There’s something irresistibly comforting about homemade doughnuts, especially when they’re crowned with the perfect sweet-savory combination of maple and bacon. These Maple Bacon Doughnuts bring together the smoky crispness of bacon with the deep sweetness of maple in a pillowy, fried dough that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or simply craving a special treat, these doughnuts strike that perfect balance between indulgence and comfort food. The contrast between the warm, soft doughnut, sticky maple glaze, and crunchy bacon topping creates a flavor experience that’s worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This
- Perfect sweet-savory balance that satisfies multiple cravings at once
- Impressive presentation that looks like it came from a gourmet bakery
- Versatile recipe that works for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- Can be partially prepared ahead of time for easier morning assembly
- Uses simple pantry ingredients with big flavor payoff
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 can (16.3 ounce) Grands! biscuits
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 slices bacon, fried or baked until crispy and diced into small pieces
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil over high heat in a deep pot or pan. Aim for around 350°F if using a thermometer.
- Separate biscuits and cut out a hole in the center of each using the top of your plastic oil container or similar round object to create the doughnut shape.
- Fry each doughnut until golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer to a cooling rack with paper towels beneath to drain excess oil.
- While doughnuts drain, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a medium sized bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Dip one side of each doughnut into the maple glaze and place back on the cooling rack.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the glaze of each doughnut while it’s still wet so the bacon adheres well.
- Let glaze set for a few minutes, then serve while still warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the dough to 1/4 cup.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon maple extract to the dough for an extra maple flavor boost.
- Try using candied bacon for an even more decadent topping.
- The dough can be made the night before and refrigerated until ready to fry.
- For a baked version, pipe the batter into a greased doughnut pan and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Make mini doughnuts by using just 1 tablespoon of batter per doughnut for bite-sized treats.
Serving Suggestions
These Maple Bacon Doughnuts are delicious on their own, but they truly shine as part of a larger breakfast spread. Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a balanced brunch, or pair with hot coffee or cold milk for a satisfying snack.
For an extra special presentation, arrange the doughnuts on a tiered serving platter with additional bacon pieces and a small pitcher of warm maple syrup on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- The oil temperature is crucial—too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too cool and the doughnuts will absorb too much oil.
- For the crispiest bacon topping, sprinkle it on just before serving.
- If the glaze becomes too thick while working, warm it slightly or add a few drops of milk to thin it out.
FAQs
Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. The fried doughnuts are best glazed and topped just before serving.
What’s the best oil for frying these doughnuts?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil all work well. Choose an oil with a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Can I freeze these doughnuts?
While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of the glaze and bacon topping will change. If necessary, freeze unglazed doughnuts and add toppings after thawing.
How do I know when the oil is the right temperature without a thermometer?
Drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles gently and rises to the surface within a few seconds, the oil is ready. If it browns too quickly, the oil is too hot.
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