Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Apple Pie Maple Donut Bars in advance. Shape the dough and place the bars on parchment-lined trays, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, bring them out and let them proof at room temperature until puffy before frying. You can also make the apple filling and glaze a day ahead and store them separately.

Do I need to proof the dough twice?

Yes, two proofing stages are essential. The first rise builds structure and volume, while the second rise (after shaping) adds lightness and ensures the bars fry up soft and airy. Skipping either proofing step will result in dense, heavy Apple Pie Maple Donut Bars .

What kind of apples are best for the filling?

For the best texture and flavor, choose firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They hold their shape during cooking and balance the sweetness of the maple glaze perfectly. Avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious, which can turn mushy when cooked.

Can I omit the apple pie filling?

Absolutely. If you’d like a simpler treat, skip the filling and enjoy these as classic maple donut bars. The dough and glaze alone make a delicious combination. You can even add a cinnamon-sugar dusting for extra sweetness and texture.

How do I know when the donuts are fried properly?

Fry each bar at 350–365°F for 1½ to 2 minutes per side. The bars should be evenly golden brown and sound slightly hollow when tapped. Using a thermometer helps ensure consistent temperature, which is key for getting that perfect crisp exterior and soft center.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, baking is an excellent alternative. Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the shaped dough in a parchment-lined pan, and bake for about 15–18 minutes until golden. The texture will be slightly different—less crisp but still soft and flavorful. Once baked, cool slightly before adding the apple filling and maple glaze.

How long does the maple glaze take to set?

The glaze typically sets within 15–20 minutes at room temperature. Make sure the bars are completely cooled before glazing; otherwise, the glaze may slide off or become too thin.

Can I freeze the donuts?

Yes. For best results, freeze the bars unglazed and unfilled. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, then fill and glaze fresh before serving.

Apple Pie Maple Donut Bars – The Best Irresistible Fall Dessert (2025)

Description

These Apple Pie Maple Donut Bars are fluffy, golden, and filled with gooey spiced apples—perfect for cozy mornings and fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup warm milk (105–110°F)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

2 eggs

1/4 cup melted salted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract

3 1/4 cups bread flour (or all-purpose)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

Oil for frying (e.g. avocado oil)

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice (optional)

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tsp water (slurry)

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon melted butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast with warm milk and sugar; let foam for 5–10 min.

2. Whisk in eggs, yogurt, vanilla, and melted butter.

3. Stir in flour, cinnamon, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic.

4. Let dough rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

5. Roll and cut dough into 12 bars. Place on parchment squares.

6. Let rise again for 30–45 min until puffy.

7. Make filling: cook apples with butter, brown sugar, spices, and maple. Add slurry to thicken. Cool completely.

8. Fry bars at 350–365°F for 1–2 min per side. Drain and cool.

9. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth.

10. Dip each bar into glaze and let set 15–20 min.

11. Pipe apple filling into each cooled bar from both ends.

12. Serve fresh or store per tips in article.

Notes

Don’t skip the second rise—it’s key for a fluffy texture.

Cool filling completely before using or it’ll melt the dough.

Glaze sets best on slightly cooled donuts.

For make-ahead, shape bars and refrigerate overnight.

Freeze unfilled/unfrosted for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Donuts, Fall Desserts
Method: Fried
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 275
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg