If your dream donut is sweet, salty, and just a little bit bold, then you’re about to fall in love. These Maple Bacon Donuts with Bourbon Glaze are the perfect balance of gooey glaze, smoky crunch, and that unmistakable maple richness—plus a hit of bourbon to round things out.
Whether you’re making these for a brunch crowd, dessert board, or just because your sweet tooth demands more drama, these donuts deliver flavor that’s familiar with a twist.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe checks all the flavor boxes:
- 🥓 Crispy bacon for salty crunch
- 🍁 Maple syrup for rich, warm sweetness
- 🥃 Bourbon for depth and a grown-up finish
- 🍩 Baked donuts so you get indulgence without frying fuss
It’s fast, fun, and completely delicious.
📝 Ingredients
- 1 package donut dough (bake-ready, refrigerated or mix-based)
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
🔁 Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Donut dough: You can use refrigerated biscuit dough with a hole cut out or any boxed donut mix.
- Bacon: Thick-cut preferred for texture. Cook until crispy and blot off excess grease.
- Maple syrup: Go for real maple syrup—it’s worth it.
- Bourbon: A splash of good-quality bourbon adds depth. Sub vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version.
- Glaze: Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more syrup for a drizzle.
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease your donut pan lightly.
2️⃣ Bake the Donuts
Prepare and bake the donuts according to package instructions, usually 12–15 minutes.
Let cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
3️⃣ Cook the Bacon
While the donuts bake, cook the bacon until crisp.
Drain and crumble into small bits.
4️⃣ Make the Bourbon Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Whisk until smooth and glossy.
5️⃣ Glaze & Top
Once donuts are cool, dip or drizzle with glaze.
Top each with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon.
Let the glaze set for 5–10 minutes—or dig in immediately!
🔥 Tips for Success
- Don’t glaze hot donuts—it will slide off. Let them cool first.
- Use thick-cut bacon for better texture and flavor.
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding more sugar (to thicken) or more maple syrup (to thin).
- Chill before serving for a firmer glaze, or serve warm for sticky deliciousness.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
These donuts are killer with:
- ☕ Strong black coffee or a creamy latte
- 🥃 A bourbon-spiked brunch cocktail or Irish coffee
- 🍓 Fresh berries to balance the richness
- 🍦 A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert-style decadence
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Room temp: Store in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Keeps up to 4 days, but glaze may soften.
- Freeze: Freeze unglazed donuts and add glaze and bacon fresh.
💡 More Recipes You’ll Love
If you love a bold flavor combo or brunchy dessert twist, check out these:
- Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups – cozy & cute
- Edible Cookie Dough – perfect for sneaky cravings
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies – fall in cookie form
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – rich, layered indulgence
- Pumpkin Delight Dessert – smooth, seasonal, and crowd-pleasing
💬 Final Thoughts
These Maple Bacon Donuts with Bourbon Glaze are the ultimate mash-up of salty and sweet, cozy and bold. With minimal effort, you’ll turn simple ingredients into a bakery-level treat that’s both brunch-ready and indulgent enough for dessert.
Tried them? Snap a pic and tag @ChefManiac—we’d love to see your creations! And don’t forget to follow for more bold flavor combos, creative comfort food, and sweet surprises.
