1-First Step: Prepare the Dough In a stand mixer with a dough hook or a large bowl, combine 1 cup lukewarm water, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup softened butter, 3 large egg yolks, 1 tablespoon instant yeast, 1¼ teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix on medium-low speed until everything blends together, about 2 minutes. For vegan versions, replace the egg yolks with flax eggs to keep the dough cohesive. This initial mixing sets the foundation for your maple donut bars.

2-Second Step: Add Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 3½ cups bread flour and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until the dough pulls away from the bowl but remains soft and sticky. If it feels too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time. Knead on medium-low speed for 5 minutes to develop the gluten, which gives those maple bar squares their chewy texture. For gluten-free adaptations, use a 1:1 flour blend and note that kneading time might be shorter to avoid a dense result.

3-Third Step: Let the Dough Rise Transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which takes about 1 hour. This rising step is key for that fluffy interior in your maple baked donuts. If you’re making a low-calorie version, consider letting the dough rest longer to enhance flavors without extra ingredients.

4-Fourth Step: Shape the Bars Roll the dough on a floured surface into a 10 by 12-inch rectangle, trim the edges if you like, then cut it into two 5 by 12-inch strips. Cut each strip into six bars. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets dusted with flour, cover with another sheet to keep them moist, and let them rise again until doubled, about 1 hour. For vegan or low-calorie tweaks, ensure your flour is adjusted to maintain the right dough consistency.

5-Fifth Step: Fry the Donuts Line a baking sheet with a wire rack near the stove for draining. Fill a heavy-bottomed saucepan with 2 inches of oil and heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry each bar one at a time for about 1 minute per side until golden, then drain on the rack until cool. Remember, frying one at a time prevents the oil temperature from dropping, which could make your maple donut bars greasy. For safer frying, follow expert tips on frying donuts to keep things simple and safe.

6-Sixth Step: Make the Glaze Whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, ½ cup maple syrup, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and ½ teaspoon maple extract until smooth. For dairy-free options, use melted plant-based butter in this step. Dip the top half of each cooled bar into the glaze, let the excess drip off, and set them on the rack to firm up.