If you have a sweet tooth and love that perfect combination of fluffy fried dough topped with a luscious glaze, you are going to adore this Maple Bar Donuts Recipe. These classic treats bring together the comforting warmth of homemade yeast donuts with the rich, natural sweetness of pure maple syrup. Each bite offers that soft, pillowy texture paired with a sticky, glossy maple glaze that makes these donuts an unforgettable indulgence. Whether you’re pampering yourself for breakfast or craving a nostalgic dessert, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Maple Bar Donuts Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a fluffy, tender dough and a deeply flavorful maple glaze. Each ingredient plays a key role, from creating the perfect dough elasticity to adding the right sweetness and shine on top.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Essential for giving the dough that light and airy rise.
- Warm milk (3/4 cup): Activates the yeast and adds moisture, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization during frying.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Brings richness and a subtle buttery flavor to the dough.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Large egg (1): Adds structure and richness for a soft, tender donut.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups plus extra): The base of the dough that gives it its shape and chew.
- Oil for frying: Vegetable or canola oil works best for that perfectly crisp, golden exterior.
- Unsalted butter for glaze (2 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the maple glaze.
- Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup): The star ingredient in the glaze that delivers authentic maple flavor.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Helps thin the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a lovely warmth and depth to the glaze.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the glaze to glossy perfection.
How to Make Maple Bar Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by dissolving the active dry yeast in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar. This little step is so important because it wakes up the yeast, making it bubbly and alive, which guarantees your dough will rise beautifully. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until you see that foamy layer on top—that’s your signal to move on.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, salt, egg, and the foamy yeast mixture. Stir these together with love, then gradually add your flour. The goal here is to form a soft dough that’s slightly sticky but manageable. Once it looks right, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic—the texture is key for light donuts.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. This wait time is pure magic, allowing the dough to develop flavor and fluffiness essential for maple bar donuts.
Step 4: Shape the Donuts
After that glorious rise, punch down the dough to release the air, then roll it out to about half an inch thick on a well-floured surface. Cut it into rectangles approximately 1.5 by 4 inches — these are your classic bar shapes. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover again, and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise helps create that tender crumb we all love.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or large pot. Carefully lower the dough pieces into the hot oil and fry each side for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch how they puff up and turn golden brown—that enticing color indicates crunch on the outside while keeping a soft inside. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
Step 6: Make the Maple Glaze and Dip
While the donuts cool slightly, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the pure maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring gently. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and shiny. Dip the tops of each donut bar into this glorious glaze, letting the excess drip off, and set them on a cooling rack for the glaze to set just right.
How to Serve Maple Bar Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your maple bar donuts, consider sprinkling a few crushed pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on the glaze before it sets. These little touches add delightful crunch and warmth that complement the maple flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Maple bar donuts pair excellently with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai tea, balancing the sweetness with bitter or aromatic notes. For a heartier breakfast, serve them alongside crispy bacon or creamy scrambled eggs for a sweet-and-savory experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking maple bars on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment for a charming brunch centerpiece. Or arrange them in a circle with a small bowl of whipped cream or berry compote in the middle, turning this simple donut into a delightful interactive treat for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them covered prevents them from drying out and keeps the glaze sticky and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooled, unglazed donuts by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before glazing.
Reheating
To bring your stored donuts back to life, pop them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds until warm and tender. Avoid overheating, as too much heat can make the glaze runny. Warm donuts taste like they just came fresh out of the fryer!
FAQs
Can I use quick-rise yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute quick-rise yeast, but keep in mind it works faster, so watch your dough closely during rising to avoid overproofing.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives Maple Bar Donuts their signature golden crust and texture, you can bake them at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes if you prefer a lighter version, though the texture will differ.
What is the best oil to fry donuts?
Vegetable or canola oil is ideal due to their high smoke points and neutral flavor, which won’t interfere with the sweet maple glaze.
Can I make the maple glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Gently warm and whisk before dipping your donuts.
Why are my donuts too dense?
Dense donuts usually mean the dough didn’t rise enough or was overworked. Make sure to allow proper rising time in a warm spot and knead just until smooth and elastic.
Final Thoughts
Making this Maple Bar Donuts Recipe is truly a joy, not only because of the delicious results but also because of the warm memories you create along the way. These donuts are an irresistible treat that offers comfort and sweetness in each bite. I encourage you to whip up a batch soon—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, sharing the love with everyone around you.
Print
Maple Bar Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 maple bar donuts
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful recipe for classic Maple Bar Donuts featuring a tender yeast dough fried to golden perfection and topped with a rich, homemade maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these homemade donuts offer a sweet, buttery treat with the authentic flavor of real maple syrup.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Maple Glaze
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, salt, egg, and the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into rectangles approximately 1.5 x 4 inches. Place the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and allow to rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Fry the Donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dough rectangles in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Drain the cooked donuts on paper towels and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip the tops of each donut bar into the maple glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts on a cooling rack and let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Use real pure maple syrup for the most authentic and rich flavor in the glaze.
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh to retain their fluffy texture and crisp exterior.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm and comforting treat.
