This Coffee Donut Bread Pudding takes everything you love about breakfast and bakes it into one easy dish! Cake donuts baked in a coffee custard for the perfect addition to brunch!

Coffee Donut Bread Pudding: The Ultimate Brunch Centerpiece for Special Occasions

There are certain dishes that simply redefine comfort and celebration. This Coffee Donut Bread Pudding is one of them. Imagine combining the irresistible flavors of your favorite coffee and the fluffy sweetness of cake donuts, all baked into a luscious, easy-to-make custard. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience, transforming simple ingredients into a show-stopping brunch centerpiece that’s perfect for any gathering, especially a heartfelt Mother’s Day celebration.

This dish brings together the best of breakfast and dessert, making it an ideal choice for those mornings when you want to truly spoil your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. With its rich coffee notes, tender donut texture, and a delightful sweet glaze, it promises to be a memorable addition to your holiday spread or any weekend brunch.

Celebrating the Unforgettable Influence of a Mother

Mother’s Day, often seen as a Hallmark holiday, serves a deeper purpose: it’s a sacred reminder to pause and appreciate the most significant figures in our lives. For me, my mother has been an unparalleled force, shaping me in countless ways, from the most profound life lessons to the simplest daily habits. Her unwavering presence and wisdom have molded the person I am today, and this connection forms the very heart of how I approach life, cooking, and sharing. It’s a testament to her enduring impact that so many of my memories and teachings trace back to her.

Her influence is not just profound; it’s woven into the fabric of my everyday existence. Here are just a few of the invaluable gifts she bestowed upon me:

1. A Lifelong Love for Books: My mom instilled in me a deep passion for reading. Every single night, from infancy through middle school (yes, middle school!), she would read to me. I vividly remember us delving into the intricate worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien together. Despite her demanding full-time job as a consultant, she always made time for “just one more story,” fostering a boundless imagination and a relentless curiosity. This ritual laid the foundation for my insatiable love of literature.
2. The Power of Words: She turned mundane car rides to daycare into exciting vocabulary lessons. It wasn’t uncommon for me, as a two-year-old, to casually drop words like “copacetic” into conversation. This playful approach to language not only expanded my vocabulary but also taught me the precision and beauty of words, impacting my communication skills and writing style to this day.
3. My Sweet Tooth’s Origin: It was my mom who sparked my enduring love affair with chocolate. Those early shared moments over a delicious treat developed into a lifelong appreciation for the simple joys that food can bring, making every dessert (especially this one!) a little more special.
4. The Value of Hard Work: She led by example, demonstrating that true success is a product of consistent effort, long hours, and personal sacrifice. Watching her dedication taught me the importance of resilience, discipline, and commitment in achieving any goal, whether in a career or in personal pursuits.
5. Striving for Excellence, Embracing Imperfection: My mother taught me that while striving for perfection is admirable, her love and support for my “less-than-perfect self” is constant. This delicate balance of ambition and self-acceptance has been a guiding principle, encouraging me to push boundaries while also being kind to myself.
6. Strength in Body and Mind: She impressed upon me the integral connection between physical strength and mental well-being, portraying fitness as a vital component of being a strong, successful woman. After reading to me each night, she would consistently work out, regardless of how late it was or how early her next day began. Her discipline was truly inspiring.
7. The Art of Resourcefulness and Frugality: My mom taught me that wasting is a sin, and that buying anything not on sale is a missed opportunity. This principle of resourcefulness extends beyond finances, influencing how I approach cooking – transforming leftovers or scraps into something new and delicious, just like this bread pudding.

While this post celebrates my culinary creation, it’s first and foremost a profound thank you. Thank you, Mom, for your unwavering support, especially through one of the most challenging periods of my life. Over the past year, your strength has been my anchor.

You’ve been there to help me navigate the painful disintegration and tumultuous end of a marriage, a daunting move to NYC, the complexities of divorce, a drastic and frightening shift in careers, the emotional closure of my life in Atlanta, a stressful and demanding new job, and the exciting yet overwhelming beginning of a new chapter in a new city. Through it all, you offered both the space I needed to process and the timely advice and emotional comfort when I was falling apart. Your tireless efforts to make my life easier, in every conceivable way, have not gone unnoticed.

I genuinely believe I would not have emerged from such a trying period relatively unscathed and genuinely happy without your omnipresent support. It is because of you that I can look towards the future with such positivity, hope, and excitement. Happy Mother’s Day to the strongest, most beautiful mother in the world. You are truly one of a kind.

Crafting Your Coffee Donut Bread Pudding: A Culinary Journey

And now, let’s talk about this truly amazing Coffee Donut Bread Pudding! This recipe was born directly from my mother’s invaluable lesson on frugality and avoiding waste. After making batches of homemade Old-fashioned Sour Cream Cake Donuts and Chocolate Cake Donuts, I found myself with a generous amount of delicious donut scraps. It felt like a culinary sin to let them go to waste! So, I decided to give them a second life, transforming them into this indulgent breakfast or dessert marvel.

The concept is simple yet brilliant: take those leftover donut pieces, bathe them in an easy-to-make, rich coffee custard, and bake until golden perfection. The result is a heavenly bread pudding that’s soft on the inside with delightful crispy edges, boasting a harmonious blend of coffee and sweet donut flavors.

While using homemade donut scraps is wonderfully satisfying, don’t hesitate to use store-bought donuts to make this recipe incredibly easy. Just be sure your donuts are a day old. Stale donuts actually work best here, as their slightly drier texture allows them to absorb the coffee custard more effectively without becoming soggy, leading to a superior final texture. Whether you choose plain, chocolate, or a mix of various cake donuts, the outcome is always delicious. I often use a combination of chocolate and traditional sour cream cake donuts for a balanced flavor profile.

This bread pudding truly is a marriage of two beloved breakfast staples: coffee and donuts. What could be more comforting and delightful? It’s a dish that embodies both indulgence and practicality, turning potential waste into a cherished treat.

Tips for the Perfect Coffee Donut Bread Pudding

• The Donut Choice: Cake donuts are ideal for this recipe as they hold their structure well in the custard. While I love using scraps from sour cream and chocolate cake donuts, feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla, old-fashioned, or even crullers for different textures.
• Day-Old is Key: For the best results, use donuts that are at least a day old. This allows them to soak up the coffee custard more effectively, preventing a mushy texture and ensuring a rich, flavorful bite. If your donuts are fresh, let them air out for a few hours or even overnight before assembling.
• The Coffee Custard: The espresso powder is crucial for a robust coffee flavor without adding excessive liquid. Make sure it dissolves completely into the milk and cream mixture for a smooth custard. An immersion blender works wonders here, but a good whisk and a little elbow grease will do the job too.
• Don’t Skip the Turbinado Sugar: Just like my other classic bread pudding recipe, the crunchy topping is essential! Sprinkling turbinado sugar (raw sugar) over the top before baking creates a fantastic caramelized crust that adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft interior. It’s a simple step that elevates the entire dish.
• Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary based on the depth of your baking dish. The bread pudding is done when the center offers some resistance when lightly pressed and no longer feels liquid underneath. It should be puffed and golden brown on top.
• Let it Set: Patience is a virtue! Allowing the bread pudding to cool for at least 45 minutes before serving is crucial. This cooling period allows the custard to properly set, resulting in clean slices and a more enjoyable texture.
• The Finishing Touch: A generous drizzle of homemade donut glaze is the crowning glory. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful sheen that makes this dish utterly irresistible. Don’t be shy with it!

This Coffee Donut Bread Pudding is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of comfort, resourcefulness, and the special people in our lives. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we do.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms out there! You truly rock and deserve all the delicious treats in the world.

5 from 2 ratings

Coffee Donut Bread Pudding

by

Chef Lindsey

This Coffee Donut Bread Pudding takes everything you love about breakfast and bakes it into one easy dish! Cake donuts baked in a coffee custard for the perfect addition to brunch!

Prep:

15 minutes
mins

Cook:

30 minutes
mins

Total:

45 minutes
mins

Servings:

16
people

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Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

• 5 cups cake donuts torn or cut into 1 inch pieces (~13 donuts)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons espresso powder
• 3 eggs
• Turbinado Sugar optional

For the Glaze:

• 100 g whole milk 100ML
• 4 g kosher salt
• 400 g powdered sugar 3 ¼ cups

Instructions

To make the bread pudding:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place torn or cut donut pieces in an 8-inch square baking dish (or a similarly sized dish).
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sugar, whole milk, espresso powder, and eggs until well combined. An immersion blender can also be used for a smoother custard.
• Pour the coffee custard mixture evenly over the donut pieces in the baking dish. If using fresh donuts, bake immediately. If your donuts are stale, cover the dish and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow them to soak up the custard.
• Sprinkle the top with turbinado (raw) sugar, if desired, for a crunchy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cooking time will vary depending on the depth of your dish, so keep an eye on it. Bake until the middle gives some resistance when pressed lightly; it should not feel liquid underneath. The top should be golden brown and slightly caramelized.
• Cool the bread pudding for at least 45 minutes prior to serving. This crucial step allows the custard to set properly, resulting in a firm yet tender texture.
• Drizzle generously with the prepared donut glaze just before serving and enjoy!

For the glaze:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, powdered sugar, and kosher salt until smooth. Cover the glaze with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Nutrition

Calories: 418kcal
|

Carbohydrates: 34g
|

Protein: 3g
|

Fat: 5g
|

Saturated Fat: 3g
|

Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
|

Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
|

Trans Fat: 1g
|

Cholesterol: 44mg
|

Sodium: 125mg
|

Potassium: 96mg
|

Sugar: 33g
|

Vitamin A: 213IU
|

Vitamin C: 1mg
|

Calcium: 56mg
|

Iron: 1mg

Course:
Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Calories:
418

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Got Breakfast on your mind? Explore More Delicious Morning Recipes!

If you’re anything like us, breakfast and brunch are not just meals; they’re an event. From decadent donuts to wholesome oats, we’ve got a collection of recipes perfect for any morning craving. Dive into these other favorites:

Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Cake Donuts

These donuts are a revelation! Soft, tender, and perfectly cakey on the inside with a delightful crispy exterior, just like your favorite donut shop. Finished with a classic sweet glaze, they are simply unreal.

Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake Donuts

For the chocolate lovers, these cake donuts are a dream come true. Light, perfectly cakey, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor, they’re elevated further with a hint of sweetness from a simple glaze. Pure perfection!

Overnight Oats – Bircher Muesli

Discover the original overnight oats with this Bircher Muesli recipe. A wholesome and customizable breakfast that’s prepared the night before, saving you precious morning minutes. It’s healthy, satisfying, and delicious.

Peanut Butter Banana Streusel Muffins

Combine two classic flavors in these moist and flavorful Peanut Butter Banana Muffins. Crowned with a crunchy peanut butter streusel topping, they’re an irresistible treat for any time of day, perfect with your morning coffee.

Strawberry Lemon Scones

Light, flaky, and bursting with fresh fruit and citrusy brightness, these Strawberry Lemon Scones are a delightful addition to any breakfast or afternoon tea spread. Their vibrant flavors make them a true crowd-pleaser.

Maple Steel Cut Oats Pumpkin Parfait

Start your day with these protein and fiber-packed Maple Steel Cut Oats Pumpkin Parfaits. Layers of hearty oats, crunchy granola, and creamy pumpkin yogurt create a satisfying and wholesome breakfast that keeps you full and energized.