Chef Mitchell preparing Maple Bacon Cheese Doughnuts
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I stumbled upon the idea of Maple Bacon Cheese Doughnuts during a late-night cooking session. I wanted to blend sweet and savory in a unique way, and after several attempts, I perfected this recipe. It quickly became a favorite among friends and family, and I love sharing it with everyone. The combination of flavors just works beautifully!"

Chef Mitchell has a passion for American cuisine, specializing in comfort foods and snacks. With over a decade of experience in the culinary world, he brings creativity to every recipe. His focus is on using fresh, quality ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and memorable.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Maple Bacon Cheese Doughnuts served on a plate

Why This Maple Bacon Cheese Doughnuts Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it brings together the irresistible flavors of maple syrup, crispy bacon, and creamy cheddar cheese. The doughnuts are baked, making them lighter than traditional fried options while still delivering a satisfying texture. The sweet glaze complements the savory elements perfectly, creating a harmonious blend that excites the palate.

Using simple techniques, you can achieve exceptional results with these doughnuts. The method of folding in bacon and cheese ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Additionally, the glaze adds a finishing touch that elevates the entire experience, making these doughnuts a go-to for any occasion.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use fresh ingredients and high-quality cheese. Allow the doughnuts to cool slightly before glazing to ensure the glaze adheres perfectly. Also, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or toppings to make this recipe your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the doughnut batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. However, it is best to bake them fresh for the best texture and flavor. You can also bake them ahead and store them in an airtight container, reheating them before serving.

If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. Alternatively, you can use yogurt thinned with a bit of water.

The doughnuts are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They should spring back slightly when touched. Avoid overbaking to maintain their moisture.

Yes, you can freeze the baked doughnuts. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

These doughnuts pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. They also make a delightful addition to brunch tables alongside fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait.

In the fridge, these doughnuts will last for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Enjoy them within this time frame for the best flavor and texture.

Yes, you can prepare the doughnut batter and bake them in advance. Store them in an airtight container once cooled. It is recommended to glaze them just before serving to maintain the glaze's freshness.

To reheat, place the doughnuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their texture. Avoid using a microwave, as it may make them soggy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: Doughnuts come out dry and crumbly.

Solution: This may happen if the flour is over-measured or the doughnuts are overbaked. Ensure accurate measuring and check for doneness a few minutes early.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The doughnuts lack a crispy exterior.

Solution: To achieve a crispy texture, ensure the doughnuts are baked at the right temperature and not overcrowded in the pan during baking. Allow proper cooling before glazing.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Doughnuts are too dark or hard.

Prevention: Check the oven temperature and calibrate if necessary. Consider reducing the baking time if they are consistently coming out overcooked.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: Doughnuts have a raw center.

Recovery: If the outside appears done but the inside is still raw, reduce your oven temperature slightly and bake longer to ensure even cooking throughout.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Doughnuts have a burnt outer layer.

Prevention: Lower the baking temperature and check for doneness earlier to prevent burning. Use a light-colored pan to help with even heat distribution.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: To balance excess sweetness, add a pinch of salt to the batter or serve with a tangy dipping sauce.

Too Salty: If too salty, consider adding more sugar to balance the flavor or serving with a sweet glaze to counteract the saltiness.

Bland: Enhance flavor by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter or incorporating additional bacon for a savory kick.

Fresh ingredients for Maple Bacon Cheese Doughnuts

Essential Ingredients for Maple Bacon Cheese Doughnuts

The key ingredients for these doughnuts include all-purpose flour for structure, sugar for sweetness, and baking powder for leavening. The addition of crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors, making each bite a delightful surprise. Maple syrup adds a sweet glaze that enhances the overall taste.

Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture. Opt for fresh bacon and good-quality cheese to enhance the doughnut's savory aspect. For the glaze, pure maple syrup is recommended for a richer taste compared to imitation syrup.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Ensure you use a properly measured quantity of flour to avoid dense doughnuts. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
  • Crispy Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy for the best texture. Chop it into small pieces to distribute evenly throughout the doughnuts.
  • Maple Syrup: Select high-quality maple syrup for glazing. It gives a deeper flavor and a beautiful shine to the finished doughnuts.
Cooking process for Maple Bacon Cheese Doughnuts

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

This recipe involves simple steps that make baking a breeze. Start by mixing the dry ingredients separately from the wet ones, ensuring they are well combined before bringing them together. The folding technique helps maintain the doughnut's light texture while incorporating the crispy bacon and cheese fully.

To achieve perfect results, avoid overmixing the batter. Bake the doughnuts until they are just golden and allow them to cool slightly before glazing. This ensures the glaze adheres well and enhances the overall flavor experience.

Key Technique for Perfect Maple Bacon Cheese Doughnuts

The folding technique is essential for these doughnuts. Gently fold the bacon and cheese into the batter to avoid deflating it, ensuring a light and fluffy texture. This method helps create a delightful balance between the sweet glaze and savory elements.

Maple Bacon Cheese Doughnuts

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup maple syrup
    Pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
    For glazing
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
    To adjust glaze consistency

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For structure
  • 1/2 cup sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    For leavening
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To enhance flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    For warmth
  • 2 large eggs
    For moisture and binding
  • 1 cup buttermilk
    For richness
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    For flavor
  • 8 slices crispy bacon, chopped
    For savory element

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients

    In another bowl, mix the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

  4. Combine Mixtures

    Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

  5. Fold in Cheese and Bacon

    Gently fold in cheddar cheese and chopped bacon into the batter.

  6. Fill Doughnut Pan

    Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.

  7. Bake the Doughnuts

    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

  8. Prepare Maple Glaze

    In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with maple syrup and milk until smooth.

  9. Glaze the Doughnuts

    Once the doughnuts are cool, dip each one into the maple glaze and top with additional bacon.

  10. Serve and Enjoy

    Serve the doughnuts warm and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them. Reheat before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

These doughnuts are best served warm, ideally with a cup of coffee or tea. They also pair well with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal.

Recipe Variations

Try adding different cheeses such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or substitute maple syrup with honey for a different sweetness. You can also experiment with different toppings like chocolate drizzle or nuts.