If you’re craving a bakery-style treat but want something quick and easy to make at home, these Quick Maple Bars are the perfect solution! Made from refrigerated buttermilk biscuits and topped with a delicious homemade maple glaze, these donuts are ready in no time and are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 (16-ounce) tube of Buttermilk Style Biscuits (refrigerated dough)
- 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Maple Glaze:
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 5 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon maple extract
- 1 ¾ cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits
Open the tube of buttermilk biscuits and separate them. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten each biscuit into a rectangular shape, mimicking the classic shape of maple bars. Set the biscuits aside while you heat the oil.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil. If it bubbles and rises to the top, the oil is ready for frying.
Step 3: Fry the Biscuits
Carefully place the flattened biscuits into the hot oil, frying only a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried biscuits and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat until all the biscuits are fried.
Step 4: Make the Maple Glaze
While the bars cool slightly, prepare the maple glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the light brown sugar, salted butter, milk, and light corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble slightly. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the maple extract.
Let the glaze cool for 5 minutes, then gradually whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until the glaze is smooth and reaches your desired consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Step 5: Glaze the Bars
Once the biscuits have cooled slightly, dip the top of each bar into the warm maple glaze. Allow the excess glaze to drip off before placing the bars on a wire rack to set. For an extra decadent finish, you can double dip the bars for a thicker glaze coating.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes, and then serve your freshly glazed maple bars warm or at room temperature. Pair them with coffee, tea, or your favorite breakfast beverage for a delightful treat.
Cooking Notes:
- Fry in Batches: Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying the biscuits, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy doughnuts.
- Don’t Overheat the Oil: Keep the oil at 350°F. If the oil gets too hot, the outside of the bars will cook too quickly, leaving the inside doughy.
- Extra Glaze: If you have leftover glaze, it can be stored in the refrigerator and warmed slightly before using on pancakes, waffles, or even more homemade doughnuts!
Variations:
1. Bacon Maple Bars
For a delicious savory-sweet combination, top your glazed maple bars with crispy bacon crumbles. The smoky bacon complements the sweet maple glaze perfectly.
2. Chocolate Maple Bars
Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top of the maple glaze for an extra indulgent twist.
3. Cinnamon Maple Bars
For a warm, spiced version, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the maple glaze. This adds a touch of warmth that pairs beautifully with the sweet maple flavor.
4. Maple Cream Bars
Fill the bars with a simple vanilla cream or custard before glazing them for a bakery-style cream-filled maple bar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different biscuit dough?
A: Yes, you can use any brand or type of refrigerated biscuit dough, but the buttermilk-style biscuits give a classic, soft texture that works best for this recipe.
Q: How can I store leftover maple bars?
A: Store any leftover maple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
Q: Can I bake the biscuits instead of frying them?
A: While frying gives the bars their signature texture, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Once baked, glaze as directed.
Q: Can I use real maple syrup in the glaze?
A: While maple extract gives a stronger flavor, you can substitute with real maple syrup if desired. Just note that the flavor may be slightly milder, and you may need to adjust the amount of confectioners’ sugar to get the right glaze consistency.
These Quick Maple Bars are the ultimate indulgence and come together easily with the help of store-bought biscuit dough. The combination of crispy, golden bars and a rich, sweet maple glaze will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re serving these for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, they’re sure to be a hit.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of fresh bakery-style maple bars right in your own kitchen. Happy cooking!
