The Ultimate Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with Vanilla Rum Sauce
By Jason Griffith
Introduction
If you think bread pudding is just a humble dessert, prepare to have your mind blown. This recipe for Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a total game-changer. What happens when you take those iconic, melt-in-your-mouth Original Glazed Doughnuts and soak them in a rich, spiced custard before baking them to golden perfection? Pure dessert magic.
The result is a warm, gooey, impossibly tender pudding that has all the irresistible flavor of a Krispy Kreme, magnified tenfold. Then, we take it one step further with a buttery, luscious Vanilla Rum Sauce that coats every bite in warm, boozy sweetness. Forget using stale French bread—this is the lazy, decadent shortcut that will make you the dessert hero of any potluck or Sunday dinner. Trust me, you need this in your life.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve made a lot of desserts in my time, but this Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding holds a special place in my heart for a few key reasons.
First, it’s the ultimate dessert hack. It takes almost no effort to transform readily available doughnuts into something truly gourmet. It’s perfect for those times when you want a show-stopping dessert but don’t have time for complicated baking.
Second, the texture is out of this world. The glazed coating on the doughnuts melts into the custard, creating this incredibly moist, almost creamy interior that you just can’t achieve with regular bread. The little bits of sugary glaze caramelize on top, giving you a delicate crust.
Finally, the Vanilla Rum Sauce is non-negotiable. The subtle warmth of the rum extract paired with the buttery vanilla icing ties the whole dish together beautifully. It’s comforting, indulgent, and impossible to stop eating. This is the comfort food dessert I crave every time I have leftover doughnuts—which, let’s be honest, is usually planned.
Ingredients
For the Donut Bread Pudding
- 24 Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Donuts
- 2 large eggs
- 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
For the Vanilla Rum Sauce
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) butter
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp rum extract
Swaps and Notes
- Donuts: While Krispy Kreme Original Glazed are the gold standard for this recipe, you can use plain cake doughnuts or even plain croissants in a pinch. Just ensure they are a day old or slightly dry to better absorb the custard.
- Milk: You can swap the whole milk for half-and-half or even heavy cream for an extra rich pudding. You can also use 2% milk, but the pudding won’t be as creamy.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is key for sweetness and texture, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with 1 cup of heavy cream mixed with 1/2 cup of white sugar.
- Rum Extract: If you don’t like or can’t use rum extract, you can use 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract in its place for a simple vanilla sauce. Alternatively, 1 tablespoon of dark rum can be used for a more authentic rum flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Donuts and Custard
- Preheat your oven to 350∘F (175∘C).
- Cut or tear the donuts apart into large, irregular chunks (about 4–6 pieces per donut) and toss them into a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the two eggs. Pour in the whole milk and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Add the nutmeg, salt, and cinnamon to the wet mixture and whisk again until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Soak and Bake
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the torn donuts. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture together. Make sure the donuts are covered and starting to absorb the wet mixture.
- Let the donut mixture sit for 15 minutes to fully absorb the liquid—this is key for a creamy pudding.
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with baking spray. Add the bread pudding mixture.
- Use the back of a spatula or a spoon to gently press the bread pudding down into the dish to remove any large air pockets.
- Bake the bread pudding for 45 minutes at 350∘F. It should be golden brown and set in the center.
- Remove the Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding from the oven, and let it cool slightly while you make the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Vanilla Rum Sauce
- In a medium-sized pot, melt the 8 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, remove the pot from the heat and whisk in the 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar. It will be very thick.
- Next, pour in the 1/4 cup of milk and stir until the icing is nice and creamy and smooth.
- Add in the vanilla and rum extracts. Mix until well incorporated.
- Keep the vanilla rum sauce over very low heat (or on a warming plate) until you are ready to serve to keep it nice and pourable.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the bread pudding has cooled slightly (it’s best served warm), cut into generous slices and serve.
- Drizzle the warm vanilla rum sauce generously over the bread pudding slices. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Soaking Time: The 15 minutes of soaking is crucial. It ensures the donuts fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a moist, uniform pudding rather than dry spots surrounded by egg.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using eggs and milk that are closer to room temperature helps them combine smoothly and allows the custard to absorb better.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is the enemy of moist bread pudding. The pudding is done when the center is set and a knife inserted near the middle comes out mostly clean. The internal temperature should be around 190∘F.
- Whisk the Sauce Vigorously: The key to a smooth sauce, not a lumpy one, is whisking aggressively when adding the powdered sugar and milk.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This rich bread pudding is a dessert powerhouse on its own, but a few additions can take it over the top.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or salted caramel ice cream is a perfect contrast to the warm pudding.
- Nuts: Sprinkle a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts over the top for a little crunch.
- Coffee: Pair this decadent dessert with a rich, dark-roast espresso or a creamy latte to cut through the sweetness.
- Drinks: If you enjoy dessert-inspired cocktails, pair it with a classic Old Fashioned or a creamy White Russian.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (Estimate based on 12 servings)
Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on the exact size and brand of ingredients used.
| Component | Amount |
| Calories | 550−650 |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbs | 75g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 60g |
| Protein | 8g |
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Storage and Leftover Tips
- Storage: Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the Vanilla Rum Sauce separately in its own container in the fridge.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat is to place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat a whole dish, covered in foil, in a 300∘F oven for 15-20 minutes. Always warm up the rum sauce and drizzle it fresh before serving.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this bread pudding, as the texture of the custard and the doughnuts can become rubbery upon thawing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of rich, comforting, and over-the-top desserts, you’ll definitely want to try some of my other favorites:
- For a spectacular no-bake treat, try my recipe for This Big Family Banana Pudding is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd.
- If you love the chocolate and dough combination, you have to make these These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are My Favorite Sweet Obsessions.
- For a simple holiday dessert that’s perfect for making ahead, check out These Pecan Pie Bars are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert.
- For the easiest summer dessert ever, try This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert.
- And if you just need a quick, simple bite of sweetness, you can’t beat These Easy Coconut Macaroons are My Favorite 3-Ingredient Treat.
Final Thoughts
This Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding is the epitome of comfort food, taking a humble leftover item and elevating it into a truly memorable dessert. The rich custard, the subtle spices, and that incredible buttery rum sauce make this a recipe that will be requested again and again.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out and what your favorite addition was! Be sure to follow chefmaniac.com for more simple, show-stopping recipes!
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