Name: Homemade Maple Bars with Maple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup milk; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 package quick-rise yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons); 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Oil (for frying, about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in depth); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 3 tablespoons milk; 1 tablespoon corn syrup; 2 teaspoons maple extract; 2 cups powdered sugar

I am so excited to share with you my absolute favorite sweet treat: my Homemade Maple Bars with Maple Glaze Recipe. These delightful bars have a soft, fluffy interior and a perfectly crispy exterior that just melts in your mouth, all topped with a rich and glossy maple glaze that’s just the right balance of sweet and buttery. Making them from scratch is such a joy, and I love that the results taste like something from a high-end bakery but right in my own kitchen. If you’re a fan of maple flavor and crave a classic comfort dessert, these maple bars will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Maple Bars with Maple Glaze Recipe

From the very first bite, I was hooked on the incredible flavor profile of these maple bars. The dough itself is tender and pillowy soft, with a subtle sweetness that’s perfectly enhanced by the warm, buttery maple glaze. The glaze is not overly sugary; it’s rich and buttery with a deep maple syrup essence that has such a comforting feel. I find myself craving these when the weather turns cooler, but they truly are perfect any time you want a sweet treat that feels a little special.

One of my favorite things about this Homemade Maple Bars with Maple Glaze Recipe is how approachable it is. Despite the bars looking so polished and professional, the technique is very straightforward. The dough comes together quickly, and you don’t need any fancy equipment beyond a stand mixer if you have one (but you can totally mix by hand, too). The frying step might sound intimidating if you haven’t fried dough before, but it’s actually quite simple and yields such a wonderful texture you can’t get by baking.

These bars are perfect for so many occasions. I love serving them at brunch with friends, alongside coffee or tea, where everyone oohs over their crisp edges and glossy maple finish. They’re also fantastic as a weekend breakfast treat or a dessert for family dinners. What makes them stand out from store-bought or bakery versions to me is the combination of homemade freshness, that homemade maple glaze that clings just right, and the satisfaction that you made them yourself – it’s honestly a joyful baking experience!

Ingredients You'll Need

A white plate holds six rectangular pastries stacked in two layers, the top layer showing three pastries with a golden-brown base and a smooth, thick beige icing covering the entire top surface. The bottom layer has three pastries with a lighter golden base and the same beige icing layer. The pastries have a soft, fried texture with slightly rounded edges. In the background, more pastries rest on a white rectangular dish, with a white ceramic pitcher and two rustic white vases adding depth. The surface is a white marbled texture with soft lighting highlighting the creamy icing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for these maple bars are wonderfully simple but essential to getting the perfect texture and flavor. Each one plays a key role: from the warm, melted butter and yeast that give the dough its rise and fluffiness, to the brown sugar and maple extract that build the delicious, rich maple glaze.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Milk: Provides moisture and tenderness to the dough, key for soft bars.
Butter: Adds richness to both the dough and glaze, creating that wonderful buttery flavor.
All-purpose flour: The structure for the bars, giving them that tender yet sturdy crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough itself without overpowering.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
Quick-rise yeast: The secret to a light and fluffy texture that practically melts in your mouth.
Eggs: Bind everything together and help with tenderness and rise.
Vanilla extract: Adds a depth of warm, aromatic flavor to the dough.
Oil for frying: Needed to achieve that crispy golden crust on the bars.
Brown sugar: Gives the glaze a rich, molasses undertone that complements the maple.
Corn syrup: Helps create that smooth, glossy finish on the glaze and prevents crystallization.
Maple extract: Delivers a strong, authentic maple flavor that truly makes these bars stand out.
Powdered sugar: For the glaze’s sweetness and smooth texture.

Directions

Step 1: Warm the milk and butter together in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is hot, about 125 degrees Fahrenheit, but be careful not to bring it to a boil. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Fit your stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Add 2 ¼ cups of flour, granulated sugar, salt, and the yeast to the mixer bowl. Mix on low speed while slowly pouring in the warm milk and butter mixture. Increase speed to medium and beat until fully combined.

Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then continue beating until the mixture is fluffy and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the remaining 1 cup of flour and beat again until the dough is smooth but sticky, approximately 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Lightly grease a large bowl and transfer the dough to it. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm spot to rise until almost doubled in size, about 45 minutes.

Step 5: While the dough is rising, prepare two baking sheets: line one with waxed paper and lightly brush it with oil, and line the other with paper towels for draining later.

Step 6: When the dough is ready, turn it out onto a generously floured surface. Roll it out into a 12 by 8-inch rectangle, then cut into 12 bars measuring about 4 by 2 inches. Transfer the bars to the oiled, waxed paper-lined baking sheet and cover again with a towel. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 7: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy, deep skillet to the correct temperature, using about 1 ½ to 2 inches in depth. Carefully fry 2-4 bars at a time, avoiding overcrowding, for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until they turn a dark golden color. Remove the bars and place on the paper towel-lined sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining bars, allowing the oil temperature to recover between batches.

Step 8: For the glaze, combine butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Whisk in milk and heat over medium heat, stirring often for 3-5 minutes until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. Take it off the heat and stir in corn syrup and maple extract.

Step 9: Gradually add powdered sugar in ½-cup increments to the saucepan, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure smoothness. Add an extra teaspoon or two of milk if the glaze becomes too thick.

Step 10: Once the bars have cooled enough to handle, dip the top side of each bar directly into the maple glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place the glazed bars on a wire rack with the glazed side facing up and let the glaze set for 10 to 15 minutes.

Servings and Timing

This Homemade Maple Bars with Maple Glaze Recipe yields 12 delicious servings, perfect for sharing but also easy to savor solo if you want! You should set aside about 15 minutes of active prep time to mix and shape the dough. The dough needs around 1 hour and 15 minutes of rising time in total, split into two stages, which helps develop the perfect texture. Frying the bars takes roughly 15 minutes depending on your batch size, and glazing plus glazing-setting requires another 15 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish, but most of that is hands-off, giving you plenty of time to prepare a cozy coffee or tea to enjoy alongside.

How to Serve This Homemade Maple Bars with Maple Glaze Recipe

The image shows several rectangular doughnuts placed on a white marbled surface. Each doughnut has two layers: the bottom layer is a golden-brown fried dough with a fluffy texture, and the top layer is a smooth, creamy, light beige icing that covers the entire top surface. The doughnuts are arranged in a casual group, with the closest one in clear focus and the others slightly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these maple bars fresh and slightly warm, right after the glaze has set — that’s when the texture is perfectly tender inside with a crisp, sweet top that just beckons you to take a second bite. They pair wonderfully with a simple cup of black coffee or rich hot chocolate. For a brunch spread, I like to add some fresh berries or sliced apples alongside to complement the maple’s sweetness and add a refreshing contrast.

When it comes to presentation, a rustic platter lined with parchment paper works beautifully, especially if you sprinkle a few toasted pecans or walnuts around for an added crunch and nutty aroma. If I’m serving them at a party, I sometimes drizzle a little extra maple glaze artistically over a few bars for a dramatic shine. These bars also travel well if you want to bring them to a potluck or holiday gathering.

For a beverage pairing, I’ve found that a lightly sweet white wine like a Riesling balances the maple’s richness wonderfully. On the flip side, a well-spiced chai latte creates a cozy, aromatic experience that feels like a warm hug in a cup. No matter the occasion — whether it’s a weekend treat, an afternoon tea, or even a festive holiday breakfast — these bars shine when served at room temperature or just slightly warmed.

Variations

If you want to switch things up, there are so many delightful ways to play with this Homemade Maple Bars with Maple Glaze Recipe. For example, to make it gluten-free, I’ve experimented using a blend of gluten-free flour, and while the dough behaves a little differently, the flavor and glaze are just as heavenly. For a vegan twist, substituting the butter with coconut oil and using a flax egg instead of real eggs works well, and the bars still fry up light and tasty.

I also love adding a little cinnamon or nutmeg right into the dough for a cozy, spiced maple bar variation that feels perfect for fall or winter. Or, if you want an extra punch of flavor, stirring finely chopped toasted pecans into the glaze adds irresistible texture and nuttiness. Another idea I’ve tried is baking these bars instead of frying — placing them on a greased baking sheet and baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes makes for a slightly lighter but still delicious treat.

Lastly, if you want to experiment beyond the classic maple, a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the glaze pairs beautifully, bringing a sophisticated edge to the sweet maple flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover maple bars (and I admit, that usually doesn't happen!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 2 days, but I actually recommend enjoying them sooner for the best texture. If your kitchen is warm, a cool, dry place is best to keep the glaze from becoming sticky or melting.

Freezing

These maple bars freeze really well if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. After the bars have cooled completely and the glaze has set, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap to protect it from freezer burn. Then place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or zipped bag. They’ll keep nicely frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming a maple bar in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5-7 minutes. This helps refresh the crispiness of the exterior while warming the soft interior without melting the glaze too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the dough gummy and the glaze runny, which diminishes the lovely texture contrast that makes these bars so satisfying.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the process quicker and easier, you can mix everything by hand with a sturdy spoon and then knead the dough on a floured surface. Just be prepared to spend a little extra time and effort, but the results will be just as delicious.

What type of oil is best for frying these maple bars?

I recommend using a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils won’t interfere with the flavor and will handle the frying temperature well without breaking down.

Can I substitute maple extract with real maple syrup?

While real maple syrup is wonderful for flavor, it’s liquid and could alter the dough and glaze consistency. The maple extract provides a concentrated maple flavor without extra liquid, making it ideal for the glaze. If you want to use maple syrup, you might need to adjust the liquid ingredients carefully.

Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Baking is a healthier alternative and still yields tasty bars, though the texture will be less crispy and more bread-like. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. You can then dip in the maple glaze as usual.

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

The ideal frying temperature is about 350°F. If you have a thermometer, that’s easiest. If not, you can test by dipping a small piece of dough into the oil – it should sizzle and rise to the top quickly without browning too fast. If it browns immediately, the oil is too hot; if it sinks, it’s too cool.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Homemade Maple Bars with Maple Glaze Recipe a whirl – it’s one of those desserts that makes me so happy every time I make it. There’s something so satisfying about frying up these tender, fluffy bars and then watching that luscious maple glaze set just right. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weekend breakfast, a festive gathering, or a delightful afternoon treat, these bars are guaranteed to impress and indulge your sweet tooth with a classic, homemade touch. Enjoy every bite as much as I do!