custard ingredients into a smooth mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients, ensuring consistent results every time.
• Small Saucepan: For preparing the delightful vanilla sauce.
• Spatula or Spoon: For pressing down the doughnuts and serving the finished pudding.

Similar Recipes You Might Also Love

If you’re a fan of comforting, sweet baked goods and decadent desserts, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipes from our collection:

• Slow Cooker Bread Pudding: For hands-off baking, try this easy slow cooker version.
• Decadent Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce: A sophisticated take on classic bread pudding with a boozy kick.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Proper storage ensures your Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding stays delicious for days:

• Refrigeration: Once the bread pudding has cooled completely to room temperature, wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, slices of bread pudding can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then in foil, and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm, or warm larger portions in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil, until heated through.

Mel’s Kitchen Notes for Perfection

Don’t despair if you only have one or two doughnuts left over! You can easily freeze them until you’ve accumulated enough to make this heavenly dessert. Just pop them in an airtight freezer bag, and they’ll be ready when you are.

If you’ve tried this Decadent Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding Recipe or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below how it turned out! We love hearing from our readers and cherish your feedback.

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