Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on classic donuts, offering the same sweet, spiced flavor in an easy-to-make bar form. With a tender crumb and a rich maple glaze, these bars are perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
• Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk together until well mixed.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined, leaving a few lumps for a tender texture.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges turn lightly golden.
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: To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
9. Step 9: Add more milk gradually to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
10. Step 10: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for extra flavor.
11. Step 11: Once cooled, place the bars on a serving platter.
12. Step 12: Drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top using a spoon or spatula.
13. Step 13: Optionally, drizzle extra maple syrup over the bars for added sweetness and presentation.
14. Step 14: Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

• Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars out of the pan for cleaner slices.
• Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter for extra crunch.
• Swap whole milk for buttermilk for a tangier flavor and softer crumb.
• Adjust the spices to taste; a pinch of cloves or allspice adds warmth.

Storage

Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave to soften the bars before serving, if desired.

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, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the maple glaze a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Stir well before drizzling over the bars.

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 149 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

Maple Donut Bars are a delightful baked treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with a rich maple glaze. Easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast or dessert, these bars offer a soft, cakey texture topped with a sweet maple sugar glaze that’s sure to please any maple lover.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup maple syrup

Maple Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for glaze)
• Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges are lightly golden.
6. Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the donut bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare Maple Glaze: While bars cool, combine powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add more milk slowly until desired glaze consistency is reached—thick but pourable.
8. Add Maple Syrup to Glaze: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for extra flavor and mix well.
9. Glaze the Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top using a spoon or small spatula, covering evenly.
10. Optional Extra Drizzle: If desired, drizzle additional maple syrup over the glazed bars for added sweetness and presentation.
11. Set the Glaze: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and soft.
• Using parchment paper makes removing the bars from the pan easier.
• Adjust the glaze thickness by adding milk gradually to avoid it becoming too runny.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For dairy-free versions, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, maple glaze bars, cinnamon nutmeg bars, breakfast bars, easy baked treats