If you’re looking for a delicious way to start your morning or want to impress guests with a unique dessert, Maple Bacon Donuts are the perfect choice. These donuts combine the rich sweetness of maple glaze with the smoky, salty flavor of crispy bacon, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re a fan of classic donuts or looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Bacon Topping:
- 6-8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients:
- Start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy. Once cooked, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
- Preheat your oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Make the Donut Dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough donuts.
5. Shape the Donuts:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large for the outer circle and one small for the center) to cut out donut shapes. Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut out more donuts until all the dough is used.
6. Fry the Donuts:
- Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the donuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining donuts.
7. Make the Maple Glaze:
- While the donuts are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
8. Glaze the Donuts:
- Dip the top of each cooled donut into the maple glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Immediately sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the glaze, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
9. Let the Donuts Set:
- Place the glazed and topped donuts on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Maple Bacon Donuts
- Use Pure Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, use pure maple syrup in the glaze rather than pancake syrup. The natural sweetness and depth of flavor make a big difference.
- Crispy Bacon: Ensure your bacon is cooked until it’s very crispy. This provides a nice contrast to the soft, fluffy donuts and prevents the bacon from becoming soggy when added to the glaze.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Keep your oil at a consistent 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked on the inside; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil.
Serving Suggestions
Maple Bacon Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, ideally on the day they’re made. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a truly satisfying breakfast or snack. They’re also a hit at brunch gatherings and are sure to impress anyone with their unique sweet-and-savory combination.
Conclusion
Maple Bacon Donuts are the ultimate indulgence for those who love the combination of sweet and savory flavors. The light and fluffy donut, rich maple glaze, and crunchy bacon come together in perfect harmony, creating a treat that’s both familiar and excitingly different. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re in the mood for something special—you won’t be disappointed!