Hi all, I am researching the origin and use of the term "maple bar," for the rectangular donut/doughnut with maple icing found primarily on the West coast (including BC and maybe parts of Alberta?). Originally from Texas, I had not heard the term until I moved to Spokane, WA 40 years ago. I was quickly educated and became a convert. In some parts of the country, this style of donut is called a "long john" or "bismarck," but I was unfamiliar with the former and only vaguely so with the latter.
To me, a version with any filling doesn't really count as a "maple bar." In recent years, variants with different topics became popular for a while. Predominant of these was/is the bacon maple bar. Voodoo Doughnuts introduced these in 2003 (not sure they were really the first, which seems unlikely). Many other shops and even supermarkets made their versions, which seem less common now. Since Voodoo has expanded far beyond its Portland, OR origins, including to Texas and Florida, I wondered if they have carried the "maple bar" moniker with them. Talking to friends in Austin, who have eaten at Voodoo, "maple bar" didn't ring a bell.
Was this term familiar to you growing up or since, and if so, can you share where that was/is? My sense, and web searches reinforce, that this is a West coast phenomena, in name if not in "doughnut design." That seems funny to me, given that there is essentially no maple syrup production out west. I know Maple Bars have been a thing in Spokane at least 50 years, but I haven't found any origin story.
Your help and feedback appreciated! (I am working on a freelance article.)
Thanks, Bruce
Just realized this was part of a topic in Episode 1537, though the caller was asking more about the variant "long john." I know that "maple bar" isn't an exciting term, but its use really sticks out in the Northwest. Thanks!