Print

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

5 from 76 reviews

Soft, fluffy Maple Donut Bars made from scratch with a light yeast dough and topped with a rich, sweet maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time snacking, these bars combine the classic flavor of maple and the convenience of a bar shape. Fried to golden perfection, they offer a tender texture and irresistible buttery maple taste.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Donuts:

  • 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 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

For the Maple Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp corn syrup
  • 2 tsp maple extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Froth the Yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together the warm water, warm milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, salt, remaining sugar, the frothy yeast mixture, and eggs. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on medium-high speed. When the dough begins to form, add the softened butter. Continue mixing for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
  3. First Rise: Transfer the dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
  4. Punch Down and Second Rise: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Reshape it into a ball, cover again, and let it rise a second time in a warm place until it doubles in size once more, about another hour.
  5. Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 15×17 inches, about 3/4 inch thick. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 12 equal bars. Place the bars on a floured baking sheet and let them rise uncovered for 30 minutes.
  6. Fry the Donut Bars: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable or corn oil in a heavy pot to between 360-375°F. Carefully fry the bars a few minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels. Allow the bars to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, milk, and corn syrup, stirring until combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from the heat. Stir in maple extract and powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and lump-free.
  8. Glaze the Donut Bars: Dip the cooled donut bars into the maple glaze, coating one side thoroughly. Place the glazed bars on a wire rack to set the glaze before serving.

Notes

  • The dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated. Roll, cut, fry, and glaze the next day for fresh bars.
  • Store the donut bars at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.
  • Freezing is not recommended as the glaze texture changes and does not thaw well.

Keywords: Maple Donut Bars, homemade donuts, fried donut bars, maple glazed donuts, breakfast treats, yeast donut recipe