Homemade Maple Donut Bars
These Homemade Maple Donut Bars are soft, fluffy yeast-raised donuts coated in a rich, sweet maple glaze. They taste just like the ones from your favorite bakery but are even better when made fresh at home! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these donuts have a light texture and an irresistible maple flavor.
Ingredients
For the Donut Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk 110°F/45°C
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Maple Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- ½ tsp maple extract optional, for stronger maple flavor
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape and Proof the Donuts
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness.
- Cut into rectangles (about 4 inches long and 2 inches wide).
- Place the bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover with a towel. Let them rise for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Fry the Donuts
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 2-3 donuts at a time, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Maple Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, milk, and salt until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Step 5: Glaze the Donuts
- While the donuts are still slightly warm, dip the tops into the maple glaze and let them set on a wire rack.
- Allow the glaze to harden slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a baked version, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes until golden brown.
- For extra maple flavor, increase the maple extract in the glaze.
- For a lighter glaze, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.