Maple Bars

Maple bars are delicious pastry treats that blend the sweet, rich flavors of a homemade donut along with a sweet maple frosting.

With their inviting aroma and satisfying taste, maple bars provide a delightful treat for those craving something sweet.

Homemade donuts

Maple bars hold a special place in my heart as an occasional indulgence. These homemade bars were a cherished part of my childhood, made by my mother.

The recipe itself has been handed down through generations, originating from my grandmother. It's truly a testament to its enduring appeal that it has stood the test of time.

Recently, one of my sisters expressed a craving for our mom's recipe and successfully recreated a batch of these mouthwatering treats. This inspired the rest of us to follow suit and embark on our own culinary adventures with Mom's beloved recipe.

Finally, I hopped on the bandwagon and whipped up a batch of my own! It's no surprise that my mom's recipe continues to be a resounding success. These maple bars still hold the same irresistible charm for me as they did during my childhood days.

What is the difference between a donut and a maple bar?

Donuts and maple bars are really quite similar. The major difference is in the shape. Maple bars are traditionally rectangular in shape while most donuts are round.

Maple bars are covered with maple frosting although you will sometimes find them with chocolate frosting too. These bars are also called long johns.

Steps for making maple bars

• Make the dough and let rise
• Divide dough in half and roll out each half into a large rectangle

• Slice rolled dough into smaller rectangles.
• Allow dough to rise again

• Fry dough and drain cooked bars on paper towels
• When cool, frost with maple frosting

Tips for making maple bars

• Use about 2 inches of oil in your pot. The amount will vary, depending on the size of your pot.
• Use a thermometer to make certain your oil maintains a proper temperature
• Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking. I only cooked 2-3 bars at a time
• Place cooked bars on paper towels to help absorb any excess oil
• Don't pile cooked bars on top of each other until the bars are fully cooled
• Allow bars to fully cool before adding frosting
• Store excess bars in an airtight container

Variations

We are pretty traditional with our maple bars. However, I did try these with chocolate frosting and I also made a bacon maple bar! I simply added cooked bacon bits on top of the maple icing! You just can't go wrong with a little sweet, salty, and smoky combination! They were fun and delicious, however, my favorite variety is still a regular ol' maple bar with maple frosting.

Secret ingredient

This recipe has ½ cup of mashed potatoes in the dough. These are not seasoned potatoes, but just peeled, cooked, and mashed potatoes. The potato helps make the dough extra light and creates a more delicate crumb with the finished bars. I've used potatoes in bread before when I made potato bread.

For best results, use a russet potato. Make certain the potato is fully cooked and mashed. You don't want lumps added to your dough. Do not use potato flakes or instant potatoes. You will not have the same results.

To cook the potato, just peel and quarter a small russet potato. Boil until soft. Drain and mash with a fork or potato masher. Allow the potato to cool before adding to your dough mixture.

I have a handful of donut (or doughnut) recipes you'll want to try. Some of these donuts are fried and some are baked. You'll want to try them all!

Oil temperature

Anytime you are frying in oil, the temperature of the oil is important. In order to maintain a consistent temperature, use a deep fryer or a thermometer. For this recipe, the oil temperature needs to be maintained between 360-370 degrees F.

When making these bars, it took about 15 minutes for my oil to reach the correct temperature. I then turned my burner down to medium heat. My oil tended to get too hot, rather than too cool, like when I made potato chips. The dough did not cool the dough down as the potato slices did. Either way, oil too hot or too cool is not good. You want it just right!

More delicious donut recipes

• Cinnamon and Sugar Cake Doughnuts
• Baked Mini Donuts
• Baked Chocolate Donuts
• Apple Fritters
• Buttermilk Bars

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Be sure to check out all my delicious recipes!