Description
These homemade Maple Bars are a delightful treat featuring a soft, fluffy dough fried to golden perfection and topped with a sweet maple glaze. Perfect for a special breakfast or snack, they combine the classic flavors of buttery dough and rich maple syrup in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1 tablespoon water
Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep)
Instructions
- Heat Milk and Butter: Place the milk and butter in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for about one minute until the butter is melted. If not fully melted, heat slightly longer.
- Activate Yeast: Pour the warm milk and butter mixture into a stand mixer bowl. Check the temperature; it should be between 100°F and 110°F. If it's too hot, let it cool. Add the yeast and wait about 10 minutes for it to become bubbly, indicating proofing.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Once yeast is proofed, add granulated sugar, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Briefly mix using the paddle attachment.
- Add Flour and Knead Dough: Switch to the dough hook attachment. Add the flour and mix on low speed for about 5 minutes until dough is slightly sticky.
- First Rise: Remove the bowl from the mixer, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Prepare Surface and Shape Dough: Punch down the dough and let it rest while preparing a floured surface such as a large cutting board, silicone mat, or clean countertop. Roll the dough into a 12x8-inch rectangle.
- Trim and Cut Bars: Use a knife, pizza cutter, or bench scraper to cut off rounded edges for a clean rectangle. Then cut the dough into twelve bars, each approximately 4 inches long and 2 inches wide. Separate the bars slightly, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Heat Oil: Prepare a deep fryer or electric skillet with 1 1/2 to 2 inches of vegetable oil, heating it to 350°F for frying.
- Fry Maple Bars: Fry one or two bars at a time for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove with tongs and place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, maple extract, and water to create a runny glaze.
- Glaze the Bars: Dip the top of each fried maple bar into the glaze or brush the glaze evenly on top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy fresh at room temperature. Best consumed the same day for optimum freshness.
Notes
- Use a thermometer to ensure milk mixture is in the optimal temperature range for yeast activation (100°F-110°F).
- Cover dough with plastic wrap instead of a towel for a faster rise.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying to get a crisp golden exterior without absorbing excess oil.
- Store maple bars at room temperature and consume within the day for best flavor and texture.
- Vegetable oil with a high smoke point is preferred for frying.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American