Homemade Maple Bars
Maple Bars are a soft and fluffy treat covered in a delicious maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they bring a rich maple flavor with a hint of sweetness. These donuts are made with yeast, fried until golden, then dipped in a creamy maple glaze that hardens to perfection. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the end result is always worth it!
Ingredients
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For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
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For the Maple Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon maple extract
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- A pinch of salt
Directions
Activate the Yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it starts to foam.
Mix the Dough. Add the sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
First Rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Bars. Roll the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Cut into 4x2 inch bars. Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Second Rise. Cover the bars lightly with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
Fry the Bars. In a deep pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry each bar for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Place fried bars on paper towels to drain.
Prepare the Maple Glaze. In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple extract, milk, melted butter, and salt until smooth.
Glaze the Bars. While the bars are still slightly warm, dip the tops in the maple glaze and set on a wire rack to cool and harden.
Recipe tips
Adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding a bit more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker coating. Keep the oil temperature consistent to avoid over-cooking or under-cooking the bars. For a deeper maple flavor, you can add a touch of brown sugar to the glaze.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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