Are you craving the warm, comforting flavors of fall? Then look no further! This Apple Cider Donut Bread Pudding is the ultimate autumnal dessert, transforming leftover donuts (or freshly baked ones!) into a deliciously gooey and spiced bread pudding. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy night in, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and spicy, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals (in moderation, of course!).
Ingredients:
- 6-8 stale apple cider donuts, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for topping
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Donuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cut your donuts into roughly 1-inch pieces. If using fresh donuts, let them sit out for a few hours to slightly stale – this helps them absorb the custard better.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, apple cider, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves until well combined. Stir in the melted butter.
Step 3: Assemble the Pudding
Add the donut pieces to the custard mixture, gently stirring to coat them evenly. If using nuts, add them now. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring the donuts are mostly submerged in the custard.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious and easy dessert recipe!
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Donut Bread Pudding:
- Don't skip the stale donuts: Stale donuts absorb the custard better, resulting in a moister and more flavorful bread pudding.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a less intense spice flavor, reduce the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
- Add a touch of maple syrup: For an extra boost of flavor, add 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup to the custard mixture.
- Make it a complete meal: This bread pudding pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Variations:
- Cranberry Apple Cider Donut Bread Pudding: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the custard mixture for a tart and festive twist.
- Pumpkin Spice Donut Bread Pudding: Use pumpkin spice donuts instead of apple cider donuts and add a dash of pumpkin pie spice to the custard.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 40-50g Protein: 6-8g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can create with homemade cooking. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or a special treat. Enjoy!