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Irresistible Maple Bacon Donut Cake Recipe with Easy Brown Butter Glaze

maple bacon donut cake - featured image

A delightful twist combining crispy smoky bacon with a soft maple-infused cake, topped with a nutty brown butter glaze that adds a rich, silky finish. Perfect for brunch or dessert, this recipe is quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 810 bacon slices, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the glaze:
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, browned
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly.
  2. Cook the bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and chop into small pieces. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Using a mixer, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and maple syrup.
  6. Add dry ingredients in three parts alternated with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  7. Fold in most of the bacon pieces, reserving a small handful for topping.
  8. Pour batter into prepared pan, spread evenly, and sprinkle reserved bacon on top.
  9. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
  11. To make the glaze, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally until golden brown and nutty, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  12. Whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, and salt until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.
  13. Drizzle the warm glaze evenly over the cooled cake and let set for 10 minutes.
  14. Slice and serve.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor. Watch butter closely when browning to avoid burning. Let cake cool completely before glazing to prevent glaze from sliding off. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free baking blend including xanthan gum. For dairy-free, use coconut oil and dairy-free milk alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bacon donut cake, brown butter glaze, brunch dessert, easy cake recipe, sweet and savory cake