As the morning sun peeks through the kitchen window, I find myself drawn to a delightful ritual: whipping up a batch of homemade Maple Donut Bars from scratch. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about the process; the gentle rise of the dough, the sweet scent of maple wafting through the air, and the anticipation of that first bite. These bars offer a perfect blend of fluffy texture and a glossy maple glaze that’s simply irresistible.
Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a treat to enjoy with friends over coffee, these donut bars are the quintessential comfort food. To be honest, they’re far too tempting to enjoy just once! With simple ingredients transformed into a deliciously nostalgic experience, every bite promises happiness and warmth. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe together and create something truly special that will bring smiles to your table!
Why are Irresistible Delicious Maple Donut Bars From Scratch a must-try?
Unforgettable Flavors: The distinct maple glaze and buttery dough create a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these treats at home!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch, a sweet snack, or a cozy gathering, these bars are a hit.
Versatile Delight: Customize with mix-ins like chocolate chips or spices to elevate your baking game.
Nostalgic Comfort: Each bite is like a warm hug, transporting you back to fond memories of home and family.
Irresistible Delicious Maple Donut Bars Ingredients
For the Dough
• Warm Water – Activates the yeast for proper dough rising.
• Active Dry Yeast – Essential for leavening; must be fresh for optimal results.
• Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon) – Feeds the yeast to kickstart fermentation.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup) – Adds sweetness to the dough for flavor balance.
• Butter-Flavored Shortening – Creates rich flavor and tender texture in the donut bars.
• Egg Yolks (3 large) – Enhances richness and supports the structural integrity of the dough.
• Vanilla (1 teaspoon) – Infuses the dough with comforting flavor notes.
• Bread Flour (3.5 cups) – High protein content ensures chewiness in the donut bars.
• Kosher Salt (2.5 teaspoons) – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon) – Provides extra lift for a light and airy texture.
For Frying
• Peanut Oil – Ideal for frying, giving a crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.
For the Glaze
• Powdered Sugar (4 cups) – The main ingredient for creating the sweet maple icing.
• Light Corn Syrup (2 teaspoons) – Adds shine and helps the icing adhere smoothly.
• Kosher Salt (1/4 teaspoon) – Balances sweetness in the icing for a flawless finish.
• Vanilla (1/2 teaspoon) – Adds a delightful hint of vanilla to the glaze.
• Maple Extract (1 teaspoon) – Intensifies the maple flavor for an irresistible glaze.
• Hot Water (1/3 cup) – Achieves the right consistency for the perfect icing drip.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create your own Irresistible Delicious Maple Donut Bars From Scratch that will evoke smiles and warmth with each delightful bite!
How to Make Irresistible Delicious Maple Donut Bars From Scratch
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Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit until bubbly, about 5 minutes, to kickstart the process.
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Mix Dough: Add ½ cup of granulated sugar, butter-flavored shortening, egg yolks, and vanilla to the bubbly yeast mixture. Beat until slightly blended for a rich base.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 1 cup of bread flour, then sprinkle in the salt and baking powder. Stir everything together, beating into a dough for about 1 minute until the mixture starts to come together.
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Knead Dough: Slowly incorporate the remaining flour, one cup at a time, kneading for approximately 5 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic before shaping it into a ball.
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Let Rise: Form the dough into a 6×6 inch square, cover it, and let it rise in a warm oven for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
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Fry Donuts: Roll out the dough into an 11×12 inch rectangle and cut into 12 rectangles. Allow to rise again for 45 minutes. Heat peanut oil to 350°F and fry in batches for 30-40 seconds until golden brown.
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Cool and Glaze: Once fried, drain on paper towels and let cool completely. In a separate bowl, whisk the glaze ingredients together. Dip each donut bar, allowing excess glaze to drip off. Place on a wire rack to set for 15-20 minutes.
Optional: Sprinkle with crushed nuts for added texture before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Irresistible Delicious Maple Donut Bars Variations
Embrace the joy of personalization as you create your very own mouthwatering Maple Donut Bars from scratch!
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Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, sweet twist.
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Nutty Surprise: Add ½ cup of crushed walnuts or pecans to the mix for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Nuts enhance the texture and create a delightful contrast to the fluffy dough.
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Spicy Sweetness: Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with maple.
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Citrusy Zing: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest into the dough for a bright, refreshing flavor burst.
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Coconut Craze: Substitute ½ cup of the flour with shredded coconut for a tropical twist that adds a chewier texture and unique flavor profile.
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Maple-Infused Glaze: Enhance the glaze with a splash of bourbon or whiskey for an adult version that adds depth and warmth to the classic maple flavor.
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Gluten-Free Option: Swap the bread flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a deliciously inclusive treat.
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Berry Bliss: Gently fold in ½ cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries into the dough for a fruitier version that bursts with flavor in every bite.
Each of these variations brings its own charm to this classic treat, ensuring that your Maple Donut Bars are uniquely yours!
Make Ahead Options
These Irresistible Delicious Maple Donut Bars From Scratch are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the ingredients as directed, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. This resting period not only enhances the flavor but also allows for easy handling. After resting, bring the dough back to room temperature, allow it to rise, then cut and fry as instructed. The glaze can also be made ahead; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, warm the glaze slightly for a smooth finish before dipping the cooled bars, ensuring they’re just as delicious as when freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Irresistible Delicious Maple Donut Bars From Scratch
Room Temperature: Store the donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.
Fridge: If you prefer to keep them longer, place them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just be aware they may lose some of their fluffy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until warm. These delightful bars will still taste amazing, recalling the joy of making your irresistible delicious maple donut bars from scratch!
Expert Tips for Irresistible Delicious Maple Donut Bars
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Fresh Yeast Matters: Ensure your active dry yeast is fresh, as old yeast may not rise properly, leaving you with dense bars instead of light and fluffy ones.
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Oil Temperature Check: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the peanut oil at 350°F; too hot, and the bars will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil.
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Knead with Care: Don’t rush the kneading process; properly kneaded dough develops gluten, which gives your bars that perfect chewiness.
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Icing Consistency: Adjust the icing’s consistency by experimenting with powdered sugar and hot water amounts, ensuring it clings nicely to your donuts for a glossy finish.
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Customization Potential: Get creative! Add chocolate chips or spices like cinnamon to the dough to make your irresistible delicious maple donut bars from scratch uniquely yours.
What to Serve with Irresistible Delicious Maple Donut Bars From Scratch?
A warm batch of maple donut bars brings joy, but pairing them with delightful sides enhances the indulgence.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: The brightness of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet bars, balancing flavors beautifully.
- Rich Coffee: A strong, dark brew cuts through the sweetness, making each bite and sip a blissful experience. The warmth of coffee pairs exquisitely, transforming your breakfast into a cozy café moment.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts over slightly warm donut bars, creating a heavenly treat that’s hard to resist.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: For those who crave extra sweetness, drizzle more maple syrup over the bars for that irresistible flavor burst.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and slices of donut bars makes for a delightful brunch item packed with textures and flavors.
- Chocolate Milk: The nostalgic pairing of chocolate milk adds a fun twist, appealing to both kids and kids-at-heart.
Elevate your homemade donut experience with these delightful companions, and create memorable moments around the table!
Irresistible Delicious Maple Donut Bars From Scratch Recipe FAQs
What type of yeast should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, use active dry yeast. It’s crucial that the yeast is fresh as this will ensure the donut bars rise properly, providing that airy texture we’re all looking for!
How should I store leftover donut bars?
Store your irresistible delicious maple donut bars from scratch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like them to last longer, they can be kept in the fridge for 5 days, though that might slightly alter their fluffy texture.
Can I freeze these donut bars? How should I do it?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap each bar in plastic wrap tightly, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months! To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature and microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it’s likely due to inactive yeast. Ensure your water is warm (around 110°F) but not too hot, which can kill the yeast. Always check the expiration date on your yeast before using. When in doubt, I recommend adding a pinch of sugar to the warm water to help kickstart the yeast’s activation.
Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
Yes! This recipe contains common allergens like gluten (from bread flour) and eggs. For those with allergies, consider using a gluten-free flour blend and a substitution for egg yolks, like flaxseed meal mixed with water. The sweetness and texture of the donut bars may vary with these adjustments, but they can still be delicious!
How long can I keep the glaze for this recipe?
The glaze is best used fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. To reuse, give it a good stir and add a splash of hot water to restore the desired consistency before glazing any additional bars.
Irresistibly Delicious Maple Donut Bars From Scratch Bliss
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Rolling Pin
- Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot
- Thermometer
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup Warm Water Activates the yeast for proper dough rising.
- 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Essential for leavening; must be fresh for optimal results.
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Feeds the yeast to kickstart fermentation.
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness to the dough for flavor balance.
- 1 cup Butter-Flavored Shortening Creates rich flavor and tender texture.
- 3 large Egg Yolks Enhances richness and supports structural integrity.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Infuses the dough with comforting flavor notes.
- 3.5 cups Bread Flour High protein content ensures chewiness.
- 2.5 teaspoons Kosher Salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder Provides extra lift for a light texture.
Frying Ingredients
- 1 quart Peanut Oil Ideal for frying, giving a crispy exterior.
Glaze Ingredients
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar Main ingredient for creating the sweet icing.
- 2 teaspoons Light Corn Syrup Adds shine and helps icing adhere.
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt Balances sweetness in the icing.
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Adds a hint of vanilla to the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon Maple Extract Intensifies the maple flavor.
- 1/3 cup Hot Water Achieves the right consistency for icing.
Instructions
Making the Donut Bars
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit until bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- Add ½ cup of granulated sugar, butter-flavored shortening, egg yolks, and vanilla to the bubbly yeast mixture. Beat until slightly blended.
- Gradually add 1 cup of bread flour, then sprinkle in the salt and baking powder. Stir everything together for about 1 minute until the mixture comes together.
- Incorporate the remaining flour, one cup at a time, kneading for approximately 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a 6x6 inch square, cover, and let it rise in a warm oven for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
- Roll out the dough into an 11x12 inch rectangle and cut into 12 rectangles. Allow to rise for 45 minutes.
- Heat peanut oil to 350°F and fry in batches for 30-40 seconds until golden brown.
- Once fried, drain on paper towels and let cool completely. Whisk the glaze ingredients together and dip each donut bar, allowing excess glaze to drip off.
- Place on a wire rack to set for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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