Maple Donut Bars

Maple donut bars have always held a special place in my heart. Their soft, fluffy texture combined with that rich maple glaze brings back memories of cozy mornings and delightful indulgences. Crafting these treats at home not only fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also offers the satisfaction of creating something truly special. Let’s embark on this sweet journey together.

Tools You Need

This is the right tools to ensure a smooth baking experience:

• Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for combining ingredients.
• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook Attachment: This aids in kneading the dough efficiently.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking.
• Rolling Pin: To flatten the dough evenly.
• Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife: For cutting the dough into bars.
• Baking Sheets: To place the dough bars for rising.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: For frying the donuts.
• Candy Thermometer: Ensures the oil reaches the correct temperature.
• Wire Rack: Allows excess oil to drain and glaze to set.

Recipe Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• Vegetable or corn oil (for frying)

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons maple extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

How To Make Maple Donut Bars

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, mix the warm water, warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and active dry yeast. Whisk briefly and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Prepare the Dough: In the stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, salt, remaining sugar, frothy yeast mixture, and eggs. Using the dough hook, mix on medium-high speed. Once the dough starts to come together, add the softened butter. Continue mixing for approximately 8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the bowl’s sides.
3. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
4. Second Rise: After the initial rise, punch down the dough, reshape it, and let it rise again until it doubles, roughly another hour.
5. Shape the Donut Bars: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 3/4 inch thick (approximately 15×17 inches). Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into 12 bars. Place them on a floured baking sheet and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Fry the Donuts: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 360-375°F. Fry each donut bar for a couple of minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let them cool completely.
7. Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, milk, and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat, then stir in the maple extract and powdered sugar until smooth.
8. Glaze the Donuts: Dip the cooled donut bars into the maple glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them on a wire rack to let the glaze set.

Recipe Tips

• Yeast Activation: Ensuring the water and milk are at the right temperature (around 110°F) is crucial for proper yeast activation.
• Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not overly sticky. Adjust with small amounts of flour or liquid as needed.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil between 360-375°F ensures the donuts cook evenly without absorbing excess oil.
• Glazing: For a thicker glaze, let it cool slightly before dipping.

Ways to Serve Maple Donut Bars

Maple donut bars are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various settings. Here’s how I like to serve them:

• Breakfast Delight: Pair these sweet bars with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk for a satisfying morning treat.
• Brunch Addition: Include them in your brunch spread alongside savory dishes like quiches and omelets. Their sweetness complements savory flavors beautifully.
• Dessert Option: Serve them as a dessert, perhaps warmed slightly and accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Snack Time: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack to curb those sweet cravings.

Storage Tips

To keep your maple donut bars fresh and delicious, proper storage is key:

• Room Temperature: Place the cooled donuts in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day.
• Refrigeration: If you need to store them longer, you can refrigerate the donuts. However, refrigeration may cause them to lose some of their softness.
• Freezing: For extended storage, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their freshness.

Maple Donut Bars FAQs

1. Can I bake these instead of frying? While traditional maple bars are fried, you can bake them. However, baking will yield a different texture, more akin to a sweet roll.
2. Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes, after the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature before proceeding with shaping and frying.
3. What if I don’t have a stand mixer? You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It might take a bit longer, but it’s entirely doable.
4. How do I store leftover donuts? Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Conclusion

Crafting maple donut bars at home is a rewarding experience that brings the delightful flavors of a bakery into your kitchen. By following the steps and tips shared, you can create a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh with a cup of coffee or saved for later indulgence, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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