Day-Old Donuts, Crispy Bacon, And Sweet Maple Syrup Come Together In One Outrageously Delicious Dessert — A Gooey, Salty-Sweet Bread Pudding That Tastes Like A Breakfast And Dessert Hybrid Dream!
Let me tell you — this recipe came from one of those “use what we’ve got” kitchen moments. I had a box of leftover glazed donuts and half a pack of bacon, and I didn’t want either to go to waste. So I whipped up this Maple Bacon Donut Bread Pudding, and oh my goodness… it was a game-changer.
The warm, custardy base made from donuts gives the texture of a soft, sweet bread pudding, but the real magic is in the crispy bacon and maple syrup that give it that salty-sweet perfection. My family LOVES it — especially warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or just a drizzle of maple syrup for breakfast. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone say, “Wait, what’s in this?!” …in the best way.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use any kind of donut?
A: Yes! Glazed donuts work best because they soak up the custard nicely, but cake donuts or even plain old-fashioned work too. Just avoid filled donuts.
Q: Does this have to be made with bacon?
A: Nope! You can absolutely make it without bacon, or swap in turkey bacon or even a handful of chopped pecans if you want some crunch.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it and store it in the fridge overnight. Just bake it in the morning (or when ready to serve) and it comes out perfect.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Definitely. Just wrap individual portions tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm and gooey.
Q: Can I make this less sweet?
A: You sure can! Use fewer donuts or swap some for plain brioche or French bread to balance it out. And reduce the maple syrup slightly in the custard.
What You Need to Make Maple Bacon Donut Bread Pudding
- 6 glazed donuts (slightly stale is best), torn into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing the baking dish)
How to Make Maple Bacon Donut Bread Pudding
1. Prep the oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Assemble the pudding
Tear the donuts into chunks and place them evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked, chopped bacon over the top.
3. Make the custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Combine and soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the donuts and bacon. Gently press down with a spoon or spatula to help the donuts soak up the liquid. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb fully.
5. Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and slightly crisp.
6. Serve and enjoy
Let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with extra maple syrup, or top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Tips
- For crunch: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- For extra maple flavor: Use maple bacon or stir a few drops of maple extract into the custard.
- Want a savory edge? Add a pinch of black pepper or cayenne to the bacon before mixing in.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “This is absolutely outrageous in the BEST way. Gooey, sweet, salty — it has everything. We had it for brunch and dessert!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel S. – “Made this with leftover donuts from church. Everyone thought I was a genius. It’s like French toast casserole’s cooler cousin.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “This is our new favorite treat! The bacon and maple combo is next-level. I added pecans for crunch and it was perfect.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma B. – “I was skeptical about donuts in bread pudding, but it totally works! It’s rich and comforting without being too sweet.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica H. – “Made this for a brunch potluck and got asked for the recipe at least five times. It’s a hit!”
Printable Recipe
Maple Bacon Donut Bread Pudding
Maple Bacon Donut Bread Pudding is a deliciously gooey and indulgent twist on classic bread pudding, made with leftover glazed donuts, crispy bacon, and rich maple custard. Sweet, salty, and perfect for brunch or dessert!
Ingredients
- 6 glazed donuts (slightly stale is best), torn into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
1. Prep the oven and pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Assemble the pudding
- Tear the donuts into chunks and place them evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked, chopped bacon over the top.
3. Make the custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Combine and soak
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the donuts and bacon. Gently press down with a spoon or spatula to help the donuts soak up the liquid. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb fully.
5. Bake
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and slightly crisp.
6. Serve and enjoy
- Let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with extra maple syrup, or top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Check out some of our other recipes / crafts.
Blissful Blueberry Shortcake Cake
If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Maple Bacon Donut Bread Pudding, please share it with friends and family! Whether for brunch, dessert, or just because — it’s the kind of cozy recipe that brings people together and starts conversations. Pin it, post it, and tag me if you make it — I’d love to see your creations!
