I couldn’t resist picking up a dozen apple cider donuts when I saw them at Trader Joe’s, and I knew exactly what I wanted to make with them: Apple Cider Donut Bread Pudding!

This apple cider donut bread pudding is one of those fall desserts that feels a little bit special without being overly complicated. The donuts soak up in the simple vanilla-cinnamon custard and then bake until golden, warm and perfectly cozy. And because I felt they needed just a little more sweetness, I drizzled a warm apple cider glaze over the top.

The recipe is everything I love about fall in one dessert. I used the Trader Joe’s apple cider donuts however you can use any seasonal donut you’d like. If you want to make this homemade, try my baked pumpkin donut recipe. It’s less sugar and so delicious.

I especially love that this recipe starts with apple cider donuts instead of a loaf of bread. The cinnamon-sugar coating on the donuts adds so much flavor, and the little crispy edges that form while it bakes are probably my favorite part. Make sure to add this to your holiday menu and don’t forget my Grammy’s apple bread pudding too! It’s a favorite as we near Thanksgiving!

I like to serve this for Brunch, after Sunday night dinner, a cozy night at home, or anytime I have people coming over and want the house to smell amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It starts with store-bought apple cider donuts, so it’s incredibly easy.
The vanilla and cinnamon custard makes the donuts soft and delicious in the middle.
The warm apple cider glaze adds even more fall flavor.
It’s wonderful served warm with vanilla ice cream.
It feels like a special fall dessert without a lot of work.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

12 apple cider donuts
4 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
½ cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Apple Cider Glaze

Apple cider
Powdered sugar
1 tablespoon of melted butter

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bread Pudding

Start by cutting the apple cider donuts into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a greased baking dish.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour the custard over the donuts, making sure they’re evenly coated.

Let everything sit for a few minutes so the donuts have time to soak up that delicious custard.

Then bake until the bread pudding is golden on top, puffed, and set in the center.

While it’s baking, make the warm apple cider glaze. Once the bread pudding comes out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over the top and serve it warm.

And if you’re asking me, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is not optional. It’s just the right thing to do.

A Few Tips

Let the donuts soak. This gives them time to absorb the custard and makes the inside soft and delicious.

Don’t worry if the donuts look a little crowded in the baking dish. They’ll settle as they bake.

Serve it warm. That’s when it’s at its best, especially with the warm cider glaze and a little vanilla ice cream melting over the top.

The Perfect Fall Dessert

I don’t know about you but cider donuts instantly make me think all things fall. Maybe it’s the cinnamon and sugar, or maybe it’s just that they always seem to show up when the leaves start changing and I’m ready for all the cozy things again.

So when I found them at Trader Joe’s, bringing home a dozen was an easy decision.

Turning them into bread pudding was even better.

If you make this, I hope you’ll serve it warm, pour on that cider glaze, and maybe invite a few people over to share it. Although I certainly wouldn’t blame you if you kept the leftovers for yourself.

Yield: 8