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Maple Donut Bars Recipe
Emily

Homemade Maple Donut Bars

These Homemade Maple Donut Bars are soft, pillowy, and fried to golden perfection before being dipped in a luscious maple glaze. A bakery-style treat you can make right at home — perfect with coffee or as a weekend indulgence.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 donut bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 3.5–4 cups all-purpose flour (as needed for soft dough)
  • oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.33 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp whole milk (more if needed for consistency)
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • stand mixer or wooden spoon for kneading
  • Rolling pin
  • baking sheet with parchment
  • deep fryer or heavy pot
  • wire rack or paper towels
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Punch down dough and roll out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into rectangular bars and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
  5. In a heavy pot or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Carefully fry a few bars at a time for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
  7. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  8. Dip the tops of warm donut bars into the maple glaze. Let set before serving.

Notes

Make ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate for a slow rise. For extra maple flavor, add a few drops of maple extract to the glaze. Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.