Maple Bacon Donut Holes

Featured in: Sweet & Savory Treats

These tender, bite-sized donuts combine the sweetness of maple glaze with the savory crunch of crispy bacon. Made from a lightly spiced dough, they're fried to golden perfection then dipped in a smooth maple glaze. Each piece is finished with chopped bacon, creating a delightful balance of flavors perfect for dessert or a special snack. The process involves mixing simple ingredients, frying carefully, and glazing before topping, resulting in an irresistible treat that’s best enjoyed fresh.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:59:00 GMT
Tender maple bacon donut holes, drizzled with sweet glaze, perfect for breakfast treats.  Save
Tender maple bacon donut holes, drizzled with sweet glaze, perfect for breakfast treats. | nibbromeals.com

Tender, bite-sized donut holes glazed with sweet maple icing and topped with crispy bacon for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite on weekend mornings.

Ingredients

  • Donut Holes: 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter melted, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, Vegetable oil for frying
  • Maple Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar sifted, 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, 1 2 tbsp whole milk
  • Bacon Topping: 5 slices thick-cut bacon

Instructions

Prepare the bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels then chop into small pieces. Set aside.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a large bowl whisk together flour sugar baking powder salt and cinnamon.
Mix wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl whisk milk melted butter egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine:
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Heat oil:
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry donut holes:
Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons carefully drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough into the hot oil frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry 2 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain:
Remove donut holes with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Prepare glaze:
Whisk together powdered sugar maple syrup and 1 tablespoon milk. Add more milk if needed for a smooth pourable consistency.
Glaze and top:
Dip warm donut holes into the maple glaze then sprinkle with chopped bacon. Place on a wire rack to set.
Bite-sized maple bacon donut holes gleam with icing, ideal for cozy brunches.  Save
Bite-sized maple bacon donut holes gleam with icing, ideal for cozy brunches. | nibbromeals.com

Our kids love grabbing these bite-sized treats fresh from the kitchen, making breakfast lively and fun.

Tips for Making Donut Holes

Make sure your oil temperature stays steady at 350°F for even cooking.

Storage Suggestions

Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Variations to Try

Swap bacon for turkey bacon or add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm flavor twist.

Delicious donut holes topped with crispy bacon, delivering sweet and savory bites anytime. Save
Delicious donut holes topped with crispy bacon, delivering sweet and savory bites anytime. | nibbromeals.com

Enjoy these maple bacon donut holes fresh for the ultimate sweet and savory experience.

Common recipe questions

What gives these donut holes their sweet and savory flavor?

The balance comes from the sweet maple glaze paired with crispy bacon pieces sprinkled on top.

How do I ensure the donut holes cook evenly?

Fry them in batches at 350°F (175°C) so they cook evenly and achieve a golden brown color on all sides.

Can I substitute the bacon with a different topping?

Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a lighter alternative while maintaining a similar savory crunch.

How do I make the maple glaze smooth and pourable?

Whisk powdered sugar with maple syrup and add milk gradually until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

What is the best way to store these donut holes?

They are best enjoyed the same day made but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a short period.

Maple Bacon Donut Holes

Tender, bite-sized donut holes glazed with maple icing and topped with crispy bacon for sweet-savory flavor.

Time to prep
20 minutes
Time to cook
20 minutes
Overall time
40 minutes
Creator Ethan Cole


Level of difficulty Medium

Cuisine type American

Serves 24 Number of servings

Nutrition info None specified

Ingredient list

Donut Holes

01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 1/2 cup whole milk
07 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
08 1 large egg
09 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 Vegetable oil, for frying

Maple Glaze

01 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
02 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
03 1–2 tablespoons whole milk

Bacon Topping

01 5 slices thick-cut bacon

Cooking steps

Step 01

Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, chop finely, and set aside.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly blended.

Step 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.

Step 04

Prepare Dough: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing to ensure tender texture.

Step 05

Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of approximately 2 inches.

Step 06

Fry Donut Holes: Using a small scoop or spoons, carefully drop tablespoon-sized dough balls into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Step 07

Drain Donut Holes: Remove donut holes with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 08

Prepare Maple Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon milk together until smooth. Add additional milk as needed to reach a pourable consistency.

Step 09

Glaze and Garnish: Dip warm donut holes into the maple glaze, then sprinkle with chopped bacon. Arrange on a wire rack to set before serving.

Kitchen tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack
  • Skillet
  • Paper towels

Allergy details

Always check ingredients for allergens. Unsure? Talk to a healthcare expert.
  • Contains gluten (wheat flour), dairy (milk, butter), eggs, and pork (bacon). Check labels for potential cross-contamination.

Nutrition details per serving

Details are shared for reference only. Reach out to your doctor with any health questions.
  • Energy (calories): 110
  • Total fat: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 14 grams
  • Protein content: 2 grams