Maple Bar Donuts Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of biting into a doughnut that’s soft, fluffy, and topped with a luscious, sweet maple glaze, then these Maple Bar Donuts are exactly what you’ve been waiting for. They strike the perfect balance between yeasty richness and sticky, buttery sweetness, delivering a comforting bite that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re indulging in a weekend treat or sharing them with friends, these doughnuts are guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen and heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting these Maple Bar Donuts is surprisingly simple thanks to a handful of truly essential ingredients, each playing a critical role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. From the yeast that makes the dough fluffy to the pure maple syrup that crowns each bar with irresistible sweetness, every element matters.

• Water: Lukewarm water activates the yeast and provides moisture for a tender dough.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for a light rise.
• Butter: Softened butter adds richness and a delicate crumb.
• Egg yolks: Give the dough a beautiful color and extra moisture.
• Instant yeast: The key leavening agent that makes these donuts airy.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm aromatic notes that complement the maple glaze.
• Bread flour: Provides structure to the donuts for a chewy yet soft texture.
• Baking powder: A little extra lift to ensure a light bite.
• Oil: For frying the donuts to golden perfection.
• Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the smooth maple glaze.
• Maple syrup: The star ingredient in the glaze, bringing deep, authentic sweetness.
• Melted butter: Adds silkiness and depth to the glaze.
• Maple extract: Intensifies the maple flavor in the glaze for that signature taste.

How to Make Maple Bar Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing water, sugar, butter, egg yolks, yeast, salt, and vanilla extract at medium-low speed until combined. This blend forms a deliciously rich base that will ferment and develop those wonderful flavors… almost like magic happening in your mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together bread flour and baking powder, then gradually add this to the wet mixture. The dough will start to pull away from the sides but remain soft and slightly sticky—exactly the texture you want for tender, fluffy donuts.

Step 3: Knead and Proof

Knead the dough either with your mixer or by hand, then transfer it to an oiled bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, which usually takes about an hour. This rising time lets the yeast work its magic and will give you that dreamy airy dough.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

Roll the dough out into a 10×12-inch rectangle and slice it into bars about 5×2 inches. Place them carefully on parchment-lined trays, cover to avoid drying, and let them rise again for another hour. This step ensures a soft texture inside after frying.

Step 5: Fry to Perfection

Heat oil to 350°F (180°C) and gently fry each donut bar for a minute on each side until beautifully golden. Drain on a wire rack to keep them crisp on the outside but tender inside. The oil temperature and timing here are crucial to getting that perfect Maple Bar Donuts texture.

Step 6: Glaze with Maple Goodness

Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and maple extract until silky smooth. Dip the top half of each donut bar into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off before placing back on the rack to set. This thick maple glaze is what makes these donuts truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Maple Bar Donuts

Garnishes

If you want to take your Maple Bar Donuts to the next level, consider sprinkling chopped pecans, a light dusting of sea salt, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the glaze. These finishing touches add texture and contrast that highlight the rich maple flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or creamy latte, balancing their sweet richness with the boldness of your favorite brew. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to add refreshing notes and round out the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Maple Bar Donuts lengthwise and create decadent sandwich-style treats filled with cream cheese frosting or a spread of nut butter. Alternatively, stack a few with layers of whipped cream and berries for a playful take on a dessert tower that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Maple Bar Donuts truly taste best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. This keeps the dough soft and the glaze intact enough to enjoy without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts for longer storage by wrapping each donut tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. When sealed well, they’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to a month, ready to be thawed whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive their fresh-baked glory, reheat the donuts gently in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. This step melts the glaze slightly and softens the dough, just like the moment they came out of the fryer.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture of your Maple Bar Donuts will be a bit softer and less chewy since bread flour has more protein which develops gluten and gives that slight chewiness.

Is it necessary to fry the donuts, or can I bake them?

Frying gives the donuts their signature crispy outer layer and tender inside, but you can bake them for a lighter version. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until lightly golden, then glaze as usual.

Can I make the dough in advance and refrigerate?

Absolutely! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Take it out to come back to room temperature before shaping, rising again, and frying.

How thick should the maple glaze be?

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable for dipping. Adjust powdered sugar or maple syrup as needed to achieve this consistency so it sticks beautifully to the donuts.

What type of maple syrup is best for the glaze?

Use pure maple syrup, preferably Grade A amber or darker, for the richest flavor. Avoid pancake syrup or flavored syrups as they won’t provide the authentic maple taste these donuts deserve.

Final Thoughts

These Maple Bar Donuts offer a blissful escape into a world of soft dough and sweet maple bliss that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully indulgent. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply because you deserve a treat, they’re sure to become a favorite. Give this recipe a try, and watch friends and family fall in love one bite at a time!

Print