Homemade Maple Donut Bars – Sweet, Soft & Glazed to Perfection

Homemade Maple Donut Bars – Sweet, Soft & Glazed to Perfection

There’s nothing quite like the warm, sweet indulgence of freshly made donuts. But if you’re looking to elevate your homemade donuts into something extra special, try these Maple Donut Bars. These bars combine the fluffy softness of classic French-style donuts with a luscious maple glaze that adds a rich, cozy sweetness in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime treat, these donut bars are surprisingly easy to make at home and sure to impress family and friends. 

In this comprehensive recipe, you’ll learn how to make tender, perfectly fried donut bars and coat them in a smooth, flavorful maple glaze. Along the way, we’ll cover tips for perfect texture, ingredient substitutions, storage, and more.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Maple Donut Bars

  • Soft and tender texture: Thanks to the buttermilk and balanced leavening, these donut bars stay moist and fluffy inside.
  • Sweet maple glaze: A simple homemade glaze with pure maple syrup provides natural sweetness and a delightful finish.
  • Perfect size and shape: Cut into bars, these donuts are easy to serve, eat, and share—no need for doughnut cutters or fancy shapes.
  • Made from scratch: Using basic pantry ingredients, you can make these at home with no special equipment.
  • Versatile: Enjoy them plain or customize the glaze with nuts, cinnamon, or chocolate drizzle.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

For the Donut Bars:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour — the base for a tender crumb
  • 1 cup granulated sugar — for sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder — helps the donuts rise
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda — reacts with buttermilk for lightness
  • ½ teaspoon salt — balances the flavors
  • ¾ cup buttermilk — adds moisture and a slight tang
  • 2 large eggs — provide structure and richness
  • ¼ cup melted butter — for tenderness and flavor
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — enhances overall taste
  • Vegetable oil — for frying the bars to golden perfection

For the Maple Glaze:

  • 1½ cups powdered sugar — the base for smooth glaze
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup — natural sweetness and flavor
  • 1 tablespoon milk (add more if needed) — to adjust glaze consistency
  • ½ teaspoon maple extract (optional) — intensifies maple flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Maple Donut Bars

Step 1: Make the Donut Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes to hydrate.

Step 2: Shape the Donut Bars

Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough out to approximately ½-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or dough cutter to slice the dough into rectangular bars of your desired size. Place the cut bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, which makes frying easier and reduces oil absorption.

Step 3: Fry the Donut Bars

Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower a few donut bars at a time into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning gently until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bars and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat until all bars are fried.

Step 4: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the donut bars cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and maple extract (if using) in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if the glaze is too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.

Step 5: Glaze the Donut Bars

Dip each warm donut bar into the maple glaze, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Place the glazed bars on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch drips. Allow the glaze to set for at least 15 minutes before serving to achieve a glossy finish.

Tips for Success

  • Use fresh buttermilk for the best flavor and texture; you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F to 360°F to ensure the bars cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.
  • Don’t overcrowd the fryer; frying in small batches helps maintain the correct temperature.
  • Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for consistent results.
  • For a decorative twist, drizzle the glaze with melted chocolate or sprinkle with chopped nuts once set.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These maple donut bars are best served fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm in a low oven for a few minutes before serving. They also freeze well: wrap each bar individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.

Serve your maple donut bars with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk for a delightful breakfast or snack. They’re also a hit at brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts.

Variations

  • Cinnamon Sugar Coating: After frying, roll the bars in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing for a crunchy, sweet crust.
  • Chocolate Glaze: Substitute maple glaze with a chocolate ganache made from melted chocolate and cream.
  • Filled Bars: Before frying, add a spoonful of cream cheese or fruit preserves inside each bar for a surprise filling.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure baking powder is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Maple Donut Bars bring the cozy, indulgent flavors of a bakery-style treat right into your kitchen. Their tender crumb, golden fry, and rich maple glaze combine for a truly irresistible breakfast or snack option. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy this decadent delight anytime.

Give this recipe a try and impress your family or guests with your homemade donut skills. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings and fillings to make it uniquely yours!

If you need a printable recipe card or want help generating images for your blog or social media, feel free to ask!

Comments
ADVERTISEMENT