Maple Bars

Maple Bars are the ultimate indulgence for breakfast or as a sweet treat. Made with refrigerated biscuit dough, fried to golden perfection, and topped with a rich, homemade maple glaze, these bars are a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite. With a crispy exterior and a soft, doughy inside, these bars are perfect for anyone who loves the combination of sweet maple flavor and fried dough.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Maple Bars come together quickly and easily, making them perfect for busy mornings or when you’re craving something indulgent. The homemade maple glaze adds a layer of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the warm, crispy bars. By using refrigerated biscuit dough, this recipe saves you time while still delivering that fresh, from-scratch taste. They’re so good, you’ll want to make them every weekend!

Ingredients

For the Donut Bars:

• 8 count refrigerated biscuit dough (Pillsbury Grand Homestyle Buttermilk biscuits work well)

• 2 cups canola oil (for frying)

For the Maple Glaze:

• ¼ cup butter

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons milk

• 1 tablespoon corn syrup

• 2 teaspoons maple extract

• 2 cups powdered sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Oil:

1. Pour 2 cups of canola oil into a medium-sized saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat.

Shape the Biscuits:

2. Open the biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Gently stretch each biscuit into an oblong shape, instead of keeping them round, to create donut bar shapes.

Make the Maple Glaze:

3. In a small saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar. Whisk in the milk and heat on medium for about 5 minutes, stirring often until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.

4. Remove from heat, then add the corn syrup and maple extract.

5. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, whisking until smooth between additions.

6. Keep the glaze warm on the stove, whisking occasionally, and add 1-2 teaspoons of milk if necessary to adjust the consistency.

Fry the Bars:

7. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the oil—it should reach 350°F. Adjust the heat gradually if needed.

8. Carefully drop 2 bars at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

9. Remove the bars and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Glaze the Bars:

10. Once the bars have cooled for a few minutes, whisk the glaze to ensure it’s smooth enough for dipping.

11. Dip each fried bar into the glaze and place it glaze-side up on a cooling rack.

12. Repeat until all bars are fried and glazed.

Serve:

13. These bars are best enjoyed within an hour, but they’re still amazing the next morning!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8 bars

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Calories per bar: 737 kcal

Variations

• Add sprinkles or toppings: For a fun twist, top the glazed bars with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate for extra indulgence.

• Make them smaller: If you prefer bite-sized treats, cut the dough into smaller pieces before frying for mini maple donuts.

• Flavored glaze: Add a little vanilla or almond extract to the glaze for a different flavor profile.

• Cinnamon sugar coating: After frying, coat the bars in cinnamon sugar before glazing them for a sweet and spicy touch.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover maple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to get them crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil or peanut oil as alternatives to canola oil, but canola oil works best for frying because of its neutral flavor.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

While the bars are best enjoyed fresh, you can make the dough the night before and store it in the fridge. Fry them and glaze them in the morning for a quicker prep.

3. Can I use a deep fryer instead of a pan for frying?

Yes, you can use a deep fryer if you prefer. Just make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F) before frying.

4. Can I use store-bought maple syrup instead of maple extract?

Maple syrup can be used, but the glaze might not be as thick and will have a slightly different flavor. Maple extract gives a more concentrated, consistent maple flavor.

5. Can I bake these bars instead of frying them?

Baking won’t give you the same texture as frying, but you can try baking at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until golden. The result will be more like a baked donut.

6. How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check the oil temperature. If you don’t have one, you can test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—if it bubbles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.

7. Can I use regular biscuit dough instead of the large ones?

Yes, you can use smaller biscuit dough if you prefer smaller bars. Just be sure to adjust the frying time slightly as smaller pieces may cook faster.

8. Can I add fillings like chocolate or fruit to these bars?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips, fruit jam, or even cream cheese filling inside the dough before frying for a fun variation.

9. Can I freeze the fried maple bars?

Yes, you can freeze the fried bars. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven and then add the glaze.

10. Can I use a different glaze flavor?

Definitely! You can experiment with different glaze flavors, like vanilla glaze, chocolate glaze, or even a spiced glaze with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Conclusion

These Maple Bars are a fun, easy, and indulgent treat that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a crispy exterior, soft dough, and a rich maple glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack any time of day. Frying them fresh and topping them with the homemade glaze gives them that bakery-quality feel, and you’ll be sure to enjoy them until the last bite!

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