Maple Glaze for Doughnuts

Originating from the heart of North America, where maple syrup has been a beloved ingredient for centuries, maple glaze combines a rich, caramel-like flavor with a velvety texture for a simple yet delectable way to enhance your baked goods.

Similar to classic glaze flavors such as vanilla or chocolate, this maple version offers a comforting and sophisticated twist, whether you’re drizzling it over your favorite doughnut recipe, bundt cake or scones.

Maple Glaze Ingredients

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• Confectioners’ sugar: Powdered sugar is key to achieving a smooth glaze. It dissolves easily, creating a glossy texture without any graininess.
• Milk: Reduced-fat milk adds a creamy consistency to the glaze, helping it to spread smoothly over your baked goods. Using 2% milk gives a balanced richness without being too heavy.
• Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup infuses the glaze with a deep, natural sweetness and maple flavor that is hard to replicate. Grade A amber syrup is often best for glazes due to its more intense maple flavor.
• Maple flavoring: A touch of maple flavoring intensifies the glaze’s maple essence, especially if grade B maple syrup is all you have.

Directions

Step 1: Combine ingredients

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Whisk confectioners’ sugar, milk, maple syrup and maple flavoring in a mixing bowl until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar.

Editor’s Tip: To check the glaze’s consistency, drizzle it over a small piece of parchment paper. It should flow smoothly but not be too runny.

Step 2: Apply the glaze

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Once your baked goods are completely cool, drizzle, dunk or spread the glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before serving.

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Maple Glaze Recipe Variations

• Maple bourbon: For a boozy twist, add a splash of bourbon to your glaze. It’ll add a delightful depth and complexity to bourbon-soaked cakes or spiced scones.
• Maple cinnamon: Mix a teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the glaze. For even more spice, add a blend of spices such as nutmeg, ginger or cloves for a warm, aromatic flavor profile.
• Maple vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of maple glaze with a hint of creamy vanilla.
• Maple orange: A bit of orange zest gives the glaze a refreshing zesty brightness.
• Maple nut: Stir in finely chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to give coffee cakes, pound cakes or even ice cream a delightful crunch.
• Maple espresso: Blend in a small amount of espresso or strong coffee for a robust flavor that enhances the maple’s sweetness. It works well with chocolate cakes and coffee cakes.

How to Store Maple Glaze

Commercial confectioners’ sugar contains cornstarch, which causes this glaze to harden as it sits. It’s really best to use it right after mixing, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator. Bring the glaze to room temperature and whisk it vigorously to remove any clumps, adding additional milk if needed.

Can you freeze maple glaze?

Freezing the glaze isn’t recommended as it may change the consistency.

Maple Glaze Recipe Tips

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What kind of doughnuts should you dip in maple glaze?

This glaze can be used on any type of doughnut, from old-fashioned and cake doughnuts to baked or fried varieties. After making the doughnuts, wait until they are cool enough to handle. Dip them in the glaze and place them on wire racks. The glaze will harden within a few minutes. As with chocolate glaze for doughnuts, you can add sprinkles or nuts before the glaze hardens, if desired.

How else can you use maple glaze?

Maple glaze is an all-purpose glaze that adds color, sweetness and an attractive sheen to pastry recipes. Try drizzling it over cakes, apple turnovers, pumpkin scones, cream puffs, fruit tarts or cinnamon rolls.

Can I use dark or amber maple syrup for this glaze?

Both dark and amber maple syrups would work in this recipe. Darker syrups provide a more robust flavor, while amber syrups offer a lighter, more delicate taste. Here are the best maple syrup brands, according to our experts.

Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?

Absolutely! Almond milk, soy milk or oat milk can be used in place of the 2% milk. Just keep in mind that non-dairy milks might slightly alter the flavor and consistency.