Description
These Homemade Maple Donut Bars are a labor of love, resulting in a pillowy-soft interior and a signature golden-brown crust. Topped with a rich, fudge-like maple glaze, these bakery-style ‘Long Johns’ break down the intimidating process of yeast dough into manageable steps for a cloud-like weekend treat.
Ingredients
The Yeast Dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) quick-rise yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Oil, for frying
The Cooked Maple Glaze
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons maple extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Prep Yeast: Heat milk and butter to 125°F. In a mixer, combine 2 1/4 cups flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk, eggs, and vanilla; beat for 3 mins. Stir in remaining flour.
Rise: Let dough rise in a warm spot for 45 mins until doubled. Roll into a rectangle and cut into 12 bars. Rise again for 30 mins.
Fry: Heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F. Fry bars for 1–2 mins per side until dark golden. Drain.
Glaze: Simmer butter, brown sugar, and milk for 3–5 mins. Remove from heat; whisk in corn syrup, extract, and powdered sugar. Dip cooled bars into warm glaze.
Notes
Temperature is Key: Milk at 125°F activates yeast without killing it; oil at 350°F ensures a crisp exterior without grease absorption.
Sticky Success: Avoid adding too much flour. A hydrated, sticky dough is essential for an airy, pillowy crumb.
Glossy Finish: Corn syrup prevents the glaze from cracking and maintains a professional shine.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Deep Frying / Yeast Raised
- Cuisine: American Bakery Classic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Donut Bar
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 140
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 55
Keywords: homemade maple donuts, long john donut recipe, yeast raised maple bars, maple bacon donuts, fried donut bars, maple glaze for donuts, bakery style donuts at home