Maple Bacon Donuts Recipe – Sweet and Savory Delight

There’s something irresistible about the combination of sweet and savory, and these Maple Bacon Donuts deliver on both fronts. Light, fluffy donuts are dipped in a rich maple glaze and topped with crispy, salty bacon.
Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat, these donuts bring together the warm comfort of maple syrup with the savory crunch of bacon—creating a flavor experience like no other.
Why You’ll Love These Maple Bacon Donuts?
- Perfect Sweet & Savory Balance: Crispy bacon meets sweet maple glaze for a delicious contrast.
- Fluffy and Light: Soft, pillowy donuts that melt in your mouth.
- Make Ahead or Quick: Prepare the donuts ahead of time or make them fresh in just under an hour.
- Customizable: Top with extra maple syrup, nuts, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for brunch or a treat that’s sure to impress guests.
Ingredients Maple Bacon Donuts
These ingredients create a sweet and savory treat that’s hard to resist.
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust for desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Bacon Topping:
- 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
How to Make Maple Bacon Donuts
These donuts come together quickly, and the combination of sweet maple glaze and crispy bacon is absolutely irresistible.
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the donut pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a donut pan and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the donut batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup, and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine the dry and wet ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the donuts.
Step 4: Fill the donut pan
Spoon the donut batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Step 5: Bake the donuts
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the maple glaze
While the donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the maple syrup to reach your desired glaze consistency—thicker for a more intense flavor or thinner for a lighter glaze.
Step 7: Glaze the donuts
Once the donuts have cooled, dip the top of each donut into the maple glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Sprinkle the crumbled crispy bacon on top of the glaze while it’s still wet to ensure it sticks.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these indulgent Maple Bacon Donuts as a perfect morning treat or a sweet snack!
PRO TIP: To ensure crispy bacon, cook it on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until it’s perfectly crisp. This method prevents the bacon from getting too greasy.
FAQs About Maple Bacon Donuts
Can I use a different type of syrup?
Yes! While maple syrup gives these donuts their classic flavor, you can experiment with other syrups, like honey or agave, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the donuts and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them briefly in the oven for the best texture before glazing. You can also store the donuts unglazed and add the maple glaze and bacon topping right before serving.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
No problem! You can use a muffin tin as a substitute, although the texture may be slightly different. The result will be more like a muffin than a traditional donut.
Can I use bacon bits instead of fresh bacon?
While fresh crispy bacon is the best option for flavor and texture, you can use pre-packaged bacon bits in a pinch. However, they won’t provide the same crispy, savory bite as freshly cooked bacon.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the maple glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up slightly before using to ensure it’s the perfect consistency for dipping.
Variations or Serving Suggestions
Maple Bacon Donuts are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to customize your donuts or enhance the flavor:
- Maple Pecan: Add chopped toasted pecans to the glaze for an extra nutty crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the maple glaze for a decadent twist.
- Bacon Lovers: For extra bacon flavor, mix some bacon crumbles into the donut batter itself.
- Fruit Toppings: Top with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a bright contrast to the rich flavors.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these donuts.
Serve your Maple Bacon Donuts with a side of fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a hot cup of coffee for the perfect breakfast or brunch.
Nutrition + Summary
Here’s an estimated nutrition breakdown per donut (assuming 12 donuts):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 250 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 32 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 13 g |
Saturated Fat | 5 g |
Cholesterol | 40 mg |
Sodium | 250 mg |
Sugar | 20 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Maple Bacon Donuts are the perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness. They’re a crowd-pleasing treat for any breakfast or brunch table. Whether served on a special occasion or as a fun weekend breakfast, these donuts will surely satisfy your craving for a deliciously indulgent bite.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information on this blog is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. We are not nutritionists and recommend consulting a professional for specific dietary advice.