Homemade Maple Bars

Sometimes you just gotta eat a donut! 

One time when that thought crossed my mind, I searched for a Maple bar recipe and first found this recipe here. I am usually not much of a maple bar fan but, my family is. Trust me, these will make a believer out of you! I have even adapted them to make them chocolate on top for days when I am out of maple extract. The maple is still my favorite!

Maple bar dough recipe

1 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup shortening
4 Tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt

1/4 cup lukewarm water

2 (1/4 ounce) envelopes yeast
2 large eggs, beaten
5 cups flour (might need a bit more)
2 teaspoons cinnamon

For the dough:
In a medium saucepan scald milk; add shortening, 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar, and salt. Stir to combine and set aside to cool to lukewarm.

In a large mixing bowl, add the lukewarm water and the yeast (remember the water should be just lukewarm, too hot and it will kill the yeast) Add the remaining 1 Tablespoon of sugar to the yeast and water and whisk to combine. Let sit for about 5 minutes until it starts to bubble and become foamy.

After the yeast is foamy and the milk mixture is luke warm. Add the eggs to the yeast and stir to combine, then add the milk mixture to the yeast mixture. Whisk the cinnamon into the flour and gradually add to the yeast mixture. You may need to add more, you want the dough slightly sticky but not too sticky. Knead for 3 to 5 minutes.
Spray another large bowl with non-stick spray (or simply apply a small amount of cooking oil to bowl with a paper towel), place dough in the bowl and let raise for an hour or until double in size.

Punch down and roll out into a large rectangle about 1 inch thick.

Cut into rectangles, cutting the dough in half, and then each half into 6 pieces to make 12 bars, then place on a greased baking sheet. Let raise for about 30 minutes.
While bars are raising, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Make the icing while the bars are raising.
Bake the bars for 7 to 8 minutes or until light golden brown, Watch carefully. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before icing.

Maple Icing

1/3 cup butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup milk

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons maple extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

In a small saucepan mix butter, brown sugar and milk. Bring to boil for medium heat and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for 15 minutes. Add the maple extract, salt, and powdered sugar and blend well with a hand mixer. Add a little more powdered sugar if needed. Spread on maple bars and enjoy!