Maple Bacon & Walnut Donuts

Sometimes a picture is worth 1000 words and I'd say this is one of those times.

You don't need to spend $10 on one fancy donut when you can upgrade your homemade donuts with bakery-quality toppings! The salty bite from the bacon is the perfect contrast to the sweet glaze and the walnuts add a hearty crunch.

Also, this AIR-FRIED donut is a uniquely light and fluffy vehicle for the 100% worth it toppings. Maple +bacon+ walnut is definitely a classic flavor combo for a reason, and you deserve a decadent treat! :)

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk, lukewarm (about 100°F)°

• 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast, or instant yeast

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tsp

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• Oil Spray

(Glaze)

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 4 Tbsp hot water, or as needed

(Topping)

• 5 strips of Bacon

• 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts

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Directions: [from source recipe]

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, gently stir together lukewarm milk, 1 tsp of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy (If nothing happens your milk was too hot or the yeast is too old, so start over).

Add sugar, salt, egg, melted butter and 2 cups of flour to the milk mixture. Mix on low speed until combined, then with the mixer running add the remaining cup of flour slowly, until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. Increase speed to medium-low and knead for 5 minutes, until the dough is elastic and smooth.

Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled. Dough is ready if you make a dent with your finger and the indention remains.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, punch it down and gently roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out 10-12 donuts using a 3-inch round cutter and a 1-inch round cutter to remove center.

Transfer donuts and donut holes to lightly floured parchment paper and cover loosely with greased plastic wrap. Let donuts rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes. Preheat Air Fryer to 350F.

Spray Air Fryer basket with oil spray, carefully transfer donuts to Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Spray donuts with oil spray and cook at 350F until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Repeat with remaining donuts and holes.

While the donuts are in the Air Fryer, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in hot water one tablespoon at a time until the icing is somewhat thin, but not watery. Set aside.

Cook the bacon and crumble into small pieces. Roughly chop and toast walnuts. Mix the bacon and walnuts together and set the mixture aside.

Dip hot donuts and donut holes in the glaze using to forks to submerge them. Place on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to allow excess glaze to drip off.

Immediately sprinkle the bacon and toasted walnut mixture on top. Let sit until glaze hardens, about 10 minutes. ENJOY :D

Source Recipe: PlatedCravings.com for the donut base