If you’re craving a cozy, irresistible treat that screams fall, you’ve got to try this Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze Recipe. I absolutely love how these donuts come out tender, bursting with warm pumpkin spice, and topped with a gorgeously rich bourbon caramel glaze that takes them to the next level. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a new favorite—you’ll want to make a batch every weekend!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Fall Flavors: Pumpkin, warm spices, and bourbon caramel combine for that ultimate autumn vibe.
Tender & Moist Donuts: The browned butter gives a nutty depth that keeps these donuts soft and delicious.
Show-Stopping Glaze: The bourbon caramel glaze isn’t too sweet—just rich enough to perfectly balance the pumpkin.
Optional Candied Pepitas: Adds a lovely crunch and a hint of toasted nutty flavor for texture contrast.

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, fall pumpkin donuts, bourbon caramel glaze recipe, homemade pumpkin donuts, autumn dessert ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together to create a perfectly spiced, moist donut topped with a silky bourbon caramel glaze. I recommend using high-quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor and fresh spices to really make that pumpkin pie vibe shine through.

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, fall pumpkin donuts, bourbon caramel glaze recipe, homemade pumpkin donuts, autumn dessert ideas

Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens both the donuts and caramel; keep an eye while melting to avoid burning.
Butter: You’ll brown the butter for that deep, nutty flavor; it’s a game-changer in the donuts.
Eggs: Provide structure and moisture; use large eggs at room temperature to blend easily.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned or fresh works, but avoid pumpkin pie filling—it’s too sweet and spiced already.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: The warm spice blend that lends that signature pumpkin pie taste.
Cinnamon & Ginger: Enhance the spice complexity for a balanced flavor profile.
Salt: An important ingredient to heighten all the sweet and savory notes.
Baking Powder: Helps the donuts rise light and fluffy.
Flour: The base for your donut batter; use all-purpose flour for the perfect texture.
Heavy Cream: Essential for the caramel glaze to get creamy and luscious.
Bourbon: Adds warmth and depth to the caramel glaze—feel free to adjust amount to your liking.
Pepitas (Optional): Roasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy topping when candied in sugar.

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 tweaking this Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze Recipe depending on who I’m treating or what I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Spice it Up: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth, especially if I’m making these around the holidays.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter for coconut oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the glaze; it’s a slightly different vibe but still delicious.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to keep the texture nice and tender.
Skip the Bourbon: If bourbon’s not your thing, swap it with vanilla extract or maple syrup in the caramel glaze.
Extra Crunch: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts instead of pepitas for a different nutty crunch.

How to Make Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Perfect the Bourbon Caramel Glaze

Start by melting sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat, but don’t leave it unattended! This step is crucial and taught me patience fast. Swirl the pan gently from side to side—don’t stir—to help it melt evenly and avoid crystallization. When it turns that luscious amber color, remove from heat, and quickly whisk in butter and heavy cream (watch out, it bubbles!). Return it to low heat, stir in bourbon, and cook it for another couple of minutes. Set it aside to cool while you make the donuts. The rich, boozy aroma fills the kitchen and is totally worth the little extra step.

Step 2: Optional Candied Pepitas for Crunch

For that extra texture, I like making candied pepitas. Heat sugar in a nonstick skillet until it just starts melting, then toss in roasted pepitas. Stir till they’re all coated and toasty, add remaining sugar, and let cool on parchment. It’s a simple touch but makes your donuts feel super luxe and special.

Step 3: Brown the Butter for Maximum Flavor

This was a game-changer for me. Melt butter over medium heat, letting it bubble and then brown lightly. You’ll see it pop and crackle—that’s normal! Keep stirring to avoid burning, then pour into a heatproof bowl and let it cool. That nutty goodness gives the donut batter such a rich character you won’t get from melted butter alone.

Step 4: Whip Up the Donut Batter

In a large bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, ginger, baking powder, salt, and your cooled browned butter until smooth. Don’t overmix after adding flour—fold it in just until combined to keep the donuts light and tender. When I first tried mixing too much, my donuts turned out dense, so I guard this step closely now!

Step 5: Bake Your Donuts to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350ºF and grease your donut pans well with butter. Fill each mold about 3/4 full (a scant 1/4 cup each is perfect), smoothing the tops gently. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully loosen with a spoon and transfer to a rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 6: Dip and Decorate

Pour your bourbon caramel glaze into a shallow bowl. When donuts have cooled, dip each one into the glaze, letting any extra drip off. Place them back on the cooling rack (with parchment underneath to catch drips). If you’ve made candied pepitas, sprinkle them on top right away so they stick and add that beautiful, crunchy finish. Now comes the hard part—waiting just enough before devouring!

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze Recipe

Watch That Sugar: When making caramel, patience is key—avoid stirring sugar and instead swirl the pan slowly to prevent lumps and burning.
Brown Butter Attention: Don’t rush the browning butter step—it transforms the flavor. Keep stirring and remove from heat quickly once amber to avoid bitterness.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Overworking flour in the batter leads to tough donuts; mix just until combined for soft, tender texture.
Glaze When Cool: Make sure donuts are fully cooled before glazing or the caramel will slide right off.

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, fall pumpkin donuts, bourbon caramel glaze recipe, homemade pumpkin donuts, autumn dessert ideas

Garnishes

I love topping these donuts with the optional candied pepitas because it adds such a lovely crunch and contrasts the smooth glaze. Sometimes I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top too—it makes the caramel pop even more. For a more festive look, try dusting lightly with cinnamon sugar or decorating with a tad of whipped cream on the side.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning or afternoon treat. For brunch, I like serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or warm spiced apple compote. They also make a decadent dessert when paired with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes stack the glazed donuts on a pretty cake stand adorned with fresh autumn leaves and small pumpkins or gourds for a seasonal centerpiece. Another fun idea is to plate each donut with a drizzle of leftover caramel glaze and a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, making each serving feel extra special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, keeping the glaze side up on parchment paper so it doesn’t stick. If it’s humid or warm, I’ll pop them in the fridge, but they’re best fresh and at room temp for that tender crumb.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts before (unglazed) by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a ziplock freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before glazing and serving.

Reheating

To warm a leftover donut, gently heat in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. Re-glazing after warming revives that caramel gloss and rich flavor perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make these Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze Recipe without bourbon?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract or even maple syrup in the caramel glaze. The flavor won’t be quite as boozy but will still be deliciously rich and sweet.
Can I bake these pumpkin donuts instead of frying?

This recipe is designed for baked donuts using donut pans, which makes the process cleaner and easier. Baking keeps them tender and moist, and you get fewer calories compared to frying. Just make sure to grease your pans well so the donuts come out perfectly.
How do I prevent the caramel glaze from hardening too much?

Don’t overcook the caramel glaze once you add the cream and butter. Keep it on low heat and stir gently until everything is just combined and smooth. Allowing the glaze to cool slightly before dipping will give it a glossy finish without getting too hard once set.
Can I substitute canned pumpkin pie filling for pumpkin puree?

I wouldn’t recommend using pumpkin pie filling because it already contains sugar and spices, which will throw off the balance of the donut batter. Stick to pure pumpkin puree for the best texture and flavor control.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about these Pumpkin Donuts with Bourbon Caramel Glaze Recipe that makes the whole kitchen smell like fall in the best way possible. I love sharing them with family and friends because they feel special but are surprisingly straightforward to make. If you’ve been searching for a show-stopping autumn treat that’s full of cozy spices, tender crumb, and that luscious bourbon caramel finish—this is it. I promise, you’ll be so glad you gave these donuts a try!