Delicious Maple Donut Bar Recipe | A Sweet Bakery Classic at Home

After making maple donut bars countless times, I can say this recipe is one that never disappoints. The dough comes out soft and the glaze sets beautifully, and every bite carries that signature maple sweetness people always ask about. Friends and family often request these bars whenever we gather, and I’ve refined the process so much that it feels second nature now.

There’s a reason maple donut bars stand out from other pastries. They balance light and fluffy texture with a rich glaze that clings perfectly to each bar. Once you’ve mastered the method, you’ll realize why this recipe is a bakery classic. If you enjoy pastries with rich, creamy fillings like Bavarian cream donuts, you’ll appreciate the same balance of light texture and indulgent flavor in these maple bars.

Why You Should Try Maple Donut Bars

Maple donut bars bring together the best parts of a yeast donut and a bakery-style pastry. They’re light and airy inside with a slight chewiness that balances the sweetness of the maple glaze. The glaze itself is what makes these stand out.

Making them at home might sound a little tricky, but with the right steps it’s easier than you’d think. For those who love exploring other unique pastries like Korean milk cream donuts, you’ll notice how these bars offer their own charm while remaining simple to make at home.

Ingredients for Maple Donut Bars

Here’s everything you need to make these sweet bakery-style donuts:

For the Donut Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups, depending on pan size)

For the Maple Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and will give your donuts that airy texture. Stir in the sugar, eggs, and melted butter until blended. Slowly add flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms.

Once combined, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead for about 5 minutes on medium speed. The dough should spring back when gently pressed.

Step 2: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours. It should double in size. This step develops flavor and gives the bars their soft structure. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the bowl inside an oven with the light on for gentle warmth.

Step 3: Shape the Donut Bars

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the dough into rectangular bars about 4 inches long. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving room for expansion. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet until it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat to 350°F. Using a kitchen thermometer is helpful here because maintaining the right temperature is key. Too hot and the bars will brown too quickly without cooking inside. Too cool and they’ll absorb oil and become greasy.

Step 5: Fry the Donut Bars

Gently place 2–3 bars at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip them halfway through. Once cooked, transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before glazing.

Step 6: Make the Maple Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add milk a little at a time until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon without being too runny.

Step 7: Glaze the Donut Bars

Dip the top of each donut bar into the maple glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place back on the wire rack so the glaze can set. For an extra touch, drizzle more glaze on top or sprinkle with chopped nuts.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

These maple donut bars taste best fresh, while the glaze is still slightly soft. Pair them with a hot coffee, a latte, or even a glass of cold milk for a bakery-style treats right at home.

Tips for the Best Maple Donut Bars

• Check the oil temperature often: Use a thermometer to keep it steady around 350°F.
• Don’t skip the second rise: This step ensures light, airy bars instead of dense ones.
• Use real maple syrup: The glaze flavor comes from the syrup, so go with pure maple instead of artificial.
• Serve warm: These bars are best eaten the day they’re made.

Storing and Freezing Maple Donut Bars

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To freeze, let the bars cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the microwave before glazing or serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I bake the donut bars instead of frying?
A: These bars are traditionally fried, but you can bake them at 350°F for about 12–15 minutes. They won’t be quite the same, but still tasty.

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, just skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients.

Q: What can I add on top of the glaze?
A: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt make great additions.

Final Thoughts

Making maple donut bars at home is easier than it seems and the reward is worth every step. The fluffy dough and rich maple glaze create a bakery-quality treat you can enjoy anytime. Whether you’re making them for family breakfast, weekend brunch, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they’re bound to become a favorite.