Decadent Maple Bars with Bavarian Cream Filling
These delightful Maple Bars are a cherished treat that bring back nostalgic flavors from childhood. Originating from the northwestern region, these deep-fried bars boast a soft, tender texture and a rich maple frosting that perfectly complements their sweetness. It's a versatile recipe that allows for indulgence with optional Bavarian cream filling, adding a luxurious twist. This recipe is halved from the original to make a perfectly manageable batch—ideal for family gatherings or simply enjoying at home. Remember, restless hands in the kitchen can easily add too much flour, so keep it light to ensure these bars remain soft and pillowy. Treat yourself to a delightful experience with these irresistible creations!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yeast
2 tablespoons (Active dry yeast)
Warm Water
1/2 cup (To activate the yeast)
Margarine
6 tablespoons (Melted for the dough and 1/2 cup for frosting)
Milk
1 cup (Scalded)
Cold Water
1 cup (To cool the milk mixture)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To enhance flavor)
Sugar
1/2 cup (For sweetness)
Eggs
3 (Beaten)
Flour
6-7 cups (All-purpose, use as needed)
Oil
As needed (For frying)
Powdered Sugar
4 1/2 cups (For frosting)
Milk (for frosting)
4 tablespoons (For consistency in frosting)
Maple Flavoring
2 tablespoons (For the frosting)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Allow it to activate and foam for about 5-10 minutes.
2
In a large saucepan, melt the margarine. Add the scalded milk, sugar, and salt, stirring until dissolved. Once the mixture cools slightly, stir in the cold water.
3
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then add them to the milk mixture, mixing thoroughly.
4
Pour the yeast mixture into your mixing bowl along with the milk mixture.
5
Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft but workable dough forms. The dough should be pliable, not sticky.
6
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
7
Cut the dough into rectangular bars, approximately 2-3 inches by 5-6 inches.
8
Place the cut bars on a floured baking sheet and let them rise, covered, until doubled in size—approximately 30-60 minutes.
9
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bars in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
10
Remove the fried bars and drain on paper towels. Allow to cool before filling with Bavarian cream, if desired.
11
For the frosting: In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, melted margarine, milk, and maple flavoring until smooth using a hand blender.
12
Frost the bars individually as you enjoy them, as the frosting may slide off if left to sit too long.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Maple Bars?
Decadent Maple Bars are deep-fried rectangular doughnuts with a soft, tender texture and a rich maple frosting, often filled with Bavarian cream.
What type of yeast is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast.
How long should the yeast activate before mixing?
The yeast should be combined with warm water and allowed to foam for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
Why is it important to keep the dough light when adding flour?
Adding too much flour can make the bars tough; keeping the dough light ensures they remain soft and pillowy.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How thick should the dough be rolled out?
The dough should be rolled into a rectangle about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
What size should the maple bars be cut into?
The dough should be cut into rectangular bars approximately 2-3 inches by 5-6 inches.
How long do the cut bars need to rise before frying?
The bars should rise in a covered area until they have doubled in size, which takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
How long does it take to fry each maple bar?
Fry the bars in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
What are the ingredients for the maple frosting?
The frosting consists of 4 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of melted margarine, 4 tablespoons of milk, and 2 tablespoons of maple flavoring.
When is the best time to frost the bars?
It is best to frost the bars individually as you enjoy them to prevent the frosting from sliding off.
How much flour is required for the dough?
The recipe requires between 6 to 7 cups of all-purpose flour, added gradually until a soft but workable dough forms.
What is the purpose of scalding the milk?
Scalding the milk is part of the traditional preparation to help dissolve the sugar, salt, and margarine for the dough.
Can I add a filling to these maple bars?
Yes, these bars are designed to be filled with Bavarian cream if desired after they have cooled.
How many eggs are needed for this batch?
The recipe calls for 3 beaten eggs.
Is this a full-size original recipe?
No, this recipe has been halved from the original to make a more manageable batch for home use.
Where do these maple bars originate from?
These maple bars are a cherished treat originating from the northwestern region.
What is the texture of the dough?
The dough should be pliable and workable, but not sticky.
How much maple flavoring is used in the frosting?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of maple flavoring for the frosting.
What should I do after removing the bars from the fryer?
Remove the bars and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil before cooling.
What type of sugar is used in the dough?
The dough uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar for sweetness.
How much margarine is used in the dough?
The dough requires 6 tablespoons of melted margarine.
What do I use to mix the frosting?
A hand blender is recommended to mix the frosting ingredients until smooth.
How much warm water is needed to activate the yeast?
You will need 1/2 cup of warm water to activate the yeast.
What is the purpose of the cold water in the recipe?
The cold water is added to the scalded milk mixture to help cool it down before adding the eggs and yeast.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor.
Are these maple bars considered a comfort food?
Yes, they are tagged as a nostalgic comfort food and a sweet treat.
What tags describe this recipe?
The tags include dessert, doughnuts, maple, deep-fried, bavarian cream, homemade, and comfort food.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use a deep fryer for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a deep fryer or a large pot to heat the oil to the required temperature.