Maple Bacon Doughnuts bring together the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This recipe transforms a classic treat into something unique and crave-worthy, perfect for breakfast or a special brunch.
Flour is the foundation of our doughnuts, providing structure and texture. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. Baking powder is the leavening agent that gives the doughnuts their light and fluffy texture. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Whole milk, with its creamy consistency, helps bind everything together while adding moisture. Unsalted butter, melted, brings richness and flavor. Eggs provide structure and stability to the batter, and vanilla extract adds a hint of aromatic sweetness. The star of the show, cooked and crumbled bacon, introduces a delightful savory element. For the glaze, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of milk create a silky, sweet topping that perfectly complements the doughnuts. Lastly, vegetable oil is used for frying, ensuring the doughnuts cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
Maple Bacon Doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Consider serving them alongside a fruit salad to balance the richness, or pair them with a light, citrusy mimosa for a refreshing contrast. For a cozy morning, they go wonderfully with a cup of black coffee or espresso.
Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before you introduce the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add this wet mixture to your dry ingredients, stirring gently until you have a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter just combined for the best texture.
Next, fold in the crumbled bacon pieces. This is where the magic happens, as the savory bacon bits will add bursts of flavor in every bite. Set your batter aside while you heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot. This temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect doughnut texture—crispy on the outside but soft and tender inside.
While the oil heats, use a doughnut cutter to shape your doughnuts. Carefully place them into the hot oil, frying each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on your doughnuts; they cook quickly! Once they're done, remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Dip the tops of your slightly cooled doughnuts into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Let the glaze set before serving, which should only take a few minutes.
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