Name: Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze Recipe
Prep time: PT-489385H54M12S
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-489385H54M12S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Sugar; 6 Tbsp. Butter, Cubed; 1/2 cup Heavy Cream, At Room Temperature; 2 Tbsp. Bourbon; 4 Tbsp. Sugar, Divided; 1/3 cup Roasted Pepitas; 1 1/2 stick Butter; 3 Large Eggs; 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar; 1 1/2 cups Pumpkin Puree Or Canned Pumpkin; 1 1/2 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice; 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon; 1/2 tsp. Ginger; 1 1/2 tsp. Salt; 1 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder; 1 3/4 cups Flour

If you’re anything like me, the moment pumpkin arrives in the fall, I start dreaming about cozy, spiced treats that feel like a warm hug. So, I’m excited to share this **Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze Recipe** with you—it’s truly fan-freaking-tastic! These donuts are soft, tender, and perfectly spiced, elevated by a rich, boozy caramel glaze that you just can’t resist. Every time I make them, my family goes crazy, and honestly, I never get tired of the sweet, buttery, autumn vibes they bring.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor Combination: The blend of pumpkin, warm spices, and bourbon caramel makes every bite a perfect balance of sweet and cozy.
Showstopper Glaze: That bourbon caramel glaze is the secret weapon that turns simple donuts into a decadent treat.
Easy Yet Impressive: You don’t have to be a pro baker to nail this—step-by-step guidance helps you avoid common pitfalls.
Perfect for Fall and Beyond: Whether it’s a cozy morning or a special gathering, these donuts always get compliments.

The image shows several small round donuts with a shiny caramel glaze on the top layer, sitting on a black cooling rack. The caramel glaze is smooth and glossy, covering the top and sides of the donuts. On top of the caramel layer, there are scattered crunchy toppings made of light brown crumbles and green pumpkin seeds, adding texture and color contrast. The donuts have a golden brown base with a soft, slightly rough surface. The background has a white marbled texture that frames the cooling rack and donuts softly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze, pumpkin spice donuts, fall donut recipes, bourbon caramel glaze, cozy autumn treats

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let me tell you, the magic in these pumpkin donuts starts with simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Don’t skimp on using real pumpkin puree—it’s the heart and soul of the flavor.

Flat lay of a stick of butter softly melting in a simple white ceramic bowl, three whole brown eggs with smooth shells arranged side by side, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar crystals sparkling in natural light, a mound of fresh pumpkin puree with vibrant orange color on a white plate, a small white bowl holding warm amber-colored brown butter, two small white bowls with pale cream-colored heavy cream and golden amber bourbon side by side, a few dried orange-hued pumpkin pie spice leaves and sticks artistically scattered next to a small pile of light brown cinnamon sticks and yellowish ginger roots, a small white bowl containing fine white all-purpose flour, a simple white ceramic dish with roasted pepitas showcasing their glossy green shells, and a small white bowl of clear golden caramel glaze, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze, pumpkin spice donuts, fall donut recipes, bourbon caramel glaze, cozy autumn treats

Sugar: Both granulated and in the caramel glaze, sugar is what brings that signature sweetness and shine.
Butter: Browning your butter intensifies the nutty flavor and adds depth to the donuts and caramel glaze.
Heavy Cream: This smooths out the caramel glaze for that luscious finish.
Bourbon: A splash in the glaze adds warmth and complexity—not too much, just enough to brighten up the glaze.
Pumpkin Puree: Whether canned or fresh, it’s key for that moist texture and vibrant pumpkin taste.
Eggs: These help bind everything and add structure to the donut batter.
Flour: Use all-purpose for the perfect balance between fluff and chew.
Spices (Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon, Ginger): These give that classic pumpkin spice profile that makes these donuts special.
Baking Powder: To help the donuts rise just right.
Salt: It rounds out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Roasted Pepitas (optional): Candied pepitas add a fun crunch and a touch of elegance on top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe depending on my mood or the occasion. Feel free to make these donuts your own—you’ll find they’re a fantastic base for all sorts of flavor twists.

Spice Swap: If you like a little more heat, I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or extra ginger for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
Gluten-Free: I’ve had great results swapping in a cup of gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour, just watch the batter texture—it might need a touch more liquid.
Vegan Version: I experimented with flax eggs and coconut oil instead of butter, and while the texture was slightly different, the flavor still shined.
Glaze Variations: If bourbon’s not your thing, try swapping it out for maple syrup or vanilla extract—still delicious with a different personality.

How to Make Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Make the Boozy Bourbon Caramel Glaze

I always start with the caramel glaze because it needs time to cool and thicken slightly. Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat—keep your eyes glued to it! Don’t leave it unattended, because it transforms from sugar to liquid gold quickly. Swirl the pan gently every so often to melt the sugar evenly; this trick keeps it from burning in spots.

Once it turns a deep amber, remove from heat and stir in butter and room-temp heavy cream carefully—the mixture will bubble fiercely, but that’s expected. Stir til smooth, pop it back on low heat, then add the bourbon and whisk for two more minutes. Set aside and let it cool. You’ll already want to dip your finger in at this point!

Step 2: Optional – Prepare Candied Pepitas

I like to add the candied pepitas for a bit of crunch and color on top. Heat some sugar in a skillet, let it just start to melt, then toss in roasted pepitas. Stir until they’re glossy and toasted, then add the last bit of sugar and stir again. Pour them out onto parchment to cool—easy and such a fun touch!

Step 3: Brown the Butter for the Donuts

Browned butter is a total game changer. Melt butter over medium heat, and don’t freak out if it starts crackling—that’s the milk solids toasting. Stir gently until the butter turns a lovely amber color, then take it off the heat immediately to avoid burning. Pour into a heatproof bowl to finish browning with residual heat. This step adds such a rich, nutty depth to the batter that I can’t recommend skipping.

Step 4: Mix the Donut Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your donut pans with butter so those beauties don’t stick. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, spices, baking powder, salt, and that browned butter until smooth. Then, fold in flour gently just until combined—the batter will be thick but smooth. Be careful not to overmix, or the donuts can become tough.

Step 5: Bake and Cool Your Donuts

Spoon the batter into the donut molds, filling about three-quarters full—around a scant 1/4 cup per donut works perfectly. Smooth the tops and pop them in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick or cake tester; it should come out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before gently loosening them with a spoon and transferring to a rack to cool completely. Patience here pays off—the glaze sticks best to cooled donuts!

Step 6: Glaze and Garnish

Pour your bourbon caramel into a shallow bowl and get ready for the fun part. Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze, let any excess drip off, then place them back on the cooling rack over parchment paper to catch drips. If you made the candied pepitas, sprinkle them on top right away so they stick. Trust me, the sticky glaze with that spark of crunch is downright irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze Recipe

Watch The Sugar Closely: Caramelizing sugar can go from golden to burnt in seconds—stir and swirl carefully, and never walk away.
Brown Butter Patience: Remove the butter from heat as soon as it’s amber; it keeps cooking in the pan, and you don’t want bitter burned butter.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir the flour in gently and just until combined to keep your donuts tender and fluffy.
Cool Donuts Before Glazing: Warm donuts melt the glaze right off; cool completely so the glaze sets beautifully.

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze Recipe

The image shows one brown donut with a shiny glaze, topped with some pumpkin seeds and crumb bits, placed on the right side of a white plate; to its left is a scoop of white ice cream melting slightly with amber syrup drizzled over it, and a spoon in front holds a bite of the donut covered in a mix of ice cream and syrup; in the background there is a white round cake stand holding more donuts with the same toppings, all set on a white marbled surface with scattered syrup drops and crumbs, a silver spoon, and a white mug visible; photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze, pumpkin spice donuts, fall donut recipes, bourbon caramel glaze, cozy autumn treats

Garnishes

I usually stick to the candied pepitas because they add that perfect crunch and a pop of color, but chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar are also great if you want to switch things up. A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt atop the glaze is my guilty pleasure—it intensifies the caramel and balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

These donuts are fantastic with a warm cup of spiced chai or robust coffee. If you’re serving brunch, I often pair them with scrambled eggs or a light fruit salad—something fresh to balance the richness of the glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the donuts on a tiered cake stand with autumnal decor like small pumpkins and cinnamon sticks. Another fun idea is to put each donut in a colorful cupcake wrapper and tie it with a ribbon—makes a charming gift or party favor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, the glaze can get sticky, so I like to keep them in a cool spot. They’re still delicious but best enjoyed fresh!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these donuts freeze wonderfully. I freeze them without glaze, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw completely, then dip in glaze fresh—this keeps the texture and flavor spot on.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a donut in the microwave for about 15 seconds to warm it just enough, then dip in glaze or add more if you like. You can also warm them briefly in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil to keep them moist.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without bourbon?

Absolutely! If you want to skip the bourbon, you can substitute with vanilla extract or just leave it out. The caramel glaze will still be delicious, just less boozy and a bit sweeter.
What’s the best way to prevent my donut batter from being too dense?

Be careful not to overmix your batter once you add the flour. Stir gently just until all ingredients are combined. Also, be sure to use fresh baking powder to give your donuts a nice rise.
Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pumpkin puree works just as well! Just be sure to cook and puree your pumpkin until smooth before adding it to the batter. The flavor will be amazing.
How long do these pumpkin donuts stay fresh?

They’re best enjoyed within 1-2 days of baking for optimal freshness, but keeping them in an airtight container helps maintain moisture. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet!

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze Recipe brings the perfect combination of cozy fall flavors with a touch of decadent elegance. When I first tried making these, I was surprised how something so comforting could also feel so special. I hope you give this recipe a try and that it becomes a staple in your home as it is in mine. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat or a festive brunch, these donuts are guaranteed to bring a smile every time.