Dessert

Homemade Maple Bar Donuts Recipe

ByThomas Greene October 13, 2025October 13, 2025

Introduction

These homemade maple bar donuts are soft, fluffy, and generously glazed with a sweet maple frosting. Perfect for a weekend treat or special breakfast, they’re a delightful pastry that’s easier to make than you might think.

A wooden round board holds a stack of seven rectangular donuts covered with thick, slightly glossy white icing that drips unevenly over the golden brown fried dough edges. The donuts are arranged in three layers: the bottom layer has three donuts lying flat, the middle layer has three donuts stacked unevenly, and the top layer has one donut resting diagonally. The board is partially covered with a piece of light brown parchment paper. In the background, another iced donut sits alone on a cooling rack, all set on a white marbled textured table surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup water (warmed)
1/2 cup milk
2 1/4 tsp dry active yeast
3 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
4 tbsp butter (melted)
2 large eggs
oil for frying (avocado oil recommended)
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture becomes foamy on top.
Step 2: In a large bowl, add 3 cups of flour, milk, remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix to combine. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Place the kneaded dough back into the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for at least 1 hour, or longer if your kitchen is cool, until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a counter until about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 6: Cut the dough into 12 rectangular shapes. Place them on parchment paper and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 7: While the dough rises, heat oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C). Using a candy thermometer is helpful to maintain temperature.
Step 8: Carefully drop 2 to 3 donuts into the hot oil at a time. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and place on a metal cooling rack or paper towel-lined plate to cool.
Step 9: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to create the glaze. Once donuts are cool enough to handle, dip the tops into the glaze and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use a candy thermometer to keep oil temperature steady, ensuring perfectly cooked donuts without absorbing too much oil.
Substitute avocado oil with vegetable or canola oil for frying if preferred.
For a richer flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough before kneading.
Try topping the glazed donuts with chopped nuts or crispy bacon bits for an extra treat.

Storage

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week, then warm briefly in the microwave before serving. The glaze may soften upon refrigeration but remains delicious. Avoid freezing as it may affect texture.

How to Serve

A round wooden board holds six long rectangular pastries with a golden-brown base covered by a thick, smooth layer of off-white glaze that drips slightly over the edges, creating a shiny, creamy texture. The pastries are stacked unevenly, with some resting directly on the board and others on top, showing their soft, fluffy inside edges. The board sits on a piece of parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface, with a red and white striped cloth partially beneath. In the background, a cooling rack and a couple of red and white recipe booklets are blurred out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Since it activates faster, mix it directly with the flour and reduce the rising time slightly.

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

Add flour gradually while kneading until the dough is soft but no longer sticks to your hands or the surface. Avoid adding too much flour to keep donuts tender.