Description
Maple Donut Bars are soft, fluffy yeast donuts coated in a rich, sweet maple glaze a perfect blend of pillowy texture, crispy edges, and cozy fall flavor. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these homemade donut bars are easy to make, deeply satisfying, and sure to impress at any gathering or holiday table.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- ½ cup warm water
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 5½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Maple Glaze:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons maple extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in warm water. Let stand until foamy.
- Make the dough: In a stand mixer, combine warm milk, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and softened butter. Add the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into rectangles or bars.
- Place bars on a baking sheet, cover, and let proof for 30 minutes.
- Fry: Heat oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden-brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in brown sugar, milk, and corn syrup. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Stir in maple extract and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Dip warm donuts into the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Allow to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the dough to keep it soft and fluffy.
- You can bake instead of fry: bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For vegan donuts, use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and flax eggs.
- Add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles can customize the flavor.
- Reheat in the oven (not microwave) to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Frying (or Baking)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg