maple bar donut

Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect Maple Bar Donuts! These sweet and fluffy treats are a favorite among many, and for good reason. They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will have you whipping up a batch of delicious Maple Bar Donuts in no time.

(Note: the recipe card directly below.PDF )

Why You’ll Love This Maple Bar Donut

There are so many reasons to love this Maple Bar Donut recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of soft, pillowy dough and rich maple glaze creates a symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding baking project that the whole family can enjoy.

But that’s not all. This donut is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add a sprinkle of cinnamon, swap out the maple glaze for a chocolate one, or make them mini-sized, the options are endless.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers. These donuts taste even better the next day, making them the perfect make-ahead breakfast option. Just store them in an airtight container and enjoy!

Ingredients for Maple Bar Donut

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Maple Bar Donuts:

For the Donuts:

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

One of the best things about this Maple Bar Donut recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Cinnamon Maple Donuts: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
• Chocolate Maple Donuts: Swap out the maple glaze for a chocolate glaze made with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk.
• Mini Maple Donuts: Use a smaller cutter to make mini donuts—perfect for a bite-sized treat.
• Baked Maple Donuts: If you prefer not to fry, you can bake these donuts in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

How to Make Maple Bar Donut

Making Maple Bar Donuts is a fun and rewarding process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, salt, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and stir until combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Donuts: Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or a glass to cut out donut shapes.
6. Second Rise: Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
7. Fry the Donuts: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
8. Make the Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and maple extract (if using) until smooth.
9. Glaze the Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the maple glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place on a wire rack to set.
10. Serve: Enjoy your Maple Bar Donuts immediately or store them in an airtight container for later.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Maple Bar Donuts even better:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Check the Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the correct temperature for frying. Too hot, and the donuts will burn; too cold, and they’ll absorb too much oil.
• Adjust the Glaze: If your glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
• Freeze Leftovers: These donuts freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Maple Bar Donuts are a delightful treat on their own, but they’re even better with a few accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Coffee or Tea: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
• Toppings: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for added flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Maple Bar Donuts are perfect for making ahead and storing. Here’s how:

• Make Ahead: You can make the dough up to a day in advance. Just let it rise in the refrigerator overnight.
• Store: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: To freeze, let the donuts cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Yes! You can bake these donuts in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Can I use a different type of flour?

You can use bread flour for a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works best for a classic donut.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free. You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, these donuts freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

How can I make the glaze thicker?

Add more powdered sugar to thicken the glaze.

Can I add different flavors to the glaze?

Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of vanilla extract, or even a bit of citrus zest to the glaze.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making delicious Maple Bar Donuts. These sweet and fluffy treats are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast option or a delightful dessert, these donuts have you covered. So, grab your ingredients and get baking! Your taste buds will thank you.

Happy baking!

Print