Description

These Savory Maple Bacon Donuts combine smoky, crispy bacon with real maple syrup and a crackly caramelized topping for the ultimate sweet-and-savory brunch treat. Easy to make and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy breakfast at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp (25g) light brown sugar
¼ cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or whole milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
½ tsp vanilla extract
6 slices thick-cut bacon
2 tbsp (25g) light brown sugar (for caramelizing the bacon)
¼ cup (60ml) pure maple syrup (for topping)
2 tbsp (25g) brown sugar (for topping)
2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter (for topping)
Pinch of kosher salt (for topping)
Optional: Extra crispy bacon bits
Optional: Flaky sea salt
Optional: Chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out bacon slices and sprinkle with 2 tbsp brown sugar. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until deep golden and crispy. Let cool completely, then chop into bits.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 2 tbsp brown sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk together ¼ cup maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold until just combined. Fold in half of the chopped bacon.
Spray a donut pan with nonstick spray. Spoon or pipe batter into each cavity, filling ⅔ full. Tap pan to level.
Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
For the topping, combine ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp butter, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until bubbling, then simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool 2 minutes.
Dip or spoon glaze over each donut. Sprinkle with reserved bacon bits, flaky sea salt, and chopped pecans if desired. Let set for 5 minutes.
Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute coconut oil for butter and plant-based milk for buttermilk. Work quickly with the glaze as it sets fast. Let donuts cool before glazing for best results. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 210
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 220
Fat: 9
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 27
Fiber: 1
Protein: 5

Keywords: maple bacon donut, savory donut, brunch recipe, caramelized topping, sweet and savory, baked donut, breakfast, easy donut recipe