Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on classic donuts, baked in a pan for easy preparation. These soft, cake-like bars are topped with a sweet maple glaze and customizable toppings, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

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 the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth, making sure the butter is slightly cooled.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few streaks of flour; avoid overmixing.
4. Step 4: Preheat the 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 evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or 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 them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: Sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl to remove any lumps.
9. Step 9: Add the maple syrup, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the powdered sugar.
10. Step 10: Whisk the glaze ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk or powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency.
11. Step 11: Once the bars are completely cool, pour the maple glaze evenly over the top.
12. Step 12: Immediately sprinkle your choice of toppings such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon.
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 buttermilk or a milk and vinegar substitute to keep the bars tender and moist.
• For a richer flavor, toast the nuts before sprinkling them on top.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warmer spice note.
• Swap the maple glaze for a classic vanilla or cream cheese glaze for a different twist.

Storage

Store the donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to soften the glaze.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. Baking times may vary slightly.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

It’s best to glaze the bars just before serving to maintain the glaze’s fresh texture. However, you can prepare the glaze up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, whisking again before use.

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 74 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x

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Description

Delight in these homemade Maple Donut Bars featuring a tender, spiced cake base topped with a luscious maple glaze. Perfectly moist and bursting with warm flavors of nutmeg and vanilla, these bars make an irresistible breakfast treat or sweet snack. Customize them with nuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon for added texture and flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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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 everything is evenly mixed.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter (slightly cooled), granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredient mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. It’s okay if some streaks of flour remain; be careful not to overmix.
4. Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or alternatively, line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
5. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it smoothly to the edges.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean, and the edges should be golden brown.
7. Cool: Allow the donut bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Sift the Powdered Sugar: To make the glaze, sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl to remove lumps.
9. Combine Glaze Ingredients: Add the pure maple syrup, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the powdered sugar.
10. Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk the glaze ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk or powdered sugar to get the desired consistency.
11. Glaze the Donut Bars: Once the donut bars are fully cool, pour the maple glaze evenly over the top.
12. Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately sprinkle desired toppings such as chopped pecans, walnuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon over the glaze.
13. Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to set for 30 minutes to an hour so it firms up before cutting.
14. Cut and Serve: Cut the donut bars into squares or rectangles and serve to enjoy.

Notes

• Be sure not to overmix the batter to maintain tender, fluffy bars.
• Use melted butter cooled slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the wet mixture.
• If buttermilk is unavailable, a substitute can be made by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Adjust the glaze thickness by adding a little more milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
• These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Reheat briefly before serving for a freshly baked texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, maple glaze, breakfast bars, spiced donut bars