Introduction
The long john donut is a beloved bar‑shaped treat found in bakeries across North America. With its yeast‑raised dough, sweet icing, or custard filling, this donut offers comfort and indulgence in every bite.
What Is a Long John Donut?
A long john donut—also called a bar donut—is a rectangle, yeast‑risen pastry, often glazed or iced on top. It sometimes hides a creamy custard inside. Unlike an éclair (which bakers make with choux pastry), a long john uses donut dough.
Regional Names: Bar Donut, Maple Long John & Maple Bar
In the Midwest, Texas, and Canada, people often say “long john.” On the West Coast and parts of Canada, it’s called a bar donut, like a maple bar when topped with maple glaze. A maple long john refers to the same bar‑shaped donut with real maple icing or flavor.
Custard-Filled Donut vs. Frosted Donut
Many long johns are custard filled donuts, especially the sweet, creamy types. Others are simple frosted donuts—topped with chocolate or maple icing but without filling.
Beyond custard, some are filled with Bavarian cream or jelly.
Yeast Donut vs. Éclair: The Dough Difference
Long johns are yeast donuts—they rise before frying. Éclairs, however, are made from choux pastry and are baked. That makes long johns lighter and airier.
Homemade Recipes: Bringing the Bakery Home
Step-by-Step: Classic Custard-Filled Long John
- Prepare a yeasted dough with milk, sugar, eggs, butter, flour, and yeast.
- Let it rise until doubled. Roll into rectangles and fry until golden.
- Use a straw or piping bag to inject vanilla custard.
- Dip the donut in chocolate glaze.
Maple Glaze Option
- Use real maple syrup in your glaze for authentic flavor.
- Freeze extras for later; reheat gently.
Food Network’s Simple Take
Long johns charm with their rectangular shape, rich yeast dough, deep‑fried texture, and sweet glaze—plus colorful sprinkles for fun.
Example Structure Summary:
- What is a Long John Donut?
- Regional Terms: Bar Donut, Maple Long John
- Custard‑Filled vs. Frosted Donut
- Yeast Donut vs. Éclair
- Homemade Variations
Why It Matters
Whether people call them long johns, bars, or maple long johns, these donuts evoke nostalgia and highlight regional flavor. They appeal to those who crave something soft, sweet, and comforting. Including terms like custard filled donut, frosted donut, and yeast donut helps search engines understand the depth of content and connects with broad search intent.
Conclusion
The long john donut is more than a shape—it’s a flavor and tradition. Whether you fill them with custard, top them with maple glaze, or enjoy them frosted, these bar doughnuts bring joy. From yeasted dough to regional names like maple bar, long johns are versatile and beloved.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between a long john and a bar donut?
They’re the same treat. “Long john” is a regional name; “bar donut” is common on the West Coast.
2. Are long johns always custard-filled?
Many donuts are simply frosted without filling, though some come custard filled.
3. What dough is used for a long john donut?
Yeasted dough—the kind that rises before frying, unlike the choux pastry used for éclairs.
4. What is a maple long john?
A long john topped with maple glaze. Sometimes also called a maple bar.
5. Can you make long johns at home?
Absolutely. Recipes use simple ingredients—milk, flour, yeast, eggs—and allow for filling them with custard or glazing with chocolate or maple.
