How many calories are in a maple bar donut without the glaze?

November 4, 2025 •

3 min read

While a traditional glazed maple bar can pack over 300 calories, understanding the components is key for calorie-conscious consumers. For those curious about how many calories are in a maple bar donut without the glaze, the answer lies in evaluating the base fried dough itself, which makes up a significant portion of the total caloric content.

Quick Summary

A maple bar donut without the sweet maple glaze contains an estimated 220-250 calories, though the precise number depends on the donut's size and ingredients. This estimate is derived by evaluating the fried yeast dough's nutritional value, excluding the sugary topping.

Key Points

Base Calories: A maple bar donut without its glaze contains an estimated 220-250 calories, primarily from the fried yeast dough.
Glaze Impact: The maple glaze can add an extra 80 to 140 calories, elevating the total calorie count of a full maple bar to over 300.
Size Variation: The size and weight of the specific donut are key factors that influence the final calorie number of the plain base.
Dough Type: Caloric content can differ slightly between yeast-raised and cake-style donuts, though both are fried for maple bars.
Informed Choices: Opting for a plain version reduces sugar and calories, but the fried dough remains a calorie-dense treat that should be enjoyed in moderation.

The Plain Yeast Donut: The Foundation of a Maple Bar

A maple bar is fundamentally an oblong-shaped, fried yeast-leavened donut. To determine its caloric value without the signature maple glaze, one must isolate the nutritional information of the plain, unglazed dough. According to data from FatSecret, a "long type" plain yeast-raised doughnut contains approximately 219 calories. Similarly, a discussion among calorie-counters on Reddit estimated that the fried dough base of a maple bar, without any topping or filling, is roughly 250 calories. Using this information, a reasonable and conservative estimate for a maple bar donut without the maple glaze is between 220 and 250 calories. This value accounts for the size and frying process characteristic of this particular pastry.

Calorie Breakdown: Glaze vs. Dough

The most significant contributor to a fully glazed maple bar's higher calorie count is the sugar-heavy frosting. The maple glaze alone can add a substantial number of calories. For context, estimates suggest that the glaze on a maple bar can contribute anywhere from 80 to 140 calories. This difference illustrates why removing the glaze can result in a considerably lower calorie snack, though the fried dough remains a calorie-dense treat.

Factors Influencing the Plain Donut's Calorie Count

The exact calorie count of a plain maple bar base is not a fixed number and can vary based on several factors. Consider these variables when estimating your intake:

Size and Weight: A larger or heavier donut will naturally contain more ingredients and, therefore, more calories. The length and thickness of the bar can make a difference.
Type of Dough: While maple bars are typically made from yeast dough, some bakeries may use a cake-style recipe, which has a different caloric composition. Yeast donuts are generally fluffier and lighter, but the frying process adds significant calories.
Ingredients: The specific recipe for the dough, including the type of flour, sugar, and fat used, will influence the final calorie count. For example, some recipes may use different types of oil for frying.
Frying Method: The amount of oil absorbed during the frying process is a major factor. Some donuts are fried longer or at a different temperature, affecting the final fat content.

Calorie Comparison Table: Plain vs. Glazed Donuts


Item	Estimated Calories	Primary Calorie Source	Notes
Maple Bar Donut Without Glaze	220-250 calories	Fried yeast dough	Estimate based on plain, oblong donut.
Full Maple Bar with Glaze	330-390 calories	Fried yeast dough & maple glaze	Includes the caloric contribution of the sweet topping.
Plain Cake Donut	198-226 calories	Dense, fried cake dough	Generally smaller and denser than yeast bars.
Glazed Yeast Donut (Ring)	242-269 calories	Fried yeast dough & sugar glaze	Smaller shape and less surface area than a bar.

Understanding Your Treat: A Calorie-Conscious Approach

Knowing the caloric difference between the components of a maple bar allows for more informed dietary decisions. If you're craving a donut but want to reduce the sugar and calorie load, opting for a plain version is a straightforward strategy. However, it is important to remember that even without the glaze, the fried dough remains a treat high in refined carbohydrates and fat. Portion control is essential, as the larger size of a bar-style donut means it can contain more calories than a standard ring donut, even when plain. For accurate data, consider checking the nutrition information provided by the bakery or a food database. For more nutritional information on plain doughnuts, consider sources like FatSecret.

Conclusion

While a definitive, single number for a maple bar donut without frosting is challenging to pinpoint due to variations in size and recipe, a safe estimate is that it contains roughly 220-250 calories. This is a significant reduction compared to a fully glazed version, but it is still a calorie-dense food. Understanding the calorie contributions of each part of the donut allows you to make more knowledgeable choices about your treats and overall dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

A plain maple bar is estimated to have 220-250 calories, while a fully glazed version typically contains between 330-390 calories, making the glaze responsible for over 100 extra calories.

Plain donuts have fewer calories and sugar than their glazed counterparts, making them a slightly healthier choice. However, as fried and carbohydrate-heavy treats, neither is considered a health food.

You can estimate the calories by looking up the nutritional information for a generic 'plain yeast donut.' For example, FatSecret lists a long plain donut at 219 calories, which is a good baseline.

Generally, a cake donut is denser and often smaller, with a similar calorie count to a yeast donut of the same size. For instance, a medium cake donut is around 198 calories, while a long plain yeast donut is about 219 calories.

A smaller plain donut or doughnut hole has significantly fewer calories. For example, one source states a mini doughnut hole is around 59 calories.

Yes, a baked version will be considerably lower in calories because it doesn't absorb the large amount of fat from the frying oil. The exact calorie count will depend on the recipe.

Donut size has a direct effect on calories. A mini donut has significantly fewer calories than a medium or large one, and a large maple bar contains more calories than a standard ring donut.