Can you use stale doughnuts for Krispy Kreme bread pudding?

Bread pudding is a great way to use up stale doughnuts (as well as breads, croissants, and more!). The firm texture of stale doughnuts can help them absorb the custard more readily.

How do you keep Krispy Kreme bread pudding from becoming soggy?

To avoid a soggy doughnut bread pudding, simply pour the custard over the doughnuts to coat. Avoid overmixing or overworking the ingredients, which could cause a mealy, soggy texture. Make sure to bake in a water bath for the most gentle, even baking to ensure the right texture.

Should Krispy Kreme bread pudding be served hot, warm, or at room temperature?

This bread pudding can be served hot, warm, or at room temperature, depending on your personal preference. We do recommend cooling slightly after baking to help the bread pudding set before slicing.

Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding Recipe

Active Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 45 mins

Servings:

Ever wondered what to do with your leftover Krispy Kreme doughnuts? Trick question. We know there is never an excess of Krispy Kreme.

But if you're in the mood for a modern twist on the beloved treat, give our Krispy Kreme bread pudding a try! It's easy, delicious, and unique.

With only 30 minutes of hands-on time, you'll be in and out of the kitchen in a jiffy. Made with sugary doughnuts and a velvety custard, this dessert is reminiscent of classic bread pudding with an irresistibly doughy finish.

Not convinced? It's topped off with a homemade butter-bourbon sauce that perfectly brings together the rich flavor combination. Complete with caramel, heavy cream, and a dash of salt, the tasty sauce is an instant crowd-pleaser. Bring this bread pudding to your next church potluck or family dinner party for the ultimate dessert choice.

Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with Bourbon Butter Sauce — Southern Living

What Is Bread Pudding?

Bread pudding originated in England in the 11th century, when cooks soaked stale, leftover bread with a spiced sugar syrup to transform it into a new dish. Known as "poor man's pudding," it later evolved to include milk, eggs, and butter, becoming known as "bread and butter pudding."

In other times of economic hardship, including the Great Depression, the simplicity of bread pudding made it a staple dish for home cooks and professional chefs. The popularity of bread pudding never seemed to subside. Today, it's enjoyed worldwide, with countless variations, both sweet and savory, making their rounds on restaurant menus and in home kitchens.

Ingredients for Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding

With Krispy Kreme doughnuts as a base, need we say more? To make Krispy Kreme bread pudding, you'll need:

For the bread pudding:

Krispy Kreme doughnuts: The tender base of the bread pudding.
Half-and-half: The creamy base of the custard that binds and moistens the doughnuts.
Large eggs: Binds the custard.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard base.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
Vanilla ice cream: Optional, for serving.

For the bourbon butter sauce:

Granulated sugar: The sweet base of the sauce, that turns into a rich caramel after cooking.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar to create a smooth sauce.
Light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization, keeping the caramel stable and smooth as it cooks.
Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and a velvety texture to the sauce.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor.
Bourbon: For a flavorful depth and boozy kick.
Kosher salt: Enhances and balances the flavor of the sauce.

How To Make Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding

No one will guess it only took you 30 minutes of hands-on time to prepare this over-the-top indulgent dessert. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Prepare pan: Preheat oven, and butter a 11- x 7-inch baking dish; fill with doughnut pieces.
Step 2. Make custard: Whisk together half-and-half, eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Pour over doughnuts and let stand 1 hour.
Step 3. Bake pudding: Place baking dish into a 9- x 13-inch baking dish, filling the larger baking dish halfway up with water. Bake until custard is set. Cool in water bath until cool enough to handle, then remove from larger baking dish.
Step 4. Make sauce: Stir together sugar, water, and corn syrup in a saucepan. Cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves, then until the mixture reaches a deep amber color. Remove from heat and pour in cream. Stir in butter, bourbon, and salt and let cool slightly. Serve over bread pudding and ice cream if desired.

Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding Variations

Turn this doughnut bread pudding into your own unique creation with some simple additions:

Doughnuts: Change up the type or flavor of doughnuts as desired. You can also use this method to create bread pudding using croissants, brioche, or challah.
Extracts: Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract or other flavorings as desired.
Spice: Add cinnamon, chai spice, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or other spices into the custard.
Citrus: Add lemon or orange zest into the custard for a bright, citrusy touch.
Fruits: Dot in blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, sliced bananas, or any other fruits before baking.
Nuts and chips: Sprinkle the bread pudding with chopped pecans, almonds, walnuts, chocolate chips, or any other toppings as desired.

Our Tips for the Best Bread Pudding

For the most tender, luscious bread pudding, keep these tips in mind:

Avoid mixing: For this recipe, there's no need to mix the custard base with the doughnuts. Simply pour the mixture over the doughnuts, and let stand. This will help keep the texture of the doughnuts intact as they soak.
Be patient: Give the doughnuts time to soak up the liquid for the most tender result.
Water bath: For even, gentle cooking, rely on a water bath.
Bake just until set for the best texture. Overbaked bread pudding can become dry and rubbery.
Serve with sauce and ice cream: Bread pudding is certainly delicious on its own, and Krispy Kreme bread pudding, well, bonus points. But add some sauce and ice cream, and this dessert truly becomes next level. Feel free to add some fresh berries to brighten up the richness of the dish.

Can I Make Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding Ahead?

This bread pudding is best made as directed and served fresh, but if you do want to get ahead of your prep, you can top the doughnuts with custard as directed, then wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let stand while the oven preheats, and bake in a water bath as directed.

The sauce can also be prepared ahead. Make as directed, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to use.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding

Wrap and refrigerate leftover portions of bread pudding for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, and reheat in a preheated 350°F oven, toaster oven, or microwave until hot throughout before serving.

More Bread Pudding Recipes You'll Love

Whether you like your bread pudding made with cinnamon-raisin bread, challah, or pecan sweet rolls, boy do we have a treat in mind for you:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

Bread Pudding:

1 doz. Krispy Kreme doughnuts, each cut into 8 pieces
2 cups half-and-half
4 large eggs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Vanilla ice cream, optional

Bourbon Butter Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
3 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. bourbon
1/4 tsp. kosher salt

Directions

Prepare pan:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly butter a glass or enamel-coated 11- x 7-inch baking dish. Place doughnut pieces in baking dish.
Make custard:

Whisk together half-and-half, eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a medium bowl until well combined. Pour mixture over doughnuts in baking dish; let sit 1 hour.
Bake pudding:

Place baking dish inside of a metal 9- x 13-inch baking dish. Fill 9- x 13-inch with water, allowing water to come halfway up the sides of the 11- x 7-inch dish, creating a water bath. Place water bath in preheated oven and bake 40-43 minutes, or until custard is just set. Remove from oven and let cool in water bath until just cool enough to handle, about 30 minutes. Remove 11- x 7-inch dish from water bath to scoop and serve.
Make Butter Bourbon Sauce:

Stir together sugar, water, and corn syrup in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Increase heat to medium high and cook, occasionally brushing sides of saucepan with a wet pastry brush, until mixture darkens to a deep amber color, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from heat and pour in cream (mixture will bubble vigorously); stir in butter, bourbon, and salt until well combined. Let cool 5 minutes, then spoon sauce over Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding and vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use stale doughnuts for Krispy Kreme bread pudding?

Bread pudding is a great way to use up stale doughnuts (as well as breads, croissants, and more!). The firm texture of stale doughnuts can help them absorb the custard more readily.
How do you keep Krispy Kreme bread pudding from becoming soggy?

To avoid a soggy doughnut bread pudding, simply pour the custard over the doughnuts to coat. Avoid overmixing or overworking the ingredients, which could cause a mealy, soggy texture. Make sure to bake in a water bath for the most gentle, even baking to ensure the right texture.
Should Krispy Kreme bread pudding be served hot, warm, or at room temperature?

This bread pudding can be served hot, warm, or at room temperature, depending on your personal preference. We do recommend cooling slightly after baking to help the bread pudding set before slicing.