Homemade Maple Bars – A Sweet, Soft Treat That Will Have You Skipping the Bakery Line

If you've ever craved the perfect combination of fluffy dough and sweet, creamy frosting, then these Homemade Maple Bars are exactly what you need. With a golden, pillowy base and a rich maple glaze, these bars are a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you're enjoying them with a cup of coffee or as a dessert, these maple bars bring the bakery right to your kitchen—only better because they're homemade!

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Maple bars are a favorite at many doughnut shops, but making them from scratch takes them to the next level. The dough is incredibly soft and fluffy thanks to the secret ingredient: mashed potatoes. Yes, mashed potatoes! They give the dough an extra light and airy texture while keeping it moist and tender. Topped with a luscious maple frosting that’s sweet with just the right amount of maple flavor, these bars are an irresistible treat any time of day.

The Secret to Perfect Maple Bars

The key to achieving the perfect texture for these maple bars lies in the dough. Using mashed potatoes gives the dough a unique softness, making each bite tender and fluffy. Don’t worry, though—the mashed potatoes blend seamlessly with the rest of the ingredients, so you won’t taste them at all. The bars are fried to golden perfection, and the maple frosting adds the perfect sweet finishing touch.

A Brief History of Maple Bars

Maple bars are a variation of the classic doughnut, and their sweet, maple-flavored frosting has made them a popular choice in bakeries across North America. Maple syrup has been a treasured sweetener in many desserts for centuries, especially in Canada and the northern United States. Pairing the rich, warm flavor of maple with soft, fried dough has turned this doughnut into a beloved treat that satisfies both doughnut lovers and maple enthusiasts alike.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Maple Bars):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Protein: 7g
• Sugar: 36g
• Sodium: 290mg

Storage and Reheating Tips

These maple bars are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, place the maple bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften them and bring back that fresh-baked feel.

Fun Fact: The Surprising Role of Mashed Potatoes in Dough

Using mashed potatoes in dough recipes might sound strange, but it’s actually a common trick to achieve an extra soft and tender dough. The potatoes help the dough stay moist while also contributing to a light and airy texture. You won’t taste the potatoes, but you’ll definitely notice the difference in how fluffy the dough is!

Cooking Tips

• Control the Temperature: Make sure your frying oil stays between 360-370°F for perfectly cooked bars. Too hot, and they’ll brown too quickly on the outside without cooking through. Too cold, and they’ll absorb too much oil.
• Frosting Fun: If you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling some melted chocolate over the maple frosting for a chocolate-maple combo. You can also use the optional chocolate frosting for a delicious twist.
• Freezer Friendly: If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these bars freeze well. After they’ve cooled, freeze them without frosting. Thaw them at room temperature, then frost them right before serving.

Optional Variations

• Bacon Maple Bars: For a savory twist, sprinkle crumbled crispy bacon on top of the maple frosting for the perfect sweet-and-salty combination.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Make the optional chocolate frosting and dip the bars halfway into the chocolate glaze for a two-tone treat that’s both sweet and rich.
• Filled Maple Bars: If you’re a fan of cream-filled doughnuts, try adding a cream filling to the inside of these maple bars. You can pipe in vanilla or custard filling after frying for an extra decadent dessert.

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Homemade Maple Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup mashed potatoes (cooked and cooled)
• ¼ cup butter (melted and cooled)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)

For the Maple Frosting:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon maple extract

Optional Chocolate Frosting:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

Dough:

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is bubbly and activated.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the mashed potatoes, melted butter, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined.
3. Add Remaining Flour: Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough forms a ball and is soft but slightly sticky. You may not need all the flour.
4. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, either in the stand mixer or by hand, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Let the Dough Rise: Remove the dough from the mixer and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape the Dough: Gently deflate the dough and divide it in half. Roll one half into an 8 x 12-inch rectangle, then cut the dough into 6 x 2-inch pieces.
7. Second Rise: Place the dough rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Frying: 8. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat at least 2 inches of oil to 370°F. 9. Fry the Maple Bars: Gently lift each dough rectangle off the parchment paper and carefully lower it into the hot oil. Fry 2-3 bars at a time for 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. 10. Drain the Bars: Remove the bars from the oil using tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.

Maple Frosting: 11. Make the Frosting: In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, maple extract, and milk. Mix until smooth. 12. Frost the Bars: Once the maple bars have cooled completely, spread the maple frosting over the top of each bar. Let the frosting set before serving.

These Homemade Maple Bars are the perfect treat for any time of day. Whether you're enjoying them as a sweet breakfast or a delightful dessert, each bite is fluffy, soft, and covered in irresistible maple frosting!