Imagine biting into a warm, soft, fluffy donut coated in a silky maple glaze and topped with crispy, smoky bacon bits. The combination is pure magic — sweet, salty, smoky, and utterly addictive. That’s exactly what you get with these Maple Bacon Donuts.

These donuts are baked (not fried!) for a lighter texture and are finished with a smooth homemade maple glaze that glistens beautifully once set. They’re ideal for brunches, special occasions, or anytime you want to impress guests with a donut that’s as gourmet as it sounds.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of flavor and texture — soft, pillowy donuts with a glaze that’s luxuriously sweet and a topping that delivers a delightful crunch.

It’s not just a donut; it’s a flavor experience. The maple glaze adds that warm, caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory, salty bacon. Every time I make these, the house fills with the scent of maple and vanilla — the kind of aroma that instantly feels cozy and welcoming.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try recipe for several reasons:

• It’s a showstopper — everyone’s eyes light up when they see bacon on a donut.
• It’s a perfect harmony of flavors: salty, sweet, smoky, and buttery.
• Baked, not fried, so it’s lighter than traditional donuts.
• The maple glaze is divine — silky, flavorful, and easy to make.
• It’s great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and always a conversation starter.

If you’ve ever loved the maple-bacon combo at breakfast, this donut version will make your taste buds sing.

Time, Servings & Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12–14 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 donuts
• Calories: ~310 kcal per donut

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Breakfast / Dessert
• Cuisine: American / Modern Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup maple syrup

For the Maple Glaze

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Bacon Topping

• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
• Optional: 1 tbsp maple syrup (to candy the bacon)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange bacon slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 15–18 minutes until crisp.
4. Drain on paper towels, let cool, and chop into small pieces.
   Optional: Brush with a little maple syrup before baking to create candied bacon for an extra-sweet crunch.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Batter

1. Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, sugars, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined (don’t overmix).

Step 3: Bake the Donuts

1. Grease a donut pan and fill each cavity about ¾ full (you can pipe the batter using a ziplock bag for ease).
2. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Maple Glaze

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and 1–2 tbsp milk until smooth and glossy.
2. Adjust consistency — add more milk for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker one.

Step 5: Glaze and Top the Donuts

1. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze.
2. Let excess drip off slightly.
3. Place on a wire rack and immediately sprinkle with chopped bacon before the glaze sets.
4. Let rest 10 minutes for the glaze to firm up.

How to Serve

Serve the Maple Bacon Donuts slightly warm or at room temperature.
They pair perfectly with:

• A cup of hot coffee or cappuccino
• A glass of cold milk
• As part of a brunch spread with scrambled eggs and fruit
• Or as a dessert after dinner for something delightfully unexpected

Recipe Tips

• Use real maple syrup: The flavor difference is huge — avoid pancake syrup.
• Crispy bacon is key: Soft bacon will make the topping soggy.
• Cool donuts before glazing: This ensures the glaze sets perfectly.
• Pipe batter neatly: Use a piping bag for even, round donuts.
• Double the glaze: If you love a thicker glaze layer, make an extra batch!

Variations

1. Maple Pecan Donuts: Replace bacon with toasted pecans for a nutty crunch.
2. Spicy Maple Bacon: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a sweet-heat twist.
3. Maple Chocolate Bacon Donuts: Dip donuts in chocolate ganache before drizzling maple glaze.
4. Mini Donuts: Make bite-sized versions using a mini donut pan — perfect for parties.
5. Vegan Option: Use coconut bacon, plant-based milk, and vegan butter for a dairy-free treat.

Freezing & Storage

Room Temperature:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator:

• Keep in an airtight container up to 4 days. Warm briefly before serving.

Freezer:

• Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature, then glaze fresh before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Donut pan (standard or mini)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Wire cooling rack
• Baking sheet (for bacon)
• Piping bag or ziplock bag (optional for neat filling)

FAQ

Q1: Can I fry these donuts instead of baking them?
This recipe is designed for baking, but you can use a yeast-based dough for frying if desired.

Q2: Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the donuts a day before, store unglazed, and glaze fresh the next morning.

Q3: Can I use turkey bacon?
Absolutely — just cook it until crisp for a lighter version.

Q4: My glaze isn’t setting — what went wrong?
It may be too thin. Add more powdered sugar until it thickens to coat the donut smoothly.

Q5: Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes! Use a muffin tin and place a rolled piece of foil in the center of each cup to mimic the donut hole.

Conclusion

Maple Bacon Donuts with Maple Glaze are the ultimate fusion of comfort and indulgence — a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that delight every sense. Each bite is a beautiful mix of fluffy donut, rich maple glaze, and crunchy bacon topping — an irresistible pairing that makes mornings extra special.

Whether for a brunch celebration, weekend treat, or just to surprise your family, these donuts never fail to impress. Once you’ve tasted the heavenly marriage of maple and bacon, there’s no going back — you’ll be hooked for life!