Name: Maple Donut Bars From Scratch Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup warm water; 3/4 cup warm milk; 2 tsp dry active yeast; 1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; 5 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 3 TBSP milk; 1 TBSP corn syrup; 2 tsp maple extract; 2 cups powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate bakery treat to make at home, this recipe for Maple Donut Bars From Scratch is going to blow you away. Imagine pillowy-soft, golden donut bars dipped in a dreamy maple glaze, each bite boasting just the right touch of sweetness and a whisper of caramel from the brown sugar. There’s something magical about crafting donuts in your own kitchen—they make your counter look like a bakery window, but with a fresh, homemade twist. If you’ve never tried making Maple Donut Bars From Scratch before, you’ll be amazed at how rewarding and approachable it can be!

Maple Donut Bars From Scratch Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Maple Donut Bars From Scratch is that the ingredient list is mostly pantry staples, but every item matters. Each ingredient brings a little something special to the final flavor, from the plush interior to the rich maple glaze—and together, they create pure donut bliss!

Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps give the dough a head start on rising.
Warm milk: Adds richness and tenderness to your donut dough.
Dry active yeast: The essential leavening agent for that classic light, fluffy donut texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps the yeast along its journey.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Large eggs: Provide structure and color, making the bars soft and golden.
Unsalted butter (for dough): Gives richness, softness, and that irresistible bakery-style texture.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, making sure everything holds together perfectly.
Unsalted butter (for glaze): Sets the foundation for a luscious, glossy topping.
Brown sugar: Deepens the maple flavor with hints of caramel.
Milk (for glaze): Loosens the glaze so it coats your bars smoothly.
Corn syrup: Keeps the glaze shiny and helps it set beautifully.
Maple extract: The hero in the glaze, making sure every bite is maple perfection.
Powdered sugar: Thickens and sweetens the glaze until it’s just right.

How to Make Maple Donut Bars From Scratch

Step 1: Froth Up the Yeast

Wake up your yeast by whisking together warm water, warm milk, a spoonful of sugar, and dry active yeast in a medium bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it goes foamy and bubbly on top—this step is your guarantee that the yeast is alive and ready to make the dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In your stand mixer bowl, add the flour (spooned and leveled), salt, the rest of the granulated sugar, the frothy yeast mixture, and all five eggs. Using the dough hook attachment, mix until the dough starts coming together. Mixing by hand works in a pinch, but a stand mixer really makes this step easy and smooth.

Step 3: Add Butter and Knead

Once your dough is coming together, add the softened butter in chunks. Keep mixing on medium-high for about 8 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic dough that barely sticks to the sides of the bowl. This kneading lets gluten work its magic, giving you that classic donut chewy-fluff.

Step 4: First Rise

Coat a clean bowl with oil, place your dough inside, and cover it with plastic wrap or a towel. Set the bowl in a warm spot for about an hour, or until the dough doubles in size. If your oven has a “proof” setting, it’s a great shortcut—otherwise, a sunny windowsill is perfect.

Step 5: Punch Down and Second Rise

After the dough has puffed up, punch it down gently to release built-up gases, and reshape it into a ball. Cover and let it rise again until it doubles in size, about another hour. This second rise ensures those Maple Donut Bars From Scratch turn out incredibly tender and airy.

Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Final Proof

Move your dough onto a generously floured surface. Sprinkle a little flour on top and roll it out into a rough rectangle about 3/4 inch thick (aim for 15×17 inches). Use a pizza cutter to slice 12 long bars, then transfer them to a floured baking sheet to rest and rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 7: Fry the Donuts

Heat about 2 inches of corn or vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 360–375°F. Carefully lower the donut bars into the hot oil, frying for a couple of minutes per side until golden and puffed. Don’t overcrowd the pot—give each bar some space! Move the fried donuts to a paper-towel-lined sheet to cool and drain excess oil.

Step 8: Make the Maple Glaze and Dip

For the signature finish, melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in brown sugar, milk, and corn syrup. Let it simmer, then turn off the heat and whisk in maple extract and powdered sugar until velvety-smooth. Dip the cooled Maple Donut Bars From Scratch, letting excess glaze drip off before setting them on a cooling rack to firm up.

How to Serve Maple Donut Bars From Scratch

Garnishes

For a little flourish, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the wet glaze, or add a light drizzle of chocolate for an extra touch. Even a pinch of flaky sea salt (just a teensy amount) can make those maple flavors pop in the best possible way.

Side Dishes

Maple Donut Bars From Scratch are sensational with a mug of freshly brewed coffee, a latte, or even a cold glass of milk. For a morning spread, serve them alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or thick Greek yogurt to balance out the sweet treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Maple Donut Bars From Scratch into a celebration centerpiece by stacking them on a cake stand and tucking in a few autumn leaves or small flowers. You can also wrap them individually in parchment for easy grab-and-go snacks or as delightful gifts for friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. While they’re best enjoyed fresh, the soft texture stays surprisingly lovely if you keep them covered and out of direct sunlight.

Freezing

Planning ahead? Freeze the undecorated, cooled Maple Donut Bars From Scratch for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, then thaw at room temperature before glazing for best results.

Reheating

To warm up day-old or thawed bars, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes. This revives their fluffy texture and helps the glaze melt just a little—every bite tastes fresh from the fryer!

FAQs

Can I make Maple Donut Bars From Scratch without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand—it just takes a bit more muscle. Be patient as you knead for about 10–12 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

What’s the best oil for frying donuts?

Stick with neutral oils like corn, canola, or vegetable oil for frying. These have a high smoke point and won’t impart any odd flavors, letting the maple and buttery notes truly shine.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast works fine. You can skip the foaming step and just mix it directly into your flour, but the rise times may be a little shorter so keep an eye out for that perfect puff.

My glaze is too thick or too thin—how do I fix it?

If your glaze is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until you get the right dippable consistency. If it’s too thin, sift in more powdered sugar until it coats the donuts just right.

How far in advance can I make Maple Donut Bars From Scratch?

You can make the dough the night before and let it do its first rise in the fridge overnight. This makes morning preparation much quicker—just bring the dough to room temp before continuing with rolling and frying.

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t wait for you to experience the joy (and heavenly aroma!) of making Maple Donut Bars From Scratch in your own kitchen. There’s just nothing like the first warm bite of a homemade donut. So gather your ingredients, invite a friend, and get ready for some sweet maple memories!

Maple Donut Bars From Scratch Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 donut bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Maple Donut Bars From Scratch are a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Made with a rich dough and sweet maple glaze, these donuts are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Instructions

Froth up the yeast: Combine warm water, warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy.
Combine everything in a stand mixer: Mix flour, salt, sugar, yeast mixture, and eggs. Add butter and mix until smooth.
Let the dough rise: Allow the dough to double in size for about 1 hour.
Punch and proof a second time: Reshape the dough and let it rise again.
Roll, cut, and proof the donuts again: Roll out the dough, cut into bars, and let rise.
Fry the donuts: Fry the donut bars until golden brown.
Make the maple glaze and dip: Prepare the maple glaze, dip the cooled donuts, and let them set.

Notes

You can customize the glaze by adding toppings like chopped nuts or sprinkles.
Ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying to achieve a crispy exterior.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American