Quick Maple Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines the soft texture of fried buttermilk biscuits with a rich and sweet maple glaze. These bars are perfect for a quick breakfast treat, dessert, or an indulgent snack. With minimal ingredients and quick frying time, you can whip up these delightful bars in no time!
Ingredients for Quick Maple Bars
For the Bars:
- 16-ounce tube of buttermilk-style biscuits (store-bought)
- 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Maple Glaze:
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed (for sweetness and depth)
- 5 tbsp salted butter (for richness)
- 4 tbsp milk (to thin the glaze)
- 1 ½ tbsp light corn syrup (for a smooth texture)
- 1 tbsp maple extract (for that signature maple flavor)
- 1 ¾ cups confectioners’ sugar (to make the glaze thick and sweet)
Instructions for Quick Maple Bars
1. Heat the Oil
- In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, or test with a small piece of dough—if it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.
2. Prepare the Biscuits
- Open the tube of buttermilk-style biscuits and separate the dough. Flatten each biscuit slightly with your hands or a rolling pin to create a more elongated shape, like a bar or oval.
3. Fry the Biscuits
- Carefully drop the flattened biscuit dough into the hot oil, frying a few pieces at a time. Fry each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip the biscuits halfway through to ensure even frying.
- Once golden brown, remove the fried biscuits using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Maple Glaze
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the light brown sugar, milk, and light corn syrup, and whisk continuously until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the maple extract and confectioners’ sugar. Stir until the glaze is thick and smooth.
5. Glaze the Bars
- Once the fried biscuit bars have cooled slightly, dip each one into the warm maple glaze, coating the top evenly. Allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing the bars on a wire rack or serving plate.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the glazed bars set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these Quick Maple Bars warm or at room temperature as a sweet and satisfying treat!
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil stays at a consistent temperature of 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the bars may brown too quickly and not cook through; if it’s too cool, they can become greasy.
- Biscuit Shape: You can cut a small hole in the center of the flattened biscuits before frying to create a more traditional donut shape if you prefer.
- Homemade Alternative: If you don’t have store-bought biscuits, you can use homemade biscuit dough for a more personalized touch.
Variations for Quick Maple Bars
1. Chocolate Maple Bars
- After glazing the bars with the maple glaze, drizzle them with melted chocolate for a delicious chocolate-maple combo.
2. Nutty Maple Bars
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of the glaze while it’s still wet for a nutty crunch that complements the sweetness of the maple.
3. Maple Bacon Bars
- For a savory-sweet twist, crumble cooked crispy bacon on top of the maple glaze. The combination of salty bacon and sweet maple glaze creates a delicious contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Simply reheat it gently over low heat or in the microwave before glazing the bars.
2. Can I bake the biscuits instead of frying them?
Yes! If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the biscuits according to the package instructions and then dip them in the glaze once they’ve cooled slightly.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover maple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they start to lose their crispiness, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes
Sweet and Simple Maple Bars
These Quick Maple Bars are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of a classic maple bar without the hassle of making yeast dough. With store-bought buttermilk biscuits, a rich maple glaze, and just a few minutes of frying, you can create a delicious treat in no time. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these maple bars are sure to impress and satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth!
