A maple bars recipe is one of the most searched donut recipes for a reason. Maple bars combine a soft, pillowy donut base with a smooth maple glaze that delivers rich sweetness without overpowering the palate. This balance makes maple bars a staple in donut shops and a favorite homemade treat.
This guide walks you through a complete maple bars recipe, explaining each stage in detail so you understand not just how to make maple bars, but why each step matters. Whether you want a classic fried version or a baked alternative, this maple bars recipe covers every essential detail.
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Maple Bars Recipe - What Are Maple Bars?
A maple bars recipe produces a rectangular, bar-shaped donut traditionally topped with maple glaze. Maple bars are closely related to Long John donuts, though the maple topping is what gives them their signature identity.
Classic maple bars recipe features:
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Yeast-raised dough
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Elongated bar shape
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Smooth maple-flavored glaze
Unlike filled donuts, a traditional maple bars recipe highlights the glaze as the primary flavor element.
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Maple Bars Recipe – Ingredients Overview
Ingredients for Maple Bars Recipe Dough
A traditional maple bars recipe dough includes:
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Active dry yeast or instant yeast
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Milk
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Granulated sugar
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Butter
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Salt
Each ingredient contributes to the soft, enriched texture expected from a proper maple bars recipe.
Ingredients for Maple Bars Recipe Maple Glaze
The maple glaze is what defines a maple bars recipe. Typical glaze ingredients include:
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Pure maple syrup
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Milk or cream
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Maple extract (optional)
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Pinch of salt
Optional Ingredients in Maple Bars Recipe
Optional additions include:
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Bacon bits
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Custard filling
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Vanilla extract
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Cinnamon or nutmeg
Maple Bars Recipe - Required Equipment
To execute a maple bars recipe successfully, you’ll need:
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Mixing bowl or stand mixer
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Rolling pin
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Sharp knife or dough cutter
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Frying pot and thermometer (for fried maple bars recipe)
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Cooling rack
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Glazing bowl
Maple Bars Recipe - How to Make Maple Bars
This Maple bars recipe follows a clear and approachable process that allows home bakers to understand each stage without feeling overwhelmed by excessive technical detail. While the method is simplified, every step still plays a critical role in achieving the soft texture and classic maple flavor associated with traditional maple bars.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by mixing warm milk with yeast and a small amount of sugar, allowing the yeast to activate until the mixture becomes lightly foamy. This step ensures the dough will rise properly later. Once activated, combine the yeast mixture with eggs, melted butter, the remaining sugar, and salt, then gradually add flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. The dough should feel elastic and smooth, not dry or stiff.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it, allowing it to rise until it has doubled in size. During this stage, the yeast produces air that gives the maple bars their light, airy interior. The dough should look noticeably puffed and feel softer to the touch than before.
Step 3: Shape the Maple Bars
After the first rise, gently press down the dough and roll it out to an even thickness. Cut the dough into long rectangular shapes, which give maple bars their signature appearance. Arrange the cut bars with space between them so they can expand during the second rise.
Step 4: Second Rise and Cooking
Allow the shaped maple bars to rise again until they appear puffy and light. At this point, the bars are ready to be cooked. They can be fried in hot oil until golden brown for a classic donut-shop texture, or baked in the oven for a lighter alternative. Proper cooking ensures the bars are fully cooked inside while remaining soft and tender.
Step 5: Prepare and Apply the Maple Glaze
While the maple bars cool slightly, prepare the maple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with maple syrup and a small amount of milk or cream until smooth. Dip the top surface of each bar into the glaze while the bars are still warm but not hot. This allows the glaze to spread evenly and set into a smooth, glossy finish.
Maple Bars Recipe - Variations
Popular maple bars recipe variations include:
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Maple bacon bars
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Custard-filled maple bars
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Vegan maple bars
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Mini maple bars
Each variation builds on the same core maple bars recipe.
Maple Bars Recipe - Troubleshooting
Common maple bars recipe issues include:
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Dough not rising due to inactive yeast
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Greasy texture from low oil temperature
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Glaze sliding off from excess heat
Adjusting technique resolves most problems.
Maple Bars Recipe - Storage and Shelf Life
Store maple bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. Maple bars can also be frozen without glaze and glazed after thawing.
Maple Bars Recipe - FAQs
How do you make maple bars from scratch?
By preparing yeast dough, shaping it into bars, frying or baking, and glazing with maple icing.
Are maple bars fried or baked?
Traditional maple bars recipe is fried, but baked versions are common.
What is maple glaze made of for maple bars?
Maple glaze typically includes powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk.
Can maple bars be made ahead of time?
Yes, dough can be prepared ahead and fried fresh.
Can maple bars be frozen?
Yes, maple bars freeze best without glaze.
