This Jelly Donut Breakfast Bake is the perfect way to start your morning. It combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweet tang of raspberry jam, and the fluffiness of brioche into a deliciously comforting breakfast casserole. Every bite tastes like your favorite donut, with the added bonus of being oven-baked to perfection!
This dish is not only delicious but also customizable – swap out the raspberry jam for strawberry or blueberry for a fruity twist. It’s an ideal choice for brunch gatherings, family breakfasts, or even a cozy weekend treat. Its easy preparation and delightful taste make it a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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8 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread, cubed
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1/2 cup raspberry jam
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4 large eggs
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1 cup milk
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons butter, melted
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1/4 cup powdered sugar (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
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Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
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Heat the raspberry jam in a small saucepan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring until it becomes more liquid and spreadable. Spoon dollops of jam over the bread cubes.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and jam, making sure all pieces are soaked. Use a spoon to press down on the bread to help it absorb the mixture.
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Drizzle the melted butter over the top and let it sit for 10 minutes for the bread to soak up the liquid.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
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Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before sprinkling with powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 270 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Jelly Donut Breakfast Bake: A Sweet Start to Your Day
Breakfast has always been known as the most important meal of the day, and the Jelly Donut Breakfast Bake is a delicious, indulgent way to make it memorable. Imagine combining the warmth of a freshly baked donut with the comfort of a breakfast casserole this dish brings both of those things together in one sweet, simple, and satisfying bake.
While donuts themselves are often associated with being a quick, portable treat, the Jelly Donut Breakfast Bake takes that concept and elevates it into a more hearty, satisfying dish that is perfect for brunches, family breakfasts, or special occasions. It offers a fresh take on a classic donut by transforming it into a casserole-like dessert or breakfast bake. Instead of frying dough in oil, this recipe uses slices of rich, buttery brioche or challah bread, which soak up a sweet egg mixture flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, then topped with your choice of fruit jam. It’s the best of both worlds: the soft, pillowy texture of a donut but without the mess or the frying.
Why Choose Jelly Donut Breakfast Bake?
The Jelly Donut Breakfast Bake offers a fun, innovative twist on the traditional donut, and it’s an ideal option for anyone who loves a sweet start to the day. Whether you’re someone who enjoys the morning with a cup of coffee and a sweet pastry or prefers a satisfying, hearty breakfast, this recipe fits the bill. Here are a few reasons why this breakfast bake is a great choice:
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Convenience and Simplicity: One of the biggest advantages of making a Jelly Donut Breakfast Bake is its simplicity. While a traditional jelly donut requires time and effort, including frying, shaping dough, and cooling, this recipe allows you to easily assemble the dish and let the oven do the rest of the work. It’s also less hands-on, which makes it an ideal choice for busy mornings or lazy weekend brunches.
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Family-Friendly: The dish is easy to prepare and can feed a crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or holiday mornings. With the rich, buttery bread, gooey jam, and soft, custard-like filling, it’s sure to please all age groups. Plus, since the bake is customizable, you can choose your favorite type of jam or even switch out the brioche for another type of bread.
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Comforting and Indulgent: There’s something comforting about a breakfast that feels like a warm, homemade dessert. The Jelly Donut Breakfast Bake strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and familiarity. The brioche bread becomes tender and custard-like after soaking in the egg and milk mixture, while the jam adds a touch of sweetness and fruitiness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and vanilla flavors. It’s like having a donut but with more substance and less sugar.
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Customizable: The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. While raspberry jam is often used to mimic the traditional jelly donut, you can get creative with your choice of jam. Strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam can be used for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different spices, such as ginger or cardamom, to give the dish a unique twist. For those with dietary preferences, the recipe can easily be modified by swapping out ingredients for dairy-free or gluten-free alternatives.
How to Serve and Enjoy
The Jelly Donut Breakfast Bake is incredibly easy to serve and share, making it an excellent dish for a brunch or family breakfast. Once baked, allow it to cool for just a few minutes, then slice it up like you would a traditional casserole or bread pudding. The dish is best served warm, dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, which mimics the sugar coating you’d find on a regular jelly donut. For extra indulgence, you could even drizzle it with a little bit of warm cream cheese glaze or whipped cream.
Pair it with your favorite coffee or a hot mug of tea to complete the meal. If you’re serving it at brunch, consider offering fresh fruit on the side to balance out the sweetness. Fresh berries or citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are perfect complements. For a heartier brunch experience, a side of crispy bacon or sausage will provide a savory contrast to the sweet breakfast bake.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This dish is not just for casual breakfast at home. Its rich flavor, comforting texture, and attractive appearance make it an excellent option for special occasions as well. You can serve it on holidays such as Christmas or Easter, at birthday breakfasts, or even for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day brunch. It’s a festive and fun way to elevate any celebration.
Because the Jelly Donut Breakfast Bake can be made ahead of time, it’s also an ideal choice for busy mornings when you want to impress guests without having to do much work. Simply prepare the dish the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it in the morning for a hot and fresh breakfast that’s ready in under an hour.
Tips for Success
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Bread Choice: Brioche or challah bread is ideal for this recipe because it’s rich, buttery, and soaks up the custard mixture beautifully. However, if you don’t have either of these types of bread on hand, you can use any other soft, slightly sweet bread like French bread or even a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread for added flavor.
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Jam Selection: While raspberry is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with your favorite jams. Strawberry, blueberry, or even a mix of different jams can provide a fun twist on the original. For a more refined flavor, you could try using fruit preserves or a citrus marmalade.
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Make-Ahead Option: If you’re preparing this dish the night before, assemble the entire casserole and store it covered in the fridge overnight. The next morning, simply remove it from the fridge and bake it as directed. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the fridge.
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Topping Options: While powdered sugar is an easy and traditional topping, you can also drizzle the dish with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream could turn this breakfast into a delicious dessert.
Conclusion:
The Jelly Donut Breakfast Bake is a delightful and creative way to enjoy the flavors of a jelly donut without all the fuss. It brings together the best elements of a classic pastry sweetness, warmth, and comfort into a single, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just because, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
With its ease of preparation, ability to serve a crowd, and versatile flavor profile, the Jelly Donut Breakfast Bake is bound to become a new favorite in your breakfast or brunch rotation. Plus, its rich, indulgent nature means it will satisfy those morning sweet tooth cravings like no other dish can. So next time you’re craving a treat that feels just as cozy as it is delicious, reach for this irresistible recipe your family and friends will thank you!