Introduction
Maple Donut Bars from Scratch are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the classic flavors of a donut with the sweet richness of maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these bars are easy to make and offer a comforting, home-baked experience. The dough is light and airy, fried to golden perfection, and then coated in a delectable maple glaze that adds a burst of flavor to every bite.

The History of
The origins of donut bars are rooted in the traditional donut, which dates back centuries and has evolved across various cultures. While donuts as we know them today became popular in the United States during the early 20th century, the donut bar form is a modern twist on this classic treat. Infusing maple syrup into the glaze enhances the flavor, drawing from the sweet maple syrup traditions of North America, particularly in regions where maple trees are abundant. Over time, donut bars have become a trendy, easy-to-make variation of the traditional donut, often served as a dessert or breakfast item in cafes and bakeries.

Ingredients Breakdown

Flour: The main structure for the donut bars, providing the dough with its characteristic texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and is crucial for the dough’s rise and soft texture.
Baking Powder: Helps the bars to rise during frying, giving them a light and airy texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Eggs: Bind the dough together, helping to create a rich, soft texture.
Milk: Hydrates the dough and contributes to its smooth, workable consistency.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
Maple Syrup: The star ingredient in the glaze, offering a sweet, rich flavor that coats the donut bars.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Used in the glaze to achieve a smooth, velvety finish.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the glaze.

Step-by-Step Recipe
Start by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes, then roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the dough into rectangles or bars, depending on your preference. Heat oil in a large pot to 350°F and fry the bars in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. While the bars are cooling, prepare the maple glaze by whisking together maple syrup, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip each donut bar into the glaze and let the excess drip off. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Maple Donut Bars

Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature (around 350°F). If it’s too hot, the donut bars will burn on the outside before cooking through; if it’s too cold, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Use fresh maple syrup for the glaze to ensure the best flavor.
Don’t overwork the dough; this will make the donut bars dense instead of light and fluffy.
You can chill the dough for a short period before rolling it out if it’s too sticky to handle.
If you don’t want to fry, you can bake the donut bars in the oven at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, but frying creates the traditional crispy texture.

Variations and Customizations
If you want to get creative with your Maple Donut Bars, consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced flavor. You can also swap the maple glaze for chocolate or caramel for a different twist. To make these bars more decadent, top them with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts or sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar. For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter in the dough and glaze. You can also make a batch with a peanut butter glaze for a fun and unique flavor combination.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Maple Donut Bars are a delicious treat, but they are rich in sugar and fat, which means they should be enjoyed in moderation. The dough is typically fried, which adds extra calories and fat, though you can reduce these by baking the donut bars instead. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try reducing the sugar in the glaze or using a lighter oil for frying. While this treat isn’t the healthiest snack choice, it’s a fun indulgence to enjoy once in a while.

FAQ

Can I make these donut bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the donut bars in advance. They can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. However, the glaze is best added just before serving to maintain its freshness.
Can I freeze the donut bars?
Yes, you can freeze the donut bars after frying. Simply let them cool, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
How can I make these donut bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it’s designed for baking to ensure proper texture and flavor.

Maple Donut Bars From Scratch

Maple Donut Bars from Scratch are a perfect blend of sweet, fluffy, and crispy. With the rich maple glaze and light texture, they’re a delightful treat that can be customized to suit any flavor preferences.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 20

Total Time 2 50

Servings 12

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

1/2 cup warm water
3/4 cup warm milk
2 tsp dry active yeast
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
5 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Maple Glaze:

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

Instructions

Froth the Yeast

In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup warm water (around 110°F), 3/4 cup warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and 2 tsp yeast. Whisk briefly and let it sit for about 10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.

Combine Everything in a Stand Mixer

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add 5 1/2 cups of flour (spooned and leveled with a knife), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup sugar, the frothy yeast mixture, and 5 large eggs. Attach the dough hook and mix everything together on medium-high speed.

Add Butter and Knead

Once the dough begins to come together, add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Continue mixing on medium-high speed for about 8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticks to the sides of the mixer.

Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, covering it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. (To speed up the process, I like to use the “proof” setting on my oven.)

Punch and Proof a Second Time

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Reshape it and let it rise again for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Roll, Cut, and Proof the Donuts
Remove the dough from the bowl and place it on a well-floured surface. Dust the top with more flour and roll it out with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 3/4 inch, creating a rectangle approximately 15×17 inches. Use a pizza cutter to cut out 12 donut bars and transfer them to a flour-dusted baking sheet. Let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Fry the Donuts

Pour about 2 inches of corn or vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil to 360-375°F, using an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature. Fry the donuts, cooking each side for a few minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the donuts to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them cool completely.
Make the Maple Glaze and Dip
To make the glaze, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp milk, and 1 tbsp corn syrup, and let the mixture come to a simmer. Once simmering, turn off the heat and stir in 2 tsp maple extract and 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth.

Dip and Set

Once the donuts have cooled, dip them into the maple glaze and place them on a cooling rack to set. Enjoy!

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