Yummm 🍁🍩 — Homemade Maple Donut Bars are a bakery classic: soft, fluffy yeast-raised donuts shaped into bars and topped with a silky-smooth maple glaze. Think Krispy Kreme meets maple heaven — perfect with a cup of coffee or as a cozy weekend treat!
Here’s a full, from-scratch recipe that’s easier than you might think 👇
🍁 Homemade Maple Donut Bars
(Makes about 10–12 bars)
Ingredients
🍞 For the Donuts:
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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¾ cup warm milk (about 105–110°F)
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 ½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp salt
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Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or shortening)
🍁 For the Maple Glaze:
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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3 tbsp milk or cream
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1 ½ cups powdered sugar
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½ – 1 tsp maple extract (adjust to taste)
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Activate the yeast
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In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
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Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough
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In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine yeast mixture, butter, egg, vanilla, salt, and 2 ½ cups flour.
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Mix until a soft dough forms.
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Add a little more flour if sticky, and knead for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. Let rise
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Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the bars
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Roll out dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
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Cut into rectangles or “bars” (about 1½×4 inches).
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Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover loosely, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
5. Fry the donuts
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Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Drain on paper towels and let cool slightly before glazing.
6. Make the maple glaze
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In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add brown sugar and milk, and stir until sugar dissolves (about 2 minutes).
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Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, maple extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
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Let the glaze cool slightly — it should thicken but still be pourable.
7. Glaze the donuts
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Dip the top of each donut bar into the glaze.
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Let them rest on a rack until the glaze sets (or dig in warm for gooey goodness 😋).
💡 Tips
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Use maple extract, not syrup, for stronger flavor — a little goes a long way!
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For extra softness, add 1 tbsp mashed potato flakes or instant potato mix to the dough.
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Can be baked instead (350°F for 10–12 minutes), but frying gives that classic texture.
Would you like me to give you a baked version with maple glaze next (no oil, super soft, and oven-friendly)?
