If you ever find yourself staring at a few slightly stale jam-filled doughnuts wondering what to do, this Easy Doughnut Pudding Using Stale Doughnuts Recipe is your golden ticket. It turns those doughnuts into a warm, comforting dessert that’s both rich and nostalgic, with layers of jam, custard, and that irresistible doughnut texture coming together in perfect harmony. Trust me, once you try this pudding, it’ll become your go-to way to rescue leftover doughnuts and impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that each play an important role in creating that luscious pudding texture and bright flavor. From the jam-filled doughnuts providing the base to the silky custard soaking through, every component is essential to bring this dessert to life.
- Slightly Stale Jam Filled Doughnuts: These provide the structure and a lovely texture; slightly stale works best to absorb the custard without falling apart.
- Strawberry or Raspberry Jam: Choose a flavor that matches your doughnut jam to boost the fruity sweetness and add moisture between layers.
- Double Cream: Adds creaminess and richness that makes the custard decadent and smooth.
- Milk: Lightens the custard and helps it soak gently into the doughnuts without being too heavy.
- Eggs: The backbone of the custard, giving the pudding its set, silky texture after baking.
- Caster Sugar: Sweetens the custard subtly without overpowering the jam’s flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, comforting notes.
- Icing Sugar (optional): A pretty finishing touch to sprinkle on top before serving.
How to Make Easy Doughnut Pudding Using Stale Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Doughnuts
Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F) so it’s ready to go when your pudding is assembled. Slice your slightly stale jam-filled doughnuts horizontally to create flat layers; these will soak up the custard perfectly and crisp slightly during baking.
Step 2: Layer the Doughnuts and Jam
Arrange a layer of sliced doughnuts across the bottom of an ovenproof dish, covering the entire surface. Then spread a generous portion of your strawberry or raspberry jam over this first layer, making sure every bite will have a burst of fruity flavor. Repeat the layering of doughnuts and jam two more times, finishing with a doughnut layer on top. Layers are where the magic happens, combining softness and tangy sweetness.
Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture
In a saucepan, gently warm the milk and double cream together over low heat—this deeply enriches the custard without cooking the eggs prematurely. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, caster sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Slowly pour the warm milk-cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This careful tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling and produces a perfect custard base.
Step 4: Assemble and Soak
Pour your custard over the layered doughnuts, ensuring all slices are well soaked. Gently press down on the doughnuts with a spatula to encourage absorption. Then let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes so the custard really sinks into every nook and cranny, promising that rich, tender bite after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your pudding into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully set and golden, and the custard is firm to the touch. Allow it to cool slightly before dusting with icing sugar. This waiting step lets everything settle and enhances the flavors.
How to Serve Easy Doughnut Pudding Using Stale Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Dusting with icing sugar adds a lovely sweet contrast and a bit of visual charm, but consider adding fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra freshness and creaminess. A sprig of mint can bring a pop of color and a hint of herbal aromatics that lift the whole dessert.
Side Dishes
This pudding shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with decadent vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for those extra indulgent moments. A simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or robust black tea will also complement the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pudding in rustic individual ramekins to impress guests with personalized portions, or layer it in clear glass dishes to showcase those gorgeous jam and doughnut layers. Adding edible flowers or a scatter of toasted nuts on top can make it feel especially festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers covered tightly with cling film or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pudding will keep well for up to three days, during which the flavors continue to meld beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this pudding, ideally in individual airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature or microwave in short bursts until warmed through. Avoid overheating as this may dry out the custard. A little extra cream or a dusting of sugar before reheating can help revive its delicious moistness.
FAQs
Can I use any type of doughnuts for this pudding?
While jam-filled doughnuts are ideal for their fruity layers, you can experiment with other types like plain or glazed doughnuts. Just keep in mind that extra sweet or heavily frosted doughnuts might affect the final sweetness and texture.
What if my doughnuts are fresh and not stale?
Fresh doughnuts can be used, but slightly stale ones absorb the custard better without becoming too mushy. If using fresh doughnuts, allow the pudding to sit longer before baking to help with soaking.
Is it possible to make this pudding dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the double cream and milk with your favorite plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and almond milk. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the pudding and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How do I know when the pudding is fully cooked?
The pudding is done when the custard is set and doesn’t jiggle in the center, and the top has a lovely golden crust. Inserting a toothpick should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Doughnut Pudding Using Stale Doughnuts Recipe is a heartwarming way to transform humble, day-old doughnuts into an irresistible dessert you’ll want to make again and again. It captures all the cozy comfort of classic pudding while unleashing a burst of jammy sweetness and custard creaminess that’s simply unforgettable. Give it a try—you might just discover your newest favorite winter dessert to share with friends and family!
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Easy Doughnut Pudding Using Stale Doughnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Easy Doughnut Pudding is a delightful dessert that transforms stale jam-filled doughnuts into a luscious layered pudding. Combining the fruity sweetness of jam with a creamy custard soak, it’s baked until golden and set, making the perfect comforting treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Doughnut Layers
- 8 Slightly Stale Jam Filled Doughnuts
- 120 g Strawberry or Raspberry Jam (to match the doughnut jam)
For the Custard
- 150 ml Double Cream
- 300 ml Milk
- 2 Eggs
- 30 g Caster Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
To Finish
- Icing Sugar For Dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) to prepare for baking the pudding.
- Prepare Doughnuts: Slice the slightly stale jam-filled doughnuts horizontally, then arrange a layer of the slices on the bottom of an ovenproof dish to fully cover the surface.
- Layer with Jam: Spread a generous amount of strawberry or raspberry jam over the first layer of doughnuts, enhancing the fruity flavor.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of sliced doughnuts over the jam, then spread more jam on top. Finish with a final layer of doughnuts.
- Heat Milk and Cream: In a saucepan, gently warm the milk and double cream over low heat without boiling to prepare for the custard.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, caster sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Combine Custard Ingredients: Slowly pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously, preventing curdling.
- Pour Custard Over Doughnuts: Carefully pour this custard mixture over the layered doughnuts in the baking dish, pressing gently to soak all the doughnuts thoroughly.
- Soak: Let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the doughnuts to absorb the custard evenly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes until the pudding is set and has a lovely golden top.
- Cool and Dust: Remove from the oven and allow to cool and set for 5-10 minutes, then dust with icing sugar if desired.
- Serve: Serve the pudding warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Using slightly stale doughnuts is ideal as they absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- Choose jam flavor that complements or matches the jam inside the doughnuts for harmonious taste.
- Ensure the milk and cream are warm, not boiling, before mixing with eggs to prevent scrambling.
- This pudding can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
