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Maple Donut Bars

These Maple Donut Bars are soft, fluffy, and topped with a rich maple glaze that melts in your mouth. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or when you’re craving easy sweet treats, this recipe delivers bakery-style flavor at home. Whether fried for a classic texture or baked for a lighter option, these donut bars are one of the best easy dessert recipes for anyone who loves simple baking and homemade desserts.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 Donut Bars
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Donut Bars
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • ¾ cup warm milk
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Oil for frying if frying
  • For the Maple Glaze
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 –3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Activate the Yeast
  2. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  3. Make the Dough
  4. In a large bowl, mix sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt. Add the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms.
  5. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. First Rise
  7. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  8. Shape the Donut Bars
  9. Roll dough out to ½-inch thickness. Cut into rectangular bars and place on a lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
  10. Cook the Donuts
  11. To Fry:
  12. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry bars 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  13. To Bake:
  14. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
  15. Prepare the Maple Glaze
  16. Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  17. Dip warm donut bars into glaze and place on a wire rack to set.

Notes

Make sure milk is warm (not hot) to properly activate yeast.
Do not overwork the dough to keep bars soft.
Glaze while slightly warm for better coating.
Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
Freeze unglazed donut bars for up to 2 months.