Bacon

Maple Bacon Donuts

Name: Maple Bacon Donuts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil

By Wren Ashford · June 19, 2026 · Bacon

Prep30 min

Cook20 min

Total50 min

Serves6

Maple Bacon Donuts — Sweet and savory maple bacon donuts

There's something special about a warm donut on a Sunday morning, and when you add the smoky flavor of bacon and the sweetness of maple syrup, it's a match made in heaven. As a home cook, I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to create unique and delicious dishes. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make maple bacon donuts from scratch, using a combination of simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.

The key to making great donuts is to not overmix the dough and to fry them at the right temperature. You want the oil to be hot enough to cook the donuts quickly, but not so hot that they burn on the outside before they're fully cooked on the inside. In this recipe, we'll use a combination of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and whole milk to create a light and airy dough that's perfect for frying.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's easy to customize to your tastes. If you prefer a stronger bacon flavor, you can use more bacon or add some bacon fat to the dough. If you prefer a sweeter donut, you can add more maple syrup or use a different type of sugar. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.

In addition to the donuts themselves, we'll also be making a maple glaze to drizzle over the top. This is a simple mixture of powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk that's easy to whisk together and adds a sweet and sticky finish to the donuts. You can also customize the glaze to your tastes by adding different flavorings or spices.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a great way to practice your skills and create something truly delicious. So why not give it a try and see what you think? With a little practice and patience, you'll be making maple bacon donuts like a pro in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These donuts are easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients.
The combination of sweet and savory flavors is a unique and delicious twist on traditional donuts.
The maple glaze adds a nice finish to the donuts and can be customized to your tastes.
These donuts are perfect for a special treat or a fun breakfast or brunch.
You can customize the recipe to your tastes by adding different flavorings or spices.
The donuts are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great donuts is to not overmix the dough and to fry them at the right temperature. When you overmix the dough, you develop the gluten in the flour, which can make the donuts tough and dense. By mixing the ingredients just until they come together, you can create a light and airy dough that's perfect for frying.

Frying the donuts at the right temperature is also crucial. You want the oil to be hot enough to cook the donuts quickly, but not so hot that they burn on the outside before they're fully cooked on the inside. In this recipe, we'll use a thermometer to ensure that the oil is at the right temperature, and we'll fry the donuts in batches to prevent them from sticking together.

The maple glaze is also an important part of this recipe. By whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk, we can create a sweet and sticky glaze that adds a nice finish to the donuts. You can customize the glaze to your tastes by adding different flavorings or spices, and you can also use it to top other baked goods, such as muffins or scones.

Overall, this recipe works because it combines simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps with a few key techniques, such as not overmixing the dough and frying the donuts at the right temperature. By following these steps and using a few simple ingredients, you can create delicious maple bacon donuts that are perfect for a special treat or a fun breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious maple bacon donuts, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, whole milk, and pure maple syrup. You'll also need some bacon, which you can cook in a skillet until it's crispy and then chop into small pieces. In addition to these ingredients, you'll need some powdered sugar, which you can use to make a sweet and sticky glaze to drizzle over the top of the donuts.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items that are fresh and flavorful. For example, you can use high-quality bacon that's smoked or cured to add a rich and savory flavor to the donuts. You can also use pure maple syrup, which has a richer and more complex flavor than imitation syrups.

2 cups all-purpose flourAll-purpose flour is a versatile and essential ingredient in many baked goods, including donuts. It provides structure and texture to the donuts and helps them to rise.
1/2 cup granulated sugarGranulated sugar adds sweetness and tenderness to the donuts. You can also use other types of sugar, such as brown sugar or turbinado sugar, to add a richer flavor.
1/2 cup whole milkWhole milk adds moisture and tenderness to the donuts. You can also use other types of milk, such as skim milk or almond milk, to reduce the fat content of the donuts.
2 teaspoons active dry yeastActive dry yeast is a type of yeast that's commonly used in baked goods. It helps the donuts to rise and gives them a light and airy texture.
1/4 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavor of the donuts and helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar. You can also use other types of salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, to add a more complex flavor.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, meltedUnsalted butter adds moisture and tenderness to the donuts. You can also use other types of fat, such as oil or lard, to add a richer flavor.
2 tablespoons pure maple syrupPure maple syrup adds a rich and complex flavor to the donuts. You can also use other types of syrup, such as honey or agave nectar, to add a sweeter flavor.
6 slices of bacon, cooked and choppedBacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the donuts. You can also use other types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked bacon or peppered bacon, to add a more complex flavor.
1 cup powdered sugarPowdered sugar is used to make a sweet and sticky glaze to drizzle over the top of the donuts. You can also use other types of sugar, such as granulated sugar or brown sugar, to add a richer flavor.
1/2 cup vegetable oilVegetable oil is used to fry the donuts. You can also use other types of oil, such as peanut oil or avocado oil, to add a richer flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlHand mixer or whiskMeasuring cups and spoonsSkillet or frying panThermometerInstant-read thermometerPastry bag or plastic bag

How to Make Maple Bacon Donuts

1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and yeast.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
3
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
4
Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6
Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
7
Once the oil is hot, use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop the dough into the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
8
Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
9
Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and maple syrup until smooth.
11
Drizzle the glaze over the top of the donuts and sprinkle with chopped bacon.
12
Serve the donuts warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough donuts.
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
Don't overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the donuts to stick together.
If you want to get fancy, you can add different flavorings or toppings to the donuts, such as chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
To make the donuts more crispy, you can chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.
To make the glaze more thick, you can add more powdered sugar.
To make the donuts more sweet, you can add more maple syrup.
You can also use this recipe to make other types of donuts, such as cake donuts or filled donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough donuts.
Not using a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
Overcrowding the pan, which can cause the donuts to stick together.
Not letting the donuts cool completely before glazing, which can cause the glaze to melt.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the donuts.
Not following the recipe instructions carefully, which can lead to donuts that are not cooked through or are not glazed properly.

Variations and Substitutions

Add different flavorings, such as vanilla or almond extract, to the dough for a unique taste.
Use different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or turbinado sugar, to add a richer flavor.
Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Use different types of milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, to make the donuts dairy-free.
Add a teaspoon of salt to the dough to balance the sweetness of the sugar.
Use a different type of oil, such as peanut oil or avocado oil, to add a richer flavor.
Make filled donuts by injecting a filling, such as jam or cream, into the donuts after they have cooled.

What to Serve With Maple Bacon Donuts

These maple bacon donuts are perfect for a special treat or a fun breakfast or brunch. You can serve them on their own or with a side of coffee or tea. They're also great with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot chocolate.

If you want to get fancy, you can serve the donuts with a side of whipped cream or ice cream. You can also sprinkle them with chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Serve the donuts with a side of coffee or teaServe the donuts with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot chocolateServe the donuts with a side of whipped cream or ice creamSprinkle the donuts with chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

If you don't plan to serve the donuts immediately, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to serve.

To freeze the donuts, simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for easier thawing.

When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the donuts at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave or oven. You can also reheat them in a skillet or frying pan with a little bit of oil to make them crispy again.

It's also important to note that the donuts will be best served fresh, so it's best to make them the day you plan to serve them. However, if you do need to store them, make sure to follow the proper storage and reheating instructions to ensure they remain fresh and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of flour should I use to make the donuts?

You can use all-purpose flour to make the donuts. This type of flour is versatile and will provide the right structure and texture to the donuts.

Can I use a different type of sugar to make the donuts?

Yes, you can use different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or turbinado sugar, to add a richer flavor to the donuts.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

You can use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. The ideal temperature for frying donuts is between 350°F and 375°F.

Can I make the donuts ahead of time and store them?

Yes, you can make the donuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to serve.

How do I reheat the donuts if I've stored them?

You can reheat the donuts in the microwave or oven. Simply place them on a baking sheet and heat them at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until they're warm and crispy again.

Can I customize the recipe to my tastes?

Yes, you can customize the recipe to your tastes by adding different flavorings or toppings to the donuts. Some ideas include chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.

What type of glaze should I use to top the donuts?

You can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup to top the donuts. This glaze is sweet and sticky and will add a nice finish to the donuts.

Can I make filled donuts using this recipe?

Yes, you can make filled donuts using this recipe. Simply inject a filling, such as jam or cream, into the donuts after they have cooled.

The Full Recipe

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