If you have a sweet tooth and a love for comfort food, then you absolutely must try making these irresistible Maple Bar Donuts at home. They combine a light, airy dough with a rich, thick maple glaze that adds the perfect amount of sticky sweetness. Each bite bursts with the warm, nostalgic flavor of maple syrup, a delightful treat that feels both classic and special. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the fryer or sharing them with friends, Maple Bar Donuts are sure to brighten any morning or afternoon snack with their golden charm and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Maple Bar Donuts lies in their simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a critical role in the final taste and texture. From the soft bread flour that delivers just the right chewiness to the rich butter that keeps every bite tender, these ingredients come together seamlessly to create a dough that fries beautifully and carries that luscious maple glaze like a dream.

Water (1 cup): Lukewarm water activates the yeast while hydrating the dough for softness.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and helps yeast fermentation.
Butter (¼ cup, softened): Imparts richness and keeps the donuts tender.
Egg yolks (3 large): Provide color, richness, and a velvety crumb.
Instant yeast (1 tablespoon): The essential leavening agent that makes your donuts rise fluffy and light.
Salt (1¼ teaspoons): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a delicate aromatic note.
Bread flour (3½ cups): A higher protein flour that creates the perfect chewy texture.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Provides a gentle lift to make the donuts extra airy.
Oil (for frying): Your choice of a neutral oil to achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): The base of the thick, dreamy maple glaze.
Maple syrup (½ cup): Delivers the signature natural sweetness and that unmistakable maple flavor.
Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Adds richness and sheen to the glaze.
Maple extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances and intensifies the maple flavor for the perfect finish.

How to Make Maple Bar Donuts

Step 1: Combine the Wet Ingredients and Yeast

Begin by bringing together the lukewarm water, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg yolks, instant yeast, salt, and vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl for hand mixing. Use a dough hook or whisk on medium-low speed until everything blends into a smooth, fragrant mixture. This step activates the yeast and infuses the dough with rich flavors that will carry through every step.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients and Form the Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the bread flour and baking powder. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until the dough pulls away from the sides and feels soft yet a little sticky. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in flour one tablespoon at a time to reach the ideal slightly tacky consistency. Knead the dough on medium-low speed for 5 minutes, or hand knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer your pliable dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot until doubled in size, which usually takes about an hour. This is where the magic happens — the yeast develops air bubbles that give your donuts their airy, tender texture.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts into Bars

Once risen, place the dough on a floured surface and gently roll it out into a 10×12 inch rectangle. Trim the edges if you like, then slice the rectangle in half lengthwise, creating two strips. Cut each strip into six even bars for a total of twelve donuts. Place them on floured, parchment-lined baking sheets and cover loosely to prevent drying out. Allow a second rise for about an hour to get those bars light and puffy.

Step 5: Fry the Donuts

Heat oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan to 350°F (180°C). Using a candy thermometer helps keep the temperature steady. Fry each bar individually for about one minute on each side until golden brown and puffed. Drain on a wire rack to cool slightly — this keeps the donuts crisp without becoming soggy.

Step 6: Prepare the Thick Maple Glaze

While the donuts cool, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and maple extract in a shallow bowl until smooth and glossy. The glaze should be thick enough to coat but still drip slowly, sealing each donut with sticky-sweet maple goodness.

Step 7: Dip and Set the Maple Bar Donuts

Dip the top half of each donut bar into the maple glaze, letting excess drip back into the bowl before placing it on the wire rack to set. This step transforms each donut into a perfectly glazed maple bar that’s irresistible to look at and even better to eat.

How to Serve Maple Bar Donuts

Garnishes

You can add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the warm glaze to enhance the maple flavor and provide a lovely contrast. Alternatively, toss on some finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and a nutty complement to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Maple Bar Donuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a robust black tea, balancing their sweetness while you savor each bite. For a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to add savory textures that elevate the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, stack several maple bars on a pretty platter and drizzle extra warm maple syrup over the top as a glaze cascade. You can also serve them skewered with fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced bananas for a whimsical, shareable treat that’s sure to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Maple Bar Donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Keeping them air-sealed ensures the donuts won’t dry out and that the glaze stays tacky and delicious.

Freezing

To freeze, place the fully cooled and glazed donuts on a parchment-lined tray and flash freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. Frozen Maple Bar Donuts will keep nicely for up to one month without losing much of their charm.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy your frozen donuts, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer a little warmth, lightly heat them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. Just be careful not to melt the maple glaze too much!

FAQs

What makes a donut a maple bar donut?

A maple bar donut is a rectangular-shaped yeast donut topped with a thick maple-flavored glaze. It stands out from round donuts because of its unique bar shape and the rich, sticky maple topping that’s a signature of breakfast treats, especially on the West Coast.

Can I make these donuts without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix the dough by hand using a wooden spoon until it becomes too stiff to stir, then knead it by hand for about 10 minutes. It requires a bit more elbow grease but yields just as tender results.

What type of oil is best for frying these donuts?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works best. These oils won’t interfere with the flavor of your Maple Bar Donuts and handle the frying temperature perfectly.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

Using a candy or deep-fry thermometer is the most reliable way to keep your oil at 350°F. If you don’t have one, dropping a small piece of dough into the oil should cause it to bubble and float to the surface quickly without burning.

Can I use a different flour than bread flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour, but bread flour is preferred because it has more protein, which develops gluten and gives the donuts their signature chewy, tender texture. If you use all-purpose, the donuts might be slightly softer or less chewy.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about Maple Bar Donuts—their golden hue, soft crumb, and that luscious maple glaze make every bite a little moment of joy. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion, baking these treats at home fills your kitchen with warmth and invites everyone to indulge in a shared love for a classic sweet. So go ahead, make a batch, and watch your friends and family light up with delight as they savor one of the best maple-syrup inspired treats around.