Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on classic donuts, baked in a convenient bar form. With a tender crumb and a rich maple glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)
• Crumbled bacon (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg for at least 30 seconds to ensure even distribution.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the butter is slightly cooled.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay; avoid overmixing.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: Sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl to remove lumps.
9. Step 9: Add maple syrup, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the powdered sugar.
10. Step 10: Whisk until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk or powdered sugar to reach desired glaze consistency.
11. Step 11: Once bars are completely cool, pour the glaze evenly over the top.
12. Step 12: Immediately sprinkle with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon if desired.
13. Step 13: Allow the glaze to set for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting.
14. Step 14: Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch or try crumbled bacon for a sweet and savory contrast.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, strained after 5 minutes.
• For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for thinner, increase milk gradually.

Storage

Store donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature before serving or briefly warm in the microwave. The glaze may soften after refrigeration.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar instead of buttermilk for a dairy-free version.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Insert a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Also, the edges should be golden brown.

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 68 reviews

Delight in these homemade Maple Donut Bars, featuring a tender, spiced cake base topped with a luscious maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these bars combine classic donut flavors without the frying, offering an easy-to-make and scrumptious treat.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Maple Glaze

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Sprinkles
• Crumbled bacon

Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg for at least 30 seconds to ensure even distribution.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Make sure the butter is slightly cooled before mixing to prevent cooking the eggs.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing; a few flour streaks are fine.
4. Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
5. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges turn golden brown.
7. Cool: Allow the donut bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
8. Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl to remove lumps and ensure a smooth glaze.
9. Combine Glaze Ingredients: Add the maple syrup, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the sifted powdered sugar.
10. Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk all glaze ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with additional milk or powdered sugar if needed.
11. Glaze the Donut Bars: Once the bars are fully cooled, pour the maple glaze evenly over the top, spreading as necessary with a spatula.
12. Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately sprinkle with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon if desired, pressing lightly to adhere.
13. Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to set at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting.
14. Cut and Serve: Slice the maple donut bars into squares or rectangles and serve fresh for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use parchment paper in the baking pan for easier removal and cleaner edges.
• Ensure the melted butter is cooled before mixing with eggs to prevent scrambling.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and soft.
• The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more milk to thin or more powdered sugar to thicken.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Customize toppings to your preference for added texture and flavor.

Keywords: Maple Donut Bars, Donut Bars, Maple Glaze, Breakfast Bars, Baked Donuts, Easy Donut Recipe