Maple Donut Recipe | Soft Homemade Donuts with Sweet Maple Glaze

The Magic of Maple Donuts

Maple donuts are the ultimate cozy indulgence—warm, sweet, and kissed with the rich flavor of pure maple syrup. Inspired by beloved recipes from Sally’s Baking Addiction, Simply Home Cooked, and The Food Charlatan, these treats bring together the best of fall baking. Whether you prefer the cakey charm of baked donuts or the pillowy decadence of fried maple bars, there’s a style for every craving.

The magic lies in the glaze: a silky blend of butter, sugar, and maple extract that transforms each bite into a comforting hug. Perfect for crisp autumn mornings, festive brunches, or a quiet moment with coffee, maple donuts are a seasonal staple that never goes out of style. Their golden hue and aromatic spices make them as beautiful as they are delicious—ideal for sharing or savoring solo.

What Makes a Maple Donut Special

Maple donuts stand out with their signature glaze—made from real maple syrup and extract—that delivers deep, earthy sweetness. The donut base can be either soft and cakey (baked) or light and airy (yeasted and fried), offering versatility for bakers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re using a donut pan or a deep fryer, these treats are surprisingly simple to make. The batter or dough is infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, enhancing the maple’s natural richness. Once glazed, they can be customized with chopped nuts, bacon crumbles, or even filled with cream for an extra indulgent twist.

From rustic brunch tables to elegant dessert platters, maple donuts bring a nostalgic flavor with a gourmet touch. They’re a celebration of comfort and creativity.

Bold Tip: Use pure maple syrup and maple extract for the most authentic flavor—imitation just won’t do!

Ingredient List

For Baked Maple Donuts (Sally’s Style):

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder, baking soda
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Egg
• Brown sugar
• Milk
• Sour cream or yogurt
• Vanilla extract

Maple Glaze:

• Butter
• Maple syrup
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Maple extract

For Fried Maple Bars (Simply Home Cooked Style):

• Warm water and milk
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Butter

Maple Glaze:

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Milk
• Corn syrup
• Maple extract
• Powdered sugar

Bold Tip: Always use room-temperature ingredients—they help the batter mix smoothly and ensure proper rise for fluffy, tender donuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Baked Maple Donuts (Sally’s Baking Addiction Style):

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan.
2. In one bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
3. In another, mix melted butter, egg, brown sugar, milk, sour cream, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently—don’t overmix.
5. Pipe batter into donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
6. Bake for 10–11 minutes until golden and springy.
7. Let cool slightly, then dip tops into warm maple glaze.

Fried Maple Bars (Simply Home Cooked Style):

1. Activate yeast by mixing warm water, milk, and sugar. Let sit until foamy.
2. Add eggs, flour, salt, and softened butter. Mix in a stand mixer until dough forms.
3. Cover and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
4. Punch down dough, roll out to ½-inch thickness, and cut into rectangular bars.
5. Place on parchment-lined trays and let rise again until puffy.
6. Heat oil to 360–375°F. Fry bars until golden brown, flipping once.
7. Drain on paper towels, then dip in warm maple glaze.

Bold Tip: For a bakery-style finish, double-dip your donuts in glaze—once warm, once cooled—for a thick, glossy coating.