Maple Bars Recipe

• servings: 12 servings
• active time: 40 minutes
• total time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

3/4 cup milk

3 tablespoons butter

2 1/4 teaspoons yeast

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup powdered sugar

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon maple extract

1 tablespoon water

Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep)

Directions

Heat Milk and Butter

Place the milk and butter in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for about one minute until the butter is melted. If not fully melted, heat slightly longer.

Activate Yeast

Pour the warm milk and butter mixture into a stand mixer bowl. Check the temperature; it should be between 100°F and 110°F. If it's too hot, let it cool. Add the yeast and wait about 10 minutes for it to become bubbly, indicating proofing.

Mix Wet Ingredients

Once yeast is proofed, add granulated sugar, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Briefly mix using the paddle attachment.

Add Flour and Knead Dough

Switch to the dough hook attachment. Add the flour and mix on low speed for about 5 minutes until dough is slightly sticky.

First Rise

Remove the bowl from the mixer, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Prepare Surface and Shape Dough

Punch down the dough and let it rest while preparing a floured surface such as a large cutting board, silicone mat, or clean countertop. Roll the dough into a 12x8-inch rectangle.

Trim and Cut Bars

Use a knife, pizza cutter, or bench scraper to cut off rounded edges for a clean rectangle. Then cut the dough into twelve bars, each approximately 4 inches long and 2 inches wide. Separate the bars slightly, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise for 30 minutes.

Heat Oil

Prepare a deep fryer or electric skillet with 1 1/2 to 2 inches of vegetable oil, heating it to 350°F for frying.

Fry Maple Bars

Fry one or two bars at a time for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove with tongs and place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Prepare Maple Glaze

In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, maple extract, and water to create a runny glaze.

Glaze the Bars

Dip the top of each fried maple bar into the glaze or brush the glaze evenly on top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes.

Serve and Store

Enjoy fresh at room temperature. Best consumed the same day for optimum freshness.