Baked Maple Bacon Donuts: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Breakfast Treat
The mere thought of candied bacon, artfully draped over a decadent maple glaze, all atop a perfectly spiced, freshly baked donut, is enough to send any food enthusiast into a state of pure culinary bliss. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a symphony of sweet and savory notes that dance on your palate with every delightful bite. Forget plain pastries; these homemade maple bacon donuts redefine breakfast indulgence, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will undoubtedly become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Indeed, dreams really do come true, especially when you can craft such culinary masterpieces at home. For months, the legendary maple bacon donut from places like Voodoo Doughnut has captivated palates, but facing endless lines can be a test of patience for even the most dedicated donut lover. The desire for that iconic sweet and salty combination lingered, inspiring a quest to recreate this magic right in my own kitchen. Why wait in line when you can craft an equally, if not more, satisfying version at home?
This recipe offers a delightful alternative, a baked donut that delivers all the flavor without the fuss of deep-frying, allowing you to enjoy this extraordinary treat whenever the craving strikes. Embracing the warmth of home baking, we can achieve that elusive balance of fluffy donut, rich maple glaze, and irresistible candied bacon, all without leaving the comfort of your home. It’s a celebration of convenience and gourmet taste, proving that homemade can truly rival the best artisan creations.
If you’ve never experienced the marvel that is candied bacon, prepare for a revelation. This isn’t just bacon; it’s a crispy, caramelized, salty-sweet masterpiece that transforms any dish it graces. In these baked donuts, candied bacon is the unsung hero, providing an unparalleled salty crunch that beautifully contrasts with the soft, tender donut and the luscious maple glaze. Each strip is baked to perfection with a generous coating of brown sugar, creating a shatteringly crisp texture and an addictively sweet finish. It’s the perfect complement, elevating a simple donut into an extraordinary breakfast or brunch centerpiece. Trust us, once you try candied bacon, you’ll find excuses to put it on everything – but especially on these heavenly maple donuts. It truly brings all the best elements of a hearty breakfast together in one incredible mouthful, making every bite an unforgettable experience.
Ready to create your own batch of these incredible sweet and savory treats? Below you’ll find the comprehensive recipe, meticulously broken down for easy home preparation. From whipping up the perfectly spiced donut batter to crafting the silky maple glaze and, of course, making that irresistible candied bacon, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping recipe!
table of contents
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Maple Bacon Donuts
ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 4-5 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silpat or aluminum foil.
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In a small bowl, combine the bacon and brown sugar. Using your hands, make sure each piece of bacon gets coated in sugar. Lay the bacon slices flat on the baking sheet and sprinkle any leftover sugar on top.
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Bake for 20 minutes until crispy. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Once cool, roughly chop the bacon and set it aside.
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Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Spray two donut pans with nonstick cooking spray.
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Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt into a large bowl. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the butter, milk, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
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Spoon the batter into each donut space in the baking pan until just about 3/4 full. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until just golden brown on the edges. Cool for approximately 3-5 minutes until tapping the donuts out onto a wire cooling rack.
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For the glaze, whisk together the ingredients until well-combined.
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To glaze each donut, hold the donut and dip into the glaze. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire cooling rack. Top with chopped candied bacon.
Tips for Perfect Baked Maple Bacon Donuts
Creating truly exceptional baked donuts is easier than you might think, especially with a few helpful tips. Firstly, investing in a good quality donut pan is key – silicone or non-stick metal pans both work wonderfully to ensure easy release and perfectly shaped donuts. When mixing your batter, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, so stir just until the ingredients are combined. A slightly lumpy batter is better than an overmixed one. For filling the donut cavities, a piping bag or a large Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off makes the process incredibly neat and efficient. Fill each cavity about three-quarters full to allow for proper rising without overflowing. After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for just a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up slightly, preventing them from breaking when handled. Cooling completely on a wire rack before glazing is crucial; if they’re too warm, the glaze will simply melt right off.
When it comes to the candied bacon, don’t skimp on the brown sugar, and ensure each slice is thoroughly coated. Lining your baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper is vital for easy cleanup, as the sugar can get quite sticky and burn onto the pan. Bake until the bacon is truly crispy, as it will continue to crisp up slightly as it cools. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning. Chopping the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces ensures an even distribution of that delightful salty crunch on every single donut, guaranteeing a balanced flavor in each bite.
The Irresistible Harmony of Maple and Bacon
The combination of maple and bacon is a culinary classic for a reason, a pairing celebrated in countless breakfast dishes. Maple syrup, with its deep, caramel-like sweetness and subtle earthy notes, provides a comforting and familiar base that evokes images of cozy mornings. When paired with the smoky, salty, and now *sweetened* crunch of candied bacon, it creates a flavor profile that is truly addictive and uniquely satisfying. This dynamic duo transforms a simple baked donut into a gourmet experience, offering a perfect balance between the savory richness of pork and the comforting sweetness of maple. It’s a testament to how contrasting flavors can come together to create something far greater than the sum of their parts, satisfying both sweet and savory cravings in one delightful bite and leaving you longing for more.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations
These Baked Maple Bacon Donuts are perfect on their own, perhaps with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent afternoon snack. For an extra touch of elegance when serving guests, consider arranging them on a tiered cake stand, allowing their visual appeal to match their incredible taste. They also make a fantastic addition to any holiday spread or special occasion brunch.
While the recipe is perfect as is, you can always experiment with variations to suit your taste and impress even the most discerning palates. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice in the donut batter can enhance the spiced notes, adding another layer of warmth. For the glaze, a tiny splash of bourbon or rum could add a sophisticated twist, creating a more adult-oriented treat. If you’re a fan of nuts, a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or walnuts alongside the candied bacon would introduce another layer of texture and nutty flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these donuts uniquely yours, customizing them to your personal preferences!
Storage Recommendations
To keep your baked maple bacon donuts fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. While the candied bacon might lose a tiny bit of its crispness over time, the flavors will still be wonderfully intact, and the donut itself will remain moist and tender. If you prefer to prepare them in advance for a special event, you can bake the donuts and make the candied bacon ahead of time, then store them separately. Glaze and top with bacon just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture, ensuring that coveted crunch is present in every bite. This makes them an excellent make-ahead option for busy mornings or planned gatherings.
Why Baked Donuts Are a Superior Choice
Opting for baked donuts over their fried counterparts offers several compelling advantages that make them a preferred choice for home bakers. Not only are they generally lighter and contain less fat, making them a slightly guilt-free indulgence, but they are also much easier and significantly less messy to prepare at home. There’s no need to deal with hot oil, specialized equipment for deep-frying, or the lingering smell of fried food that can permeate your kitchen. Baking provides a consistently tender crumb and a beautiful golden-brown exterior, allowing the delicate flavors of the maple and spices to truly shine through without being masked by oil. This method offers a simpler, cleaner, and often healthier way to enjoy homemade donuts without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Your Next Breakfast Adventure Awaits
Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a new challenge or a curious beginner eager to try something exciting, this recipe for Baked Maple Bacon Donuts is an absolute must-try. It’s a rewarding project that culminates in an undeniably delicious treat, perfect for impressing guests at your next brunch or simply indulging yourself on a lazy weekend morning. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a sweet and savory journey that will redefine your breakfast expectations and delight your senses. Share them with loved ones or savor every piece yourself – either way, prepare for a truly memorable culinary experience. Enjoy every single amazing bite!