Name: Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Bourbon Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling); ½ cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅓ cup maple syrup; 2 tablespoons bourbon; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; Pinch of salt

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 12 reviews

There is something truly magical about cozy fall flavors wrapped up in a warm, tender treat, and this Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Bourbon Glaze Recipe does just that. Imagine soft, moist donuts packed with pumpkin pie spice, gently kissed by the rich, buttery sweetness of a maple bourbon glaze that beautifully balances comfort and a touch of indulgence. Whether you’re craving an autumnal breakfast, a special dessert, or a delightful snack to share, these donuts are an absolute showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make and deeply satisfying with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six brown donuts with a rough, slightly crumbly texture cooling on a black wire rack. The rack is on a beige baking tray with a textured surface. The donuts have a classic round shape with a hole in the center, and their color varies slightly from golden to a deeper brown. The background around the tray is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating this Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Bourbon Glaze Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on pantry staples enhanced by a few star ingredients that bring out its charm. Each component plays a key role: the pumpkin adds moisture and warmth, pumpkin pie spice gives that seasonal nostalgia, and the maple bourbon glaze ties everything together with a luscious finish.

1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure that keeps the donuts soft yet sturdy.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise to fluffy perfection.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Enhances leavening and works with the acidic pumpkin for tenderness.
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: Bursts with aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for that iconic fall flavor.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enriches the overall taste.
¾ cup canned pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling): Adds moisture and that perfect pumpkin flavor without extra sugar.
½ cup packed brown sugar: Brings deep, caramel notes and sweetness.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender without overpowering flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the spices and adds warmth.
⅓ cup maple syrup: The base for the glaze, adding natural sweetness and depth.
2 tablespoons bourbon: Adds a subtle kick that makes the glaze feel indulgent and grown-up.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a silky, rich texture in the glaze.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps it set beautifully.
Pinch of salt: Balances the glaze and elevates all the sweet flavors.

How to Make Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Bourbon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and giving your donut pan a good spray with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt—this blend is the foundation for the donuts’ perfect texture and spice.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth and well blended. This mixture brings moisture and warmth to your donuts, which will make them incredibly tender.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing here; you want the batter to be smooth but still light, ensuring your donuts stay fluffy rather than dense.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Donuts

Use a spoon or piping bag to fill the donut wells about three-quarters full. This gives the donuts room to rise without overflowing. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are set and spring back slightly when touched—this is the sweet spot where they’re perfectly baked through but still moist.

Step 5: Cool Your Donuts

Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling ensures the glaze will stick perfectly later and your donuts won’t be soggy.

Step 6: Make the Maple Bourbon Glaze

Place the maple syrup in a small pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook until it reduces by about half, thickening the syrup and concentrating its sweet flavor. Then whisk in the bourbon and butter, stirring until the butter melts fully for a luxuriously smooth glaze base.

Step 7: Finish the Glaze

Remove the pot from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and glossy. Stir in a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and let the glaze cool slightly so it thickens just enough to cling to the donuts without dripping away.

Step 8: Glaze the Donuts

Dip each cooled donut into the warm glaze, making sure to coat it generously. Place them back on the wire rack to let the glaze set for about 10 minutes. This creates that irresistible shiny finish that whispers indulgence before the first bite.

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Bourbon Glaze Recipe

A metal donut baking pan with six round cavities each filled halfway with smooth, orange-brown batter evenly spread inside each mold, showing a thick texture and slight swirling patterns on top; the pan sits on a light gold baking tray, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of your glazed donuts takes them to the next level. These garnishes add delightful texture and enhance the warm flavors, making each bite extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a comforting cup of chai tea or bold brewed coffee to complement the spices and sweetness in the glaze. If you want to turn it into a meal, a side of creamy whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds an indulgent cool contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Bourbon Glaze Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand for a festive display. You can drizzle any leftover glaze artistically over the plate or stack the donuts and tie them with a seasonal ribbon for a beautiful gift idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep their softness and freshness. If you live in a humid area, keeping them chilled briefly can help maintain glaze texture but bring them back to room temp before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the plain donuts (before glazing) in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature, then dip them in freshly made glaze. This method ensures the glaze stays perfectly glossy and fresh-tasting.

Reheating

Warm the donuts in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a low oven (about 300°F) just before serving to revive their tender crumb and mellow the glaze’s flavors, making them taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain structure. Your Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Bourbon Glaze Recipe will still come out moist and flavorful.

Is there a non-alcoholic alternative to bourbon in the glaze?

If you prefer to skip alcohol, substitute bourbon with an equal amount of pure vanilla extract or additional maple syrup. This keeps the glaze sweet and rich without losing any of its signature charm.

Can I bake these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! Use a muffin tin for a similar shape or bake the batter in a cake pan and cut into squares. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

What’s the best pumpkin puree to use?

Use canned pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. Pure pumpkin puree gives you control over sweetness and flavor balance, essential for this recipe.

How long does the glaze stay good?

The maple bourbon glaze is best used immediately but can be refrigerated for up to one week in an airtight container. Reheat gently before glazing additional donuts to restore its smooth texture.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Bourbon Glaze Recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a warm hug in donut form that brings seasonal joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking for yourself or surprising loved ones, these donuts are sure to become a cherished fall tradition. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into the cozy delight of homemade pumpkin donuts—you won’t regret it!