33 Decadent Bourbon Desserts for Adults to Savor on Special Occasions

Edward Hickman

October 27, 2025

Everyone who enjoys a good dessert will appreciate these mouthwatering bourbon treats, regardless of their drinking habits. These sweet and indulgent creations combine the smoothness of bourbon with rich flavors that will leave you wanting more. Some recipes are intense and decadent, while others are so subtle, you might not even notice the presence of bourbon. This collection caters to a wide range of tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

However, please note that these desserts are intended for adults only, as they contain a significant amount of alcohol.

Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Brown Butter Bourbon Pumpkin Bread

Brown Butter Bourbon Pumpkin Bread

Glorious combinations of flavors and textures are what make this bread truly special. The harmonious blend of its gorgeous dark brown and orange color with its rich depth of flavor is a match made in heaven. This recipe takes everything you love about pumpkin bread – the canned pumpkin, various spices, and sugar – and elevates it to new heights by incorporating the dark, earthy taste of bourbon, resulting in a truly delightful experience.

Bourbon Pecan Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze

Bourbon Pecan Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze

Naturally, this cake has all the qualities of a quintessential pound cake: it’s richly buttery, dense, and filled with warm spices like nutmeg, as well as boozy bourbon and crunchy pecans. In its plain form, the cake is already quite impressive, but when paired with a velvety thick caramel glaze, it reaches new heights of flavor and texture.

The preparation time may seem substantial at around two hours, but don’t be discouraged – only about 20 minutes of that time will be spent actively working on the recipe, as the oven does most of the heavy lifting. Whether you’re hosting a midday brunch or just need a comforting dessert to brighten up your day, this cake is an excellent choice.

Chocolate Fudge Pecan Tart

Chocolate Fudge Pecan Tart

Flaunting a unique blend of textures and flavors, the combination of a pecan pie’s chewy center with a rich, decadent chocolate tart is nothing short of extraordinary. At first glance, it may seem too good to be true, but that’s exactly what this sweet treat embodies.

With its buttery shortbread crust providing a perfect balance to the indulgent filling, comprising of pecans, bourbon-infused goodness, dark chocolate, and other rich ingredients, this tart is sure to leave even the most discerning palates craving for more, with many people likely going back for seconds – or maybe even thirds.

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Essentially, this alternative recipe shares many similarities with the chocolate fudge pecan tart, yet it employs fewer ingredients and exhibits a slightly less indulgent texture. While neither dessert is excessively demanding, this variation does offer a more streamlined approach that requires minimal effort.

Maple Bourbon Banana Pudding Cake

Maple Bourbon Banana Pudding Cake

Elevating traditional banana pudding to new heights, this innovative dessert breaks away from its classic counterpart. By transforming the familiar recipe into a cake-like treat, the bright flavor of bananas remains a prominent feature. However, the texture is now distinctly different, courtesy of the incorporation of maple syrup, pecans, and walnuts.

These additions not only temper the natural sweetness of the bananas but also introduce a satisfying crunch that complements the smoothness of the dish perfectly.

Bourbon Cream Cheese Brownies

Bourbon Cream Cheese Brownies

Love at first bite is what you’ll experience when indulging in these outrageous bourbon cream cheese brownies. It’s almost unbelievable how straightforward the process is to create them. With only six simple ingredients – a boxed brownie mix, eggs, oil, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a hint of bourbon – you can whip up these decadent treats in under an hour. The result? Rich, indulgent bites that are both fudgy and boozy, guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies

Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies

Whether it’s the indulgent melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chunks or the rich warmth of bourbon and brown butter that does it for you, these blondies are sure to satisfy your cravings. With a delightful texture combination of chewy and crunchy, sweet and bold, they’re a perfect treat. And let’s not forget the delightful contrast provided by the gooey chocolate and flaky sea salt – it’s a match made in heaven.

Bourbon Peach Pie

Bourbon Peach Pie

You’ll be pleased to know that bourbon peach pie isn’t as heavy as some other options, mainly due to the refreshing and fruity flavor of the peaches. When it comes to finding a new fruit pie that will become your family’s summertime favorite, this one deserves a spot on your radar.

Drunken Pumpkin Bourbon Tart

Drunken Pumpkin Bourbon Tart

Love is in the air for pumpkin pie enthusiasts, who will attest that it’s challenging to enhance the tender, silky goodness of this classic dessert. However, the drunken pumpkin bourbon tart might just be the game-changer everyone’s been waiting for. This indulgent treat still boasts all the quintessential fall spices – nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon – but takes it up a notch with the addition of molasses, bourbon, vanilla, and more complex flavors.

The result is a warm, dark sweetness that will leave your taste buds singing and make your stomach do the happy dance. In short, this tart is a true masterpiece that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Bourbon Mint Julep Ice Cream (Vegan)

Bourbon Mint Julep Ice Cream (Vegan)

Ready to indulge in a refreshing dessert that’s as adult-friendly as it is delicious? If you’re looking for something boozy and rejuvenating, consider making bourbon mint julep ice cream – but be warned, this one won’t fly at the kids’ birthday party! The bourbon content is quite pronounced, so if you’re planning on serving this to a crowd, make sure everyone is of age. But don’t worry, this vegan dessert recipe has got you covered.

It’s the perfect combination of cool and invigorating flavors that will transport your taste buds to the Kentucky Derby. And the best part? No churning required – just blend, freeze, and enjoy!

Vanilla Bean Sea Salt Caramels with Bourbon

Vanilla Bean Sea Salt Caramels with Bourbon

Fresh from the kitchen, homemade caramels are always a delightful treat. They’re soft and chewy with just the right amount of sweetness, making them an irresistible indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. But when you add a hint of bourbon to these already-lovely confections and cover them in a generous layer of sea salt? The result is nothing short of sublime. You can whip up a batch of these charming sweets in under an hour, and the best part?

The recipe yields over five dozen, so you’ll have plenty to share (or not). If that seems like a lot, just wait until you try them – I guarantee it won’t be enough!

Cherry Bourbon Pie

Cherry Bourbon Pie

Basking in the spirit of patriotism, this ten-ingredient cherry dessert is perfect for Independence Day, Memorial Day, or any other celebration that calls for a show-stopping dessert. Its buttery crust and sweet flavor are beautifully balanced by the tanginess of bitters, cherries, and orange zest, while the bourbon adds a warm, rich depth that ties all the flavors together seamlessly.

Bourbon Marshmallow S’mores

Bourbon Marshmallow S’mores

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more decadent or indulgent dessert than the bourbon marshmallow s’mores – they’re an absolute mess of sweet and salty flavors. With ingredients like bourbon-infused marshmallows, crunchy Graham Crackers, rich milk chocolate, and crispy bacon, it’s clear that this treat is all about self-indulgence. If you can’t appreciate the unapologetic excess of this s’mores dessert, perhaps sweets aren’t even your thing.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience with flavors that are off the charts, then bourbon marshmallow s’mores are an absolute must-try – just be prepared to get a little messy!

Coffee Bourbon Milkshake

Coffee Bourbon Milkshake

Easy Homemade Caramel Popcorn

Easy Homemade Caramel Popcorn

Sprucing up a classic, this caramel popcorn recipe is elevated by incorporating four tablespoons of bourbon into its traditional preparation method. This simple addition imbues the sweet and salty treat with a more intense, complex flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting & Pecan and Toffee Bits

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting & Pecan and Toffee Bits

Perfectly capturing the essence of fall, whoopie pies offer an exciting twist on traditional desserts. Typically consisting of two soft and chewy wafer/cookie ‘buns’ sandwiched together with a rich cream filling, they are sure to satisfy your cravings. If you’re a fan of seasonal treats like fall cookies and desserts, these indulgent whoopie pies will quickly become your go-to favorites.

The classic flavors of pumpkin, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and other autumnal notes are elevated to new heights with the addition of bourbon and cream cheese, adding a sophisticated and velvety texture. To finish them off, simply roll the edges in bits of crunchy toffee and chopped pecans for a delightful sweet and salty contrast.

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

Although this thick, spongy bread pudding may appear intimidating at first glance, it’s actually quite accessible with just over an hour and fewer than ten ingredients required. Its unique texture and flavor profile make it a challenging dessert to put into words, but for those who adore comforting and nostalgic sweets, this treat is sure to hit the spot.

Bourbon Spice Cupcakes

Bourbon Spice Cupcakes

Unlocking the potential of your baking skills has never been easier with this recipe. In just under 40 minutes, you can have a dozen deliciously crafted cupcakes on the table, and trust me when I tell you that they will undoubtedly be devoured by everyone present. The perfect balance between sweetly spiced, bourbon-flavored cakes and rich, creamy bourbon cream cheese frosting makes these simple yet delightful treats truly irresistible.

Gluten-Free Bourbon Caramel Samoas

Gluten-Free Bourbon Caramel Samoas

Classic Banana Bread with Bourbon and Pecans

Classic Banana Bread with Bourbon and Pecans

Need a twist on traditional banana bread? Try using this bourbon-packed recipe instead of pumpkin bread. It still tastes like classic banana bread, but the addition of pecans and bourbon gives it a more robust flavor profile. And don’t worry about indulging in this sweet treat for breakfast – who says you can’t have a little bit of luxury to start your day?

Bourbon Caramel Apple Popovers

Bourbon Caramel Apple Popovers

You’ll love the delightful combination of flavors in this light and airy popover recipe. Made with eggs, milk, vanilla, sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and green apples, these treats are simple to prepare but pack a punch when it comes to taste. But what really takes them over the top is the sweet and sticky bourbon caramel sauce that you’ll drizzle over each one, savoring every last drop and licking your fingers clean just so you don’t waste any of that precious sauce.

And for an added bonus, using Granny Smith apples will give these popovers a lovely tartness that balances out the sweetness perfectly.

Brown Sugar and Bourbon Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Brown Sugar and Bourbon Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Generally speaking, this homemade ice cream recipe is a breeze to make, requiring only seven essential ingredients and a moderate amount of time. To get started, gather eggs, brown sugar, vanilla bean seeds, salt, milk, heavy whipping cream, and bourbon – the perfect combination for a rich and creamy dessert. The end result is nothing short of spectacular, with its cold temperature and mouth-watering taste making it an ideal way to beat the heat during the summer months.

And to take your ice cream to the next level, consider drizzling a small amount of that delicious bourbon caramel over the top.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ditch the ordinary oatmeal raisin cookies and give them a boost with two unexpected ingredients: bourbon and dark chocolate. The addition of these flavors creates a rich, indulgent treat that’s surprisingly easy to whip up – all it takes is under 30 minutes from start to finish.

25 Best Bourbon Dessert Recipe Collection

Visually stunning and tantalizingly tasty, bourbon-infused desserts offer a unique twist on traditional sweets. Even if you’re not a fan of liquor, these treats are worth trying, boasting rich flavors and a sweet finish that will leave you wanting more.

Instructions

Instructions

Among the many benefits of cooking, one of the most appealing aspects is the ability to prepare a mouth-watering meal in a short amount of time. To achieve this, start by selecting your favorite recipe and gathering all the necessary ingredients in advance. This will not only save you time but also ensure that you have everything needed to create a truly scrumptious dish, all within the 30-minute mark.

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