Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding Recipe

There are desserts that feel indulgent, and then there are desserts like this Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding. Made with soft, sweet Original Glazed donuts instead of bread, this recipe takes classic bread pudding into seriously decadent territory. The donuts soak up a rich custard of eggs, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then bake into a soft, creamy, golden dessert that is already hard to resist before the warm vanilla rum sauce even enters the picture.

This is the kind of dessert that gets people talking. It is rich, nostalgic, a little over the top, and absolutely perfect for holidays, potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you want to serve something that feels unforgettable.

Introduction

Bread pudding has always been one of those desserts that turns simple ingredients into something comforting and special. But when you swap traditional bread for Krispy Kreme Original Glazed donuts, the whole thing becomes a little more playful, a little more luxurious, and a lot more memorable.

The donuts soften into the custard and bake up with a texture that is tender, rich, and almost custardy in the center. Then the warm vanilla rum sauce gets drizzled over each slice, adding another layer of sweetness and buttery flavor. It is the kind of dessert that feels like pure comfort food with a bakery-shop twist.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is unapologetically indulgent. It is not trying to be light, simple, or everyday. It is a special-occasion dessert that goes all in on flavor, texture, and comfort.

The Krispy Kreme donuts bring their own sweetness and softness to the dish, which makes the finished pudding especially rich and tender. The cinnamon and nutmeg give it a warm, classic bread pudding flavor, while the vanilla rum sauce makes it feel extra special without adding much difficulty.

I also love that it is a crowd-pleaser. Bread pudding already has that nostalgic charm, and using glazed donuts makes it even more fun. It is familiar, creative, and guaranteed to stand out on a dessert table.

Ingredients

For the bread pudding

• 24 Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Donuts
• 2 eggs
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For the vanilla rum sauce

• 8 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups confectioners sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon rum extract

Swaps and Notes

A recipe this rich is already doing a lot, but a few tips can help it come out even better.

• Original Glazed donuts: These are the best choice for the signature sweet, soft texture this recipe is known for.
• Rum extract: This gives the sauce that classic warm bakery-style flavor without using actual alcohol.
• Let the donuts soak: Giving the donut pieces time to absorb the custard helps the bread pudding bake evenly and keeps dry spots away.
• Press the mixture down: This helps remove air pockets and creates a more cohesive pudding.
• Serve warm or room temperature: Both are delicious, especially with the warm sauce over the top.

How to Make Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Tear up the donuts

Cut or tear the Krispy Kreme donuts into pieces and place them in a large bowl.

3. Make the custard mixture

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Pour in the whole milk and sweetened condensed milk, then mix until well combined. Add the nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt, and beat again until smooth.

4. Combine with the donuts

Pour the custard mixture over the donut pieces. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together, making sure all the donut pieces are coated. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes so the donuts can absorb the liquid.

5. Transfer to the baking dish

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray. Add the bread pudding mixture to the dish and press it down gently to remove any trapped air.

6. Bake

Bake for 45 minutes at 350°F, until the pudding is set and lightly golden.

7. Cool slightly

Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool a bit while you make the sauce.

8. Make the vanilla rum sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the confectioners sugar. Add the milk and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and rum extract until fully combined.

Keep the sauce over very low heat until ready to serve.

9. Serve

Cut the bread pudding into slices and drizzle the warm vanilla rum sauce over each serving.

Tips for Success

Do not skip the soaking time. Since donuts are soft and sweet to begin with, giving them those 15 minutes helps them absorb the custard properly and creates the best texture in the finished pudding.

Press the mixture gently but firmly into the baking dish. That helps everything bake more evenly and keeps the pudding from having too many airy gaps.

When making the sauce, keep the heat low once everything is combined. You want it smooth and pourable, not scorched or too thick. If it thickens too much while sitting, stir in a tiny splash of milk to loosen it.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This dessert is rich enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with coffee after dinner or as the sweet finish to a holiday or weekend meal. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside it would also be incredible.

If you love classic comfort desserts, This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowdis another crowd-pleasing favorite worth bookmarking. For holiday dessert tables, These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert would make a rich and festive companion.

And if you want something chilled and easy for another occasion, This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert is always a fun option.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 12 servings:

• Calories: 620
• Carbohydrates: 88g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Sugar: 63g
• Sodium: 360mg

These values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact donuts and serving size.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store leftover bread pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the vanilla rum sauce in a separate airtight container if possible.

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover and reheat in the oven until heated through. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or in short microwave bursts, stirring often.

This dessert is best fresh or within a day or two, but leftovers are still wonderfully rich and satisfying.

More Recipes You Will Love

If this Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding is your kind of dessert, there are plenty of other sweet favorites to try next. This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat is a great option when you want something creamy and crowd-friendly.

For chocolate lovers, This Brownie Batter Dip Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert for Instant Chocolate Cravings is a fun and easy treat. And if you need another dessert for gatherings, This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd is always a dependable winner.

Final Thoughts

This Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding Recipe is a dessert for people who believe comfort food should sometimes be a little extra. It is sweet, soft, rich, and drizzled with a buttery vanilla rum sauce that takes it fully over the top.

Whether you make it for a holiday, potluck, or just to surprise a crowd with something unforgettable, it is the kind of dessert that people remember. If you make it, I would love to hear how it turned out and whether you served it warm straight from the pan. Keep following along for more decadent desserts, comforting bakes, and homemade favorites from Jason Griffith.