If you have a sweet spot for classic comfort treats with a twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Maple Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe. Imagine warm, pillowy donuts with a tender crumb, perfectly golden from frying, then dipped generously into a luscious, thick maple glaze that brings just the right touch of sweetness and a hint of buttery richness. This recipe combines simplicity with passion, inviting you to create bakery-quality maple bar donuts right in your own kitchen. It’s a delightful way to elevate any morning or afternoon snack and share some cozy moments with your favorite people.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, there is a single round ball of smooth, light yellow dough that fills most of the bowl's bottom. The dough has a slightly shiny and soft texture, with a few small wrinkles and air bubbles on its surface. To the side, part of a green and white checkered cloth is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Maple Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe come together in harmony to craft donuts that are soft, airy, and bursting with flavor. Each plays a key role—from the yeast that gives the dough its lovely rise to the maple syrup and extract that create that signature glaze.

Water (lukewarm, 1 cup): Activates the yeast and helps create the perfect dough texture.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast for a light rise.
Butter, softened (¼ cup): Brings richness and moisture to the dough.
Egg yolks (3 large): Enhance tenderness and contribute to the dough’s color.
Instant yeast (1 tablespoon): The leavening agent ensuring fluffy donuts with a beautiful rise.
Salt (1¼ teaspoons): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds lovely aromatic depth.
Bread flour (3½ cups): Gives the dough strength while keeping it tender.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Provides a slight lift alongside the yeast.
Oil (for frying): Creates that irresistible golden crust.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Forms the base for the smooth, sweet glaze.
Maple syrup (½ cup): Infuses the glaze with rich, natural sweetness.
Butter, melted (1 tablespoon): Adds silkiness and shine to the glaze.
Maple extract (½ teaspoon): Boosts the maple flavor, making the glaze truly irresistible.

How to Make Maple Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Wet Ingredients and Yeast

Start by mixing lukewarm water, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg yolks, instant yeast, salt, and vanilla extract in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium-low speed. This mixture forms the flavorful base and activates the yeast to develop that light, airy texture we all love in donuts.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients and Knead the Dough

Whisk together bread flour and baking powder, then gradually add them to your yeast mixture. The dough should pull away from the sides but still remain sticky to the touch. If it feels too wet, add flour a tablespoon at a time. Knead the dough on medium-low speed for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic, or work by hand for about 10 minutes if you prefer that connection with your dough.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough to a large oiled bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in a warm spot where it can double in size, which should take about an hour. This resting time helps develop flavor and ensures the perfect fluffy texture.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

Once risen, gently roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Cut it down the middle lengthwise to create two long strips, then slice each strip into six bars for 12 doughnuts total. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets and cover to prevent drying out, allowing them to rise again until fluffy and doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 5: Fry the Donuts

Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan to 350°F. Carefully fry each donut bar for about 1 minute per side until beautifully golden. Drain on a wire rack to cool completely, keeping their crisp yet tender exterior intact.

Step 6: Prepare and Dip in the Maple Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and maple extract in a shallow bowl until smooth and thick. Dip the top halves of your cooled doughnuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off before returning them to the rack to set. This step seals in that incredible maple flavor we crave.

How to Serve Maple Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe

A rectangular pastry with a golden-brown base layer sits in the center of a white plate. It is covered by a thick, smooth, tan-colored icing that drips slightly down the sides. The plate rests on a floral cloth napkin featuring red, pink, and yellow flowers with green leaves. In the background, there is a white cup filled with dark coffee on a white saucer, placed on a wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these maple glazed donuts are amazing on their own, adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a gentle dusting of cinnamon can elevate the experience. These tiny touches bring a rustic texture or subtle spice that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.

Side Dishes

Serve your donuts alongside a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or bold black tea to balance the sweetness and enhance those cozy flavors. For a fruity twist, a bowl of fresh berries or a glass of apple cider makes the perfect companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few maple bars on a pretty plate and drizzling extra warm maple glaze on top for a show-stopping presentation. Or serve individual donuts with small ramekins of nut butters or cream cheese frosting for dipping. These ideas turn simple treats into a delicious centerpiece for any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store your maple glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. This keeps the texture soft and the glaze fresh, though they taste best when enjoyed the day they are made.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover unfrosted donut bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature before frying and glazing for a quick treat anytime.

Reheating

To warm your donuts without losing their delicate texture, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly for about 10 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep them just as tender and delightful as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute regular active dry yeast, but remember to proof it first in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to your other ingredients. This ensures it activates properly and your dough rises beautifully.

What oil is best for frying donuts?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best. They fry evenly and won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the donuts and maple glaze.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

While this recipe relies on bread flour for structure, you can experiment with a gluten-free baking mix designed for yeast doughs. Just keep in mind texture and rise might vary.

How thick should I roll the dough for these maple bars?

Rolling the dough to about ½ inch thick allows the donuts to fry up airy yet firm enough to hold their shape when dipped in the glaze.

Can I use pure maple syrup in the glaze?

Absolutely! Using pure maple syrup adds authentic, deep maple flavor and is a wonderful natural sweetener. Just be mindful of the glaze thickness and adjust powdered sugar if needed.

Final Thoughts

Making the Maple Glazed Homemade Donuts Recipe is such a rewarding experience, from the first knead of the dough to that satisfying dip in the sweet maple glaze. The result is pure joy on a plate—soft, tender donuts with a sticky, irresistible finish that bring warmth to any table. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try and savor every bite as much as I do. Happy baking and even happier indulging!