Recipe for Homemade Maple Donut Bars – soft, fluffy, fried or baked yeast-raised bars topped with a silky maple glaze. This includes shaping, frying, and presentation tips to help you recreate that bakery-style look at home.
🍩 Homemade Maple Donut Bars Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 2.5–3 hours (including rising)
🍳 Cook Time: 2–3 minutes per donut
🍴 Yield: 12-15 donut bars
⭐ Ingredients
For the Donut Dough:
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3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
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2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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¾ cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F / 43°C)
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For Frying:
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Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut), for deep frying
For the Maple Glaze:
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1 ½ cups powdered sugar
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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¼ cup pure maple syrup
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1–2 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)
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½ tsp maple extract (optional for stronger flavor)
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
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Warm the milk to about 110°F (not too hot).
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In the bowl of a stand mixer (or large bowl), add warm milk and sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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Add sugar, eggs, softened butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix briefly.
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Slowly add flour while mixing with the dough hook or a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
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Knead (by mixer for 5–6 minutes or by hand for 8–10 minutes) until dough is smooth and elastic. It will be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
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Form into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm area until doubled (about 1 to 1.5 hours).
2. Shape the Donut Bars
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Once risen, turn dough onto a floured surface. Gently roll it out to about ½ inch thickness.
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Cut into rectangles or bars – typically about 4 inches long x 1.5 inches wide (think eclair-sized).
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Place on a parchment-lined tray. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
3. Fry the Donuts
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Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry 2–3 bars at a time for 1 to 1½ minutes per side, until golden brown.
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Use a slotted spoon to remove and place on paper towels to drain.
📝 Alternative (Baked version): Brush bars lightly with melted butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes or until golden. Glaze while slightly warm.
🧁 Maple Glaze
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In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
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Remove from heat, whisk in powdered sugar and maple extract until smooth.
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Thin with a bit of milk if needed for a pourable but thick consistency.
🎨 Assembly & Presentation
🔸 Dipping:
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While donuts are still slightly warm (not hot), dip the top of each bar into the glaze.
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Let excess drip off, then place glazed-side up on a cooling rack set over a tray.
🔸 Finishing Touch:
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Let the glaze set for 10–15 minutes before serving.
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Optionally: Sprinkle with crushed maple sugar candy or drizzle a second layer of glaze for extra shine.
🔸 Presentation Ideas:
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Line them up on a wooden board or vintage tray for a rustic, bakery-style look.
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Serve with small bowls of maple syrup and strong black coffee.
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Garnish the platter with tiny maple leaves (if in season) or sprinkle with powdered sugar for visual contrast.
📦 Storage
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Best eaten fresh, but you can store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day.
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Reheat in the microwave for 10–12 seconds to soften before eating.