Maple Donut Bars have a way of transporting me back to childhood Saturday mornings, the smell of sweet batter and maple filling the air. I’ve discovered that making these homemade maple donut bars from scratch is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. The result is a soft, fluffy bar with a perfectly sweet maple glaze that just melts in your mouth. Forget those store-bought versions; this recipe delivers pure bliss. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Maple Donut Bars
You’re going to absolutely adore these maple donut bars for so many reasons. They’re a true taste of comfort, delivering that classic sweet, maple-kissed flavor you crave. Plus, I’ve found they’re surprisingly quick to whip up, making them truly easy maple donut bars for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings. They’re also a fantastic budget-friendly option, using simple pantry staples. Kids adore them, making them a perfect family-friendly treat. You’ll love that they’re baked, not fried, offering a slightly lighter take on the classic. These easy maple donut bars are just pure happiness in every bite!
Maple Bar Donut Ingredients
Gathering your Maple bar donut ingredients is the first step to baking these delightful treats. You’ll need 1/2 cup warm water, 3/4 cup warm milk, and 2 tsp active dry yeast to get our dough rising. For sweetness, we’ll use 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp granulated sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar for the glaze. Don’t forget 5 large eggs and 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter for richness, plus an extra 1/4 cup unsalted butter for that luscious glaze. The flour is crucial, so have 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ready. For the glaze, you’ll also need 3 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp corn syrup for shine, and 2 tsp maple extract to really boost that maple flavor. Finally, 2 cups powdered sugar will create that perfect sweet coating.
How to Make Maple Donut Bars
Let’s dive into this delightful donut bar recipe maple that’s simpler than you might think! Get ready for some delicious homemade treats.
- Step 1: Start by whisking together the 1/2 cup warm water, 3/4 cup warm milk, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and the 2 tsp active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it gets wonderfully foamy – that’s your sign the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
- Step 2: In your stand mixer bowl, combine the 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, your activated yeast mixture, and the 5 large eggs. Use the dough hook attachment and mix on medium-high speed. Gradually add the 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and continue mixing for a full 8 minutes. You’re looking for a dough that’s smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Step 3: Transfer the beautifully kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. You’ll see it puff up like a cloud!
- Step 4: Once doubled, gently punch down the dough. Reshape it into a ball, cover it again, and let it rise for another hour. This second rise is key for that super fluffy texture.
- Step 5: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 3/4 inch thick, roughly 15×17 inches. Cut this into 12 equal bars. Arrange the bars on a floured baking sheet, giving them a little space, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Now for the fun part! Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 360-375°F. Carefully fry the bars a few at a time for a few minutes per side, until they’re a gorgeous golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Let them cool completely before glazing.
- Step 7: While the bars cool, make the glaze. Melt the 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp milk, and 1 tbsp corn syrup for shine. Let it simmer gently for a minute, then remove from heat. Stir in the 2 tsp maple extract and the 2 cups powdered sugar until you have a smooth, luscious glaze. This is what makes them irresistible maple glazed donut bars!
- Step 8: Dip one side of each cooled donut bar into the warm maple glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place them on a wire rack set over parchment paper to allow the glaze to set. Enjoy your amazing maple donut bars!
Pro Tips for the Best Maple Donut Bars
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make these bars truly exceptional. Follow these tips for the most delicious results!
- Always use a thermometer to ensure your frying oil is at the correct temperature (360-375°F). Too low and they’ll be greasy; too high and they’ll burn before cooking through.
- Don’t over-knead the dough. You want it smooth and elastic, but overworking it can lead to tough bars.
- Let the bars cool completely before glazing. If they’re warm, the glaze will melt right off, leaving you with a sticky mess.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze.
What’s the secret to perfect Maple Donut Bars?
The key to perfect best maple donut bars is patience with the dough rising. Each rise develops flavor and creates that signature airy, tender texture. Don’t rush it!
Can I make Maple Donut Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the dough and let it complete its second rise, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and cutting.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Maple Donut Bars?
A common pitfall is using yeast that isn’t active; always check for foam. Another mistake is overcrowding the pot when frying, which lowers the oil temperature. Fry in batches!
Best Ways to Serve Maple Donut Bars
These delightful bars are wonderful on their own, but I love pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, especially on a weekend morning. They’re fantastic for sharing at brunches or potlucks. For a really special treat, I sometimes dust them lightly with powdered sugar or serve them alongside a bowl of fresh berries. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving these maple cinnamon donut bars with a side of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a truly decadent experience!
Nutrition Facts for Maple Donut Bars
Here are the estimated nutritional details per serving for these delightful maple donut bars. I’ve found these figures help when planning your treats!
- Serving Size: 1 donut bar
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and preparation methods.
How to Store and Reheat Maple Donut Bars
Once your delicious Maple Donut Bars have cooled completely, it’s time to think about storing them. I like to use an airtight container, and you can easily store Maple bar donuts at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They stay surprisingly soft and flavorful! If you find yourself with a batch that lasts longer, or you want to prepare ahead for a future craving, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen treat, the best way to reheat them is to let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. For a slightly warm, fresh-from-the-bakery feel, you can gently warm them for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat them, or the glaze might get too melty!
Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Donut Bars
How do I make maple donut bars that are light and airy?
Achieving that perfect texture when you learn how to make maple donut bars really comes down to the yeast and the rising times. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active by checking for foam after mixing it with warm water and sugar. Don’t skip the second rise; it’s crucial for developing that light, airy crumb that makes them so delicious!
Can I bake my maple donut bars instead of frying them?
Yes, you absolutely can! While frying gives them that classic donut texture, baked maple donut bars are a great alternative. You can bake them in a 350°F oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t be quite as airy as fried ones, but they’ll still be wonderfully tender and delicious with the maple glaze.
What are the best toppings for maple donut bars?
Besides the classic maple glaze, you can get creative! Consider a simple cinnamon sugar dusting, or add some chopped toasted pecans for a delightful crunch. A drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of rainbow jimmies can also make them extra festive. I also love a good maple cinnamon donut bar variation with a touch of cinnamon in the dough itself.
How long do maple donut bars stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these sweet maple donut bars usually stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. I find they are best enjoyed within the first two days for the softest texture.
Variations of Maple Donut Bars You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, there are so many fun ways to switch up these maple donut bars! For a delightful twist, try adding maple pecan donut bars by folding chopped toasted pecans into the dough before the second rise, or sprinkle them on top of the glaze. If you love a richer flavor, consider a double dose of maple by adding a bit of cinnamon to the dough for maple cinnamon donut bars. For a gluten-free option, experiment with a good quality gluten-free flour blend, though you might need to adjust the liquid slightly. You could also swap the frying for baking at 350°F until golden brown, creating delicious baked maple bars. And for those who love a thicker coating, a simple drizzle of maple iced donut bars style glaze works beautifully!
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Maple Donut Bars: 8 Amazing Homemade Delights
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 donut bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade maple donut bars are a delightful treat made from scratch, perfect for any occasion. They offer a soft, fluffy texture with a sweet maple glaze.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp corn syrup
- 2 tsp maple extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Whisk together warm water, warm milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, salt, remaining sugar, yeast mixture, and eggs. Mix on medium-high speed with the dough hook. Add softened butter and mix for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled.
- Punch down dough, reshape into a ball, cover, and let rise again until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Roll dough into a 3/4 inch thick rectangle (approx. 15×17 inches) on a floured surface. Cut into 12 equal bars. Place bars on a floured baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 360-375°F. Fry bars a few minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. Let cool completely.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, milk, and corn syrup. Simmer gently, then remove from heat. Stir in maple extract and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Dip cooled bars into the maple glaze, coating one side. Place on a wire rack to let the glaze set.
Notes
- Ensure yeast is active for proper rise.
- Store donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Experiment with different glaze flavors for variations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
