Baked Maple Bacon Donuts: A Sweet and Savory Delight That Combines Two Breakfast Favorites

If you’re a fan of the perfect blend of sweet and savory, these Baked Maple Bacon Donuts are about to become your new obsession. This delicious treat combines the rich flavor of maple syrup with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, all topped with a sweet maple glaze. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these donuts are baked, making them slightly lighter but still just as satisfying. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat, these donuts will leave everyone asking for more.

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The key to these donuts is the balance of flavors. The maple syrup brings a beautiful sweetness, while the bacon adds a savory, smoky element that makes each bite unforgettable. The donut base is made with sour cream, which ensures they’re soft, moist, and slightly tangy, complementing the sweetness of the glaze perfectly. Using bacon grease in the dough adds extra flavor and richness, enhancing the bacon taste without overwhelming the maple notes. Once baked to golden perfection, they’re glazed with a smooth maple syrup glaze and topped with crispy bacon crumbles for the ultimate finishing touch.

Nutritionally, these donuts are indulgent, but baking them instead of frying cuts down on some of the oil typically used in donut-making. The sour cream keeps them moist, meaning they’re just as delicious the next day if you have leftovers. To keep things fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Nutritional Information (per donut, about 1 standard-sized donut):

• • - Calories: 300  
  • - Protein: 5g  
  • - Fat: 15g  
  • - Carbohydrates: 38g  
  • - Sugars: 22g  
  • - Sodium: 250mg  

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Storage Tips:

- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.  

- You can also refrigerate them, but let them come to room temperature or reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.  

- Freezing the donuts is not recommended, as the texture may change after thawing.

Fun Fact:

Maple syrup is one of the oldest natural sweeteners used in North America. Indigenous peoples taught early settlers how to harvest sap from maple trees and turn it into syrup, a practice that has been enjoyed for centuries.

Serving Suggestions:

- Serve with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for the ultimate breakfast treat.  

- Pair with a side of fresh fruit or scrambled eggs for a more balanced brunch spread.  

- Add extra bacon crumbles on top for a more savory crunch.  

- These donuts also make a fantastic dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Baked Maple Bacon Donuts Recipe

Ingredients:

Donuts:  

• - 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled  
• - 1¾ cups all-purpose flour  
• - 1 teaspoon baking powder  
• - ¼ teaspoon baking soda  
• - ¼ cup bacon grease, cooled (from cooking the bacon)  
• - 1 tablespoon butter, at room temperature  
• - ½ cup brown sugar  
• - ¾ cup sour cream  
• - ⅓ cup maple syrup  
• - 1 egg  

Glaze:  

• - ½ cup maple syrup  
• - 1 cup powdered sugar  
• - 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature  
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract  

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or butter and set aside.  

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.  

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled bacon grease, butter, and brown sugar. Beat until smooth and well combined.  

4. Add the egg, sour cream, and maple syrup to the wet ingredients, and mix until fully incorporated.  

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.  

6. Fold in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for topping later.  

7. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.  

8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.  

9. While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.  

10. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip the tops of each donut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.  

11. Sprinkle the reserved bacon crumbles on top of the glazed donuts.  

12. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving, or enjoy them warm!

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These Baked Maple Bacon Donuts are the perfect indulgence for any time of day. The sweet, sticky maple glaze combined with the savory bacon makes for a flavor explosion in every bite. Best of all, they’re baked, which means you get to skip the hassle of frying and enjoy a slightly healthier version of this delicious treat. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weekend breakfast or treating your family and friends to a special homemade snack, these donuts are sure to impress. Enjoy them warm, and don’t be surprised when they disappear in no time!