Sweet, savory, and irresistibly indulgent, these Cinnamon Sugar Bacon Donuts with Bourbon Whipped Cream take breakfast (or dessert!) to the next level. The combination of fluffy donuts coated in cinnamon sugar, crispy bacon, and a rich, boozy whipped cream is nothing short of heavenly. Perfect for a special brunch or a sweet treat any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique flavor combination: The blend of sweet cinnamon sugar, savory bacon, and bourbon-infused cream is a showstopper.
- Perfect for brunch: These donuts will steal the spotlight at any gathering or brunch spread.
- Make-ahead components: Both the whipped cream and donuts can be prepared in advance.
- Easy to customize: You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste, from non-alcoholic whipped cream to alternative donut toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Milk
- Eggs
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Cooked bacon
- Bourbon
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
Directions
- Prepare the bacon: Cook the bacon until crisp and crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
- Make the donut batter: In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt). In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Cook the donuts: Preheat a donut pan and lightly grease it. Spoon the batter into the pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar: While the donuts are still warm, brush them with melted butter and roll them in cinnamon sugar to coat.
- Make the bourbon whipped cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and bourbon, then whip until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble: Top each donut with crumbled bacon and serve with a dollop of bourbon whipped cream on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 12 donuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Non-alcoholic whipped cream: Replace bourbon with vanilla or maple extract for a family-friendly option.
- Maple glaze: Swap the cinnamon sugar coating for a maple glaze for extra sweetness.
- Turkey bacon: Use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative to traditional bacon.
- Mini donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep the whipped cream refrigerated in a separate container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place donuts in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh their texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes, you can use a muffin pan instead. The shape will differ, but the flavor remains delicious.
2. Can I fry these donuts instead of baking them?
Absolutely! Fry spoonfuls of the batter in hot oil until golden brown for a crispier version.
3. Can I omit the bourbon from the whipped cream?
Yes, simply leave out the bourbon or substitute it with vanilla extract.
4. Can I use pre-made donuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought donuts and skip the baking step.
5. How can I make the donuts gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
6. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
For a dairy-free option, use chilled coconut cream to make whipped cream.
7. What’s the best way to cook the bacon?
Bake it in the oven for evenly crisp bacon without the mess of frying.
8. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the donuts immediately for the best texture, but you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately ahead of time.
9. How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?
Ensure the donut pan is well-greased before adding the batter.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Bacon Donuts with Bourbon Whipped Cream are the ultimate treat for those who crave a balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether for brunch, dessert, or a fun weekend project, these donuts are sure to impress. Experiment with variations, pair them with coffee or tea, and enjoy the perfect bite of indulgence!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Bacon Donuts with Bourbon Whipped Cream
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These indulgent donuts combine sweet and savory flavors with the crunch of candied bacon, a cinnamon-sugar coating, and a fluffy bourbon-spiked whipped cream. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or dessert treat!
Ingredients
For the donuts:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the bacon topping:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
For the bourbon whipped cream:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (cold)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the bacon topping:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Coat the bacon slices with brown sugar on both sides and lay them flat on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Let cool, then chop into small pieces.
- Make the donuts:
- Preheat your donut maker or grease a donut pan if baking in the oven.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut molds, filling them about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or cook according to your donut maker’s instructions until golden.
- Coat the donuts:
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish.
- Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, brush them lightly with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Prepare the bourbon whipped cream:
- In a chilled bowl, whisk the heavy cream, powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Assemble and serve:
- Top each donut with chopped candied bacon and serve with a dollop of bourbon whipped cream on the side or for dipping.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, skip the bourbon in the whipped cream and replace it with an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You can bake the donuts in a muffin tin if you don’t have a donut pan; just adjust the baking time slightly.