I remember the first time I whipped up a batch of these bad boys. It was a chilly winter morning, and I wanted to surprise my kiddos with a little something special. I had all the ingredients ready, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. The smell of bacon crisping in the oven, combined with the sweet maple glaze, filled the house and brought everyone rushing into the kitchen.
There, around our little breakfast nook, we bit into those fluffy, warm donuts, each bite better than the last. The kids’ faces lit up, and even my husband, who usually claims he’s not a “sweets person,” was reaching for seconds. These donuts have since become a staple in our home, a tradition we happily repeat whenever we crave a little joy and warmth.
Whether you’re looking to create new memories with your family or just want a delightful treat for yourself, these Maple Bacon Donuts are a surefire way to make any breakfast or brunch extra special. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into making these delicious bites of goodness!
How to Make Maple Bacon Donuts
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Ingredients:
- 1 quart vegetable oil, for frying
- 8 strips bacon
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers Original Biscuits (8 Count)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon milk
Directions:
- Place your bacon strips on a baking sheet. Combine brown sugar and maple syrup, then coat the bacon with this mixture. Start with a cold oven and set it to 350°F. Allow the bacon to bake for approximately 20 minutes until crispy. Remove and rough chop.
- Take each biscuit and roll it into a flat disk. Add a sprinkle of crispy bacon, reserving some for later. Fold and reshape each into a donut shape, cutting out a center hole with a small cutter. Flour your surface if the dough is sticky.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet to 325°F. Fry the donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and let them drain on paper towels.
- Create the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle this over the donuts and top with reserved bacon bits. Devour while warm!
Swaps for Bacon in This Dish
If you’re looking to mix up the flavors or cater to dietary preferences, consider using turkey bacon or even a plant-based bacon substitute. For a sweeter twist, candied nuts or granola can provide a crunchy contrast without altering the essence of these delightful donuts.
Best Ways to Store Maple Bacon Donuts
Keep your donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each donut individually with plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Perfect Pairings for Maple Bacon Donuts
These donuts shine when accompanied by a fresh cup of coffee or a steaming mug of tea. To complete your breakfast spread, serve them with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or melon, and a refreshing orange juice or mimosa for a delightful brunch experience.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Maple Bacon Donuts
Ensure your oil is at the right temperature by using a thermometer—too hot or too cold can affect the donut’s texture. For an extra maple flavor kick, add a few drops of maple extract to the glaze. And remember, patience is key when glazing; allow the donuts to cool slightly to avoid runny glaze.
Seasonal Twists for Maple Bacon Donuts
Bring seasonal flair to your donuts by incorporating spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in the fall, or a fresh zest of citrus in the spring. During the summer, top the glaze with fresh berries for a fruity contrast. In winter, add a hint of ginger or cloves to warm up your taste buds.
Can I use a different type of biscuit dough?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of biscuit doughs available in the market. Crescent roll dough or even homemade biscuit dough can be used for a slightly different texture. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed to achieve that perfect golden brown exterior.
How can I make the donuts more maple-flavored?
If you want a stronger maple flavor, consider adding a few drops of maple extract to the glaze or even infusing some maple flavor into the dough mixture. An extra drizzle of maple syrup over the finished donuts can also enhance the maple goodness.
What can I use if I don’t have a donut cutter?
If you don’t have a donut cutter, don’t worry! You can use a round cookie cutter or even a drinking glass to cut the donut shape. For the center hole, a bottle cap or a smaller round object works just fine. Creativity is key here!
How do I keep the glaze from being too runny?
To avoid runny glaze, ensure the donuts are slightly cooled before drizzling the glaze over them. If your glaze is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up. The key is achieving the right consistency that’s both sweet and easy to drizzle.
Can these donuts be made in advance?
While these donuts are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the bacon and glaze ahead of time. Assemble and fry the donuts just before serving to maintain their crispiness. If you must prepare them in advance, reheat gently in an oven to refresh their texture.
What’s the best way to reheat these donuts?
To reheat your donuts, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will help them regain some of their crispy texture without drying them out. Avoid microwaving the donuts as it can make them soggy and less appetizing.
Maple Bacon Donuts
Equipment
- baking sheet
- Large pan or cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
- 8 strips bacon
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers Original Biscuits (8 Count)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Begin by placing the bacon strips on a baking sheet. Combine the brown sugar and maple syrup, then spread this mixture over the bacon. Place the bacon in a cold oven and set it to 350°F. Bake for about 20 minutes until crispy, then chop it roughly.
For Donuts:
- Take each biscuit, roll it out into a flat round, and sprinkle some of the crispy bacon on top. Reserve some bacon for garnishing later. Fold the biscuit over and shape it into a round donut, cutting out the center with a small cutter. Repeat this process until all donuts are formed, using flour to prevent stickiness if necessary.
- In a large pan or cast iron skillet, heat the vegetable oil to 325°F. Carefully add the donuts in batches, frying them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. After frying, place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
For Glaze:
- For the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup together until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm donuts and sprinkle the reserved bacon bits on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
