These homemade maple donut bars are a true indulgence—sweet, soft, and glazed with a rich, maple syrup glaze. Fried to golden perfection, they offer an irresistible combination of a fluffy interior with a luscious, sticky maple coating. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or as a special treat, these donut bars are sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on traditional donuts. With a light, airy dough and a decadent maple glaze, they strike the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the rich maple syrup glaze adds an irresistible flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. Frying them ensures a golden, crispy exterior, while the inside remains tender and light. These donut bars are perfect for any occasion and make a fantastic homemade treat. Homemade Maple Donut Bars

Ingredients

For the Doughnut Dough:

1 cup (8 fl oz/240 ml) lukewarm water
½ cup (4 oz/115 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (2 oz/57 g) butter, softened
3 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1¼ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3½ cups (17½ oz/497 g) bread flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
Oil, for frying

For the Thick Maple Glaze:

2 cups (8 oz/230 g) powdered sugar
½ cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon butter, melted
½ teaspoon maple extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

To Make the Donuts:

Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or in a large mixing bowl if mixing by hand), combine the lukewarm water, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg yolks, yeast, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium-low speed until combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the bread flour and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl, remaining soft and sticky. If needed, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Knead the Dough: If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon until the dough becomes thick, then switch to your hands to knead for about 10 minutes. If using a stand mixer, continue kneading on medium-low speed for 5 minutes.
Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
Shape the Donuts: Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and gently roll it out into a 10×12-inch (25½x30½-cm) rectangle. Trim any rounded edges if desired, then cut the rectangle in half to create two 5×12-inch (12½x30½-cm) strips. Cut each strip into 6 equal bars.
Second Rise: Place the cut donut bars onto 2 floured, parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover with another baking sheet to prevent drying out. Let them rise for 1 hour or until they have doubled in size.

To Fry the Donuts:

Heat the Oil: Line a baking sheet with a wire rack and place it near the stove. Fill a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan with 2 inches (5 cm) of oil. Clip in a candy thermometer and heat the oil to 350°F (180°C).
Fry the Donuts: Carefully fry the donuts one at a time for about 1 minute on each side, until they are golden brown. Let the donuts drain on the wire rack to cool.

To Make the Thick Maple Glaze:

Prepare the Glaze: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and maple extract until smooth.
Glaze the Donuts: Dip the top half of each donut bar into the maple glaze, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Return the glazed donut bars to the wire rack to set.

Serve:

Allow the glaze to set, then enjoy the donuts immediately. These donut bars are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Maple Pecan Topping: Add chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze for a delicious crunchy contrast to the soft donut bars.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Instead of glazing the bars with maple syrup, toss the fried donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warm, spiced twist.
Chocolate Glaze: Try swapping the maple glaze for a rich chocolate glaze for a different flavor option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. The donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they will keep for a short time.
Reheating: To reheat, place the donuts in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While bread flour works best for this recipe, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute. The texture may be slightly different, but the donuts will still be delicious.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

For a lighter option, you can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until golden. However, frying gives them that perfect crispy texture.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the oil. It should be around 350°F (180°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is hot enough.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, you can freeze the fried donuts without the glaze. Once cooled, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving.

Conclusion

Homemade Maple Donut Bars are a perfect treat for any occasion. With their fluffy interior, golden crispy exterior, and luscious maple glaze, these donuts are irresistible! Whether you’re treating yourself to a special breakfast or sharing them with friends and family, they are sure to be a hit. Fresh, warm, and perfectly glazed—what could be better?

Homemade Maple Donut Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients