Oh, Canada! Home to the mighty maple leaf, vast and beautiful landscapes, and of course, the sweet and savory taste of maple bacon donuts. These delectable treats are the perfect way to indulge in the flavors of the Great White North. In this article, we'll guide you step-by-step on how to make these mouth-watering pastries from scratch, so you can enjoy a taste of Canada's favorite treat in the comfort of your own kitchen. Let's dive right in!
Ingredients
For the donuts:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup whole milk
2 large eggs
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the maple glaze:
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
3 tbsp pure maple syrup
2 tbsp whole milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the bacon topping:
6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
Prepare the donut dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes.
Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, and heat it to 365°F (185°C). Use a deep-frying thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Roll out and cut the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger, one smaller) to cut out donut shapes. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut out more donuts until the dough is used up.
Fry the donuts: Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or spider to transfer the donuts to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain and cool.
Make the maple glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Glaze and garnish the donuts: Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip the top of each donut into the maple glaze, allowing the excess glaze to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back onto the wire rack and immediately sprinkle with the cooked, crumbled bacon.
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Conclusion
There you have it – a simple, delicious recipe to create your very own maple bacon donuts. This Canadian delight is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or simply an indulgent snack any time of the day. The combination of sweet, smoky, and salty flavors will transport you to the heart of Canada with every bite. So
gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds.
Variations and Tips
Now that you've mastered the basic maple bacon donut recipe, feel free to get creative and try out some variations or additional toppings to make your donuts even more irresistible. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
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Add a twist of spice: For a unique flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the donut dough. Alternatively, you can also mix a little cayenne pepper into the maple glaze for a sweet and spicy treat that's sure to surprise and delight.
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Go nuts: If you're a fan of nuts, try sprinkling chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the maple glaze along with the bacon for an added crunch and depth of flavor.
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Make it extra maple-y: For an even more intense maple flavor, use maple sugar instead of granulated sugar in the donut dough, or replace the whole milk in the glaze with maple syrup.
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Try different types of bacon: Experiment with different types of bacon to create unique flavor profiles. For instance, you can use applewood-smoked bacon for a subtle smokiness, or peppered bacon for an extra kick.
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Get creative with shapes: Who says donuts have to be round? Have fun with your donut cutter and try making maple bacon donut twists, bars, or even donut holes.
Remember, the key to making delicious maple bacon donuts is to use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the maple syrup and bacon. Choose pure maple syrup (preferably from Canada) and thick-cut bacon to ensure the best flavors and textures.
In Closing
We hope you enjoyed learning how to make Canada's favorite maple bacon donuts. These delightful pastries are sure to be a hit at your next brunch, family gathering, or simply as a treat to enjoy on a lazy weekend morning. Once you've perfected this recipe, don't be afraid to put your own spin on it and make it your own. Happy baking, eh!