📖 Introduction – Why You’ll Love These Candied Bacon Maple Donuts
If you love the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, then these Candied Bacon Maple Donuts are a must-try! This recipe combines:
- ✔️ Fluffy, golden yeast-raised donuts 🍩
- ✔️ Rich, buttery maple glaze 🍁
- ✔️ Crunchy, caramelized candied bacon 🥓
These indulgent treats are ideal for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or a gourmet dessert. The salty crunch of bacon adds depth to the sweetness of maple syrup, making each bite irresistibly delicious.
However, perfectly caramelizing bacon requires the right technique. According to Serious Eats, baking bacon slowly at a low temperature ensures even crisping without burning.
For the best fluffy donut texture, it’s essential to use the right flour. King Arthur Baking explains how different flours impact dough elasticity and chewiness.
And what’s the best way to enjoy these donuts? Pair them with a refreshing Strawberry Gin Cocktail for a fruity contrast or have them after a savory meal like Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pizza to balance the richness.
🌍 The History & Popularity of Candied Bacon Maple Donuts
🔥 The Origins of Maple & Bacon in Baking
- Maple syrup has been used in North American desserts for centuries, originating from Indigenous traditions.
- Candied bacon first became popular as a breakfast side but later evolved into a gourmet topping for desserts.
- The fusion of bacon, maple, and donuts gained traction with artisanal donut shops like Voodoo Doughnut in Portland.
🍩 Why These Donuts Are So Addictive
- ✔️ A balance of flavors: Sweet maple glaze + salty, crispy bacon + fluffy donut dough.
- ✔️ Aromatic appeal: The warm scent of maple and caramelized bacon is irresistible.
- ✔️ Perfect for any occasion: Breakfast, dessert, brunch, or even as a party treat!
🛒 Ingredients for Candied Bacon Maple Donuts
🍩 For the Donut Dough:
- 🌾 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
- 🥛 ¾ cup warm whole milk
- 🧊 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🧈 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🍬 ¼ cup sugar
🥓 For the Candied Bacon:
- 🥓 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 🍯 ¼ cup maple syrup
- 🍬 ¼ cup brown sugar
- 🌶️ ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
🍁 For the Maple Glaze:
- 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
- 🍯 ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 🍬 1 cup powdered sugar
- 🍦 ½ teaspoon maple extract
🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions for Candied Bacon Maple Donuts
1️⃣ Prepare the Donut Dough
- ✅ In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, then let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- ✅ Stir in sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
- ✅ Gradually mix in flour, kneading for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- ✅ Cover and let it rise for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
2️⃣ Make the Candied Bacon
- ✅ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- ✅ Lay bacon strips on a lined baking sheet.
- ✅ Brush with maple syrup, then sprinkle with brown sugar and black pepper.
- ✅ Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and caramelized.
- ✅ Let cool, then chop into small pieces.
3️⃣ Fry or Bake the Donuts
- ✅ Roll out the risen dough to ½-inch thickness.
- ✅ Cut out donut shapes using a round cutter.
- ✅ Heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry 2-3 donuts at a time for 1 minute per side.
- ✅ If baking, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-14 minutes.
- ✅ Let cool on a wire rack.
4️⃣ Make the Maple Glaze
- ✅ Melt butter in a small saucepan.
- ✅ Stir in maple syrup and heat for 1 minute.
- ✅ Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and maple extract until smooth.
5️⃣ Assemble the Donuts
- ✅ Dip each warm donut into the maple glaze.
- ✅ Immediately sprinkle with candied bacon bits.
- ✅ Let set for 10 minutes before serving.
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Candied Bacon Maple Donuts
- ✔️ Bake bacon instead of frying for the best caramelization.
- ✔️ Use Grade A Dark Maple Syrup for a stronger maple flavor.
- ✔️ For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
- ✔️ For a spicier kick, add cayenne to the candied bacon.
🍽️ Best Pairings for Candied Bacon Maple Donuts
🥤 Drinks That Complement These Donuts
- Strawberry Gin Cocktails – A refreshing contrast to the rich maple flavors.
- Cold Brew Coffee – Enhances the sweet and salty balance.
- Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned – A smoky, bold drink that pairs well with bacon.
🍽️ Savory Meals to Pair With These Donuts
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pizza – A rich dinner before a sweet dessert.
- Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza Egg Rolls – A savory appetizer before indulging.
🎉 Conclusion – Make These Candied Bacon Maple Donuts Today!
These Candied Bacon Maple Donuts are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, crispy, and fluffy! Try them today, and let us know how they turned out!
🔥 Have questions or want more donut variations? Leave a comment below! 🚀
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🔥 The Ultimate Guide to Candied Bacon Maple Donuts
These Candied Bacon Maple Donuts are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, crispy, and fluffy. The soft, yeast-raised donuts are fried until golden brown, then dipped in a rich, buttery maple glaze and topped with crispy, caramelized candied bacon. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just because you love indulgent treats, these donuts will impress!
Perfectly balancing savory bacon and sweet maple syrup, this recipe delivers a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. Pair them with a strong coffee, a creamy latte, or even a bourbon-based cocktail for an unforgettable treat.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 donuts
Ingredients
🍩 For the Donut Dough:
- 🌾 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 🥛 ¾ cup warm whole milk
- 🧊 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🧈 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🍬 ¼ cup sugar
🥓 For the Candied Bacon:
- 🥓 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 🍯 ¼ cup maple syrup
- 🍬 ¼ cup brown sugar
- 🌶️ ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
🍁 For the Maple Glaze:
- 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
- 🍯 ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 🍬 1 cup powdered sugar
- 🍦 ½ teaspoon maple extract
Instructions
✅ In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, then let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
✅ Stir in sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
✅ Gradually mix in flour, kneading for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
✅ Cover and let it rise for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
✅ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
✅ Lay bacon strips on a lined baking sheet.
✅ Brush with maple syrup, then sprinkle with brown sugar and black pepper.
✅ Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and caramelized.
✅ Let cool, then chop into small pieces.
✅ Roll out the risen dough to ½-inch thickness.
✅ Cut out donut shapes using a round cutter.
✅ Heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry 2-3 donuts at a time for 1 minute per side.
✅ If baking, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-14 minutes.
✅ Let cool on a wire rack.
✅ Melt butter in a small saucepan.
✅ Stir in maple syrup and heat for 1 minute.
✅ Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and maple extract until smooth.
✅ Dip each warm donut into the maple glaze.
✅ Immediately sprinkle with candied bacon bits.
✅ Let set for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For the best texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a slightly chewier donut.
- For a crispier bacon topping, make sure the bacon is completely cooled before chopping and adding it to the donuts.
- If you prefer a stronger maple flavor, add ½ teaspoon maple extract to the donut dough as well.
- Baking option: If frying isn’t for you, these donuts can be baked at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes, though they’ll be slightly less fluffy than fried versions.
- Want an extra crunch? Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze along with the candied bacon.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Fried / Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg