What To Do With Leftover Donuts

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

In the world of delicious treats, donuts undoubtedly hold a special place in everyone’s heart.

But sometimes, we find ourselves with more donuts than we can possibly eat before they start to go stale.

What if there was a way to transform those leftover donuts into something new and equally delicious?

Fortunately, there are countless creative ideas to ensure those donuts are put to good use! 

Turning those leftover donuts into appealing dishes is not only a clever way to avoid waste but also an exciting opportunity to experiment in the kitchen. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, using donuts as the main ingredient can result in scrumptious culinary surprises that will likely please the whole family. 

Let’s dive into what to do with leftover donuts! 

Donut Bread Pudding

Donut bread pudding is a fantastic way to use up those leftover donuts and transform them into a delectable dessert.

In this section, you’ll find three delightful variations on the classic recipe: Basic, Cider Donut, and Orange Surprise.

Basic Recipe

To create a basic donut bread pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Stale doughnuts (enough to fill a baking dish)
  • 470ml milk
  • 230ml cream
  • 100g sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Optional: a handful of raisins

Start by tearing your stale doughnuts into small pieces and arranging them in a greased baking dish.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour this custard mixture over the doughnut pieces and let them soak for about 15 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Stir the pudding gently, making sure that all the doughnuts are well coated. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden.

You can serve your basic donut bread pudding warm, topped with whipped cream or syrup, or let it cool and enjoy it on its own.

Cider Donut Variation

For a mouthwatering twist on the basic recipe, try this cider donut bread pudding. Swap out the regular doughnuts for apple cider doughnuts and replace the milk with:

  • 240ml apple cider
  • 230ml cream

Additionally, add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard mixture.

Follow the same steps as the basic recipe and savour this comforting autumnal dessert.

Orange Surprise Variation

To entice your tastebuds with a zesty change, make an orange surprise donut bread pudding. Use plain doughnuts and add 100g of vanilla pudding mix to the custard.

Along with the pudding mix, incorporate:

  • The zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 teaspoon orange extract

Follow the basic recipe’s instructions, and you’ll have a bright and unexpected dessert that will impress your friends and family.

Experiment with these options or create your own variations to customise your leftover doughnut dessert!

Donut French Toast

Transform your leftover donuts into a scrumptious breakfast or dessert with this delightful Donut French Toast recipe.

By using stale donuts, you can create a unique and indulgent meal perfect for any time of the day.

Pair it with a cup of coffee and you have a delicious treat to enjoy!

Classic Recipe

For this classic recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Leftover donuts (glazed or unglazed, yeast or cake doughnuts)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
  • Butter for frying
  • Powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving
  1. Slice your stale donuts in half.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
  3. Dip each donut half into the mixture, ensuring it is well coated.
  4. Melt some butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  5. Fry each coated donut half until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
  6. Serve immediately, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup.

The combination of a slightly crisp outside and a soft, tender inside makes for an irresistible texture.

Dip your Donut French Toast in coffee for an additional flavour experience.

Pumpkin Twist

Add a seasonal twist to the classic recipe by incorporating a hint of pumpkin!

The alteration is simple, and the result is a delicious, autumnal treat.

In addition to the classic recipe’s ingredients, you will need:

  • 1/2 cup of pumpkin purée (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
  1. Follow the same steps as the Classic Recipe, but before dipping the donut slices, mix the pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice into the egg mixture.
  2. Proceed with steps 3-6 of the Classic Recipe.

The pumpkin twist offers a subtle yet delightful change to the classic Donut French Toast. It is perfect for those chilly autumn mornings when you need a comforting and tasty treat.

By using leftover donuts in these recipes, you reduce waste and create an exciting new meal or dessert whilst upcycling your pastries.

Dessert Transformations

Icebox Cake

Transform your leftover donuts into a delightful icebox cake!

This no-bake dessert is perfect for using up those glazed donuts sitting on your counter.

First, slice your donuts in half horizontally.

Then, create a mixture of whipped cream, vanilla pudding, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Layer the bottom of a pan with the donut halves, cut-side up.

Spread a generous dollop of the cream mixture on each donut, followed by a layer of fruit of your choice (e.g., sliced strawberries or bananas).

Repeat the layers until you run out of donuts.

To finish, cover the cake with a final blanket of whipped cream. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, and voila! A scrumptious and satisfying icebox cake.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Repurpose your donuts into crowd-pleasing ice cream sandwiches!

Take your room-temperature donuts and halve them horizontally.

Grab your favourite ice cream flavour (vanilla works especially well) and spread a generous scoop between the halves.

If you’d like, you can roll the edges of the ice cream in crushed nuts or sprinkles for an added touch of fun. Pop these into the freezer for about an hour to set, and there you have it – delicious and unique ice cream sandwiches ready for all to enjoy!

Tiramisu

Give your donuts a makeover with this reinterpretation of classic tiramisu.

To begin, dice your leftover donuts into bite-sized pieces.

Next, whip up a mixture of mascarpone cheese, whipped cream, and a bit of vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon. In a separate dish, combine brewed coffee or espresso with a dash of rum or coffee liqueur.

Soak the donut pieces in the coffee mixture briefly before layering them in individual glass dessert dishes.

On top of the donut layer, spread a generous dollop of the mascarpone mixture.

Repeat the process to create another layer of coffee-soaked donuts, followed by more cream.

Finish by grating some dark chocolate or dusting cocoa powder on top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavours to meld, and serve chilled.

Savoury Makeovers

Grilled Donut Cheese

Got some leftover doughnuts on hand? Transform them into a delectable grilled donut cheese! A delightful twist to the classic grilled cheese sandwich that you’ll absolutely adore.

Simply follow the steps below:

  1. Preheat your pan or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Slice your stale doughnuts horizontally, as you would do with a bagel.
  3. Place a generous layer of your preferred cheese (such as cheddar or brie) on the bottom half of your doughnut.
  4. Top it with the other half of the doughnut, pressing slightly to make it compact.
  5. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the doughnut is golden brown.

Voilà! Your grilled donut cheese is ready to be devoured. Feel free to customise your creation with your favourite leftovers and condiments.

Donut Casserole

If savoury is your preference, why not try a donut casserole? This mouthwatering dish turns your stale donuts into a satisfying main course.

To make a donut casserole, follow these steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Chop your doughnuts into bite-sized pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and any cooked leftovers you may have (cooked vegetables, bacon, ham, or sausage work well).
  4. Pour the egg mixture over the doughnut pieces, gently pressing down to ensure everything is soaked.
  5. Let the casserole sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the doughnuts to absorb the egg mixture.
  6. Bake the casserole for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

For an extra touch, you can add some fruit on top during the last 10 minutes of baking, such as tomatoes or apples, which will enhance the flavours of your donut casserole.

There you have it, two savoury makeovers for your leftover donuts that are sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds!

For more inspiration for using up your sweet treats, take a look at what to do with leftover banana bread.