Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on classic donuts, baked in a pan for easy preparation. These bars boast a soft, tender crumb with a sweet maple glaze that’s perfect for breakfast or a comforting 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. Make sure the butter is slightly cooled before mixing.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
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 using a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown.
7. Step 7: Let the donut bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them 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 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, adjusting milk or powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency.
11. Step 11: Once the donut bars are completely cool, pour the maple glaze evenly over the top.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon if desired, immediately after glazing.
13. Step 13: Allow the glaze to set completely before cutting and serving, about 30 minutes to an hour.

Tips & Variations

• Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for an easy release and simpler cleanup.
• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for extra warmth in flavor.
• Swap buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice if needed.
• Customize toppings by trying toasted coconut flakes or chocolate chips instead of nuts.
• For a richer glaze, replace milk with cream or half-and-half.

Storage

Store the donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy chilled. The glaze may soften when refrigerated but will still taste delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

How do I keep the glaze from being too runny or too thick?

Adjust the amount of milk or powdered sugar gradually when mixing the glaze. Add milk a teaspoon at a time for a thinner glaze, or powdered sugar for a thicker consistency until you achieve your desired texture.

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 131 reviews

These Maple Donut Bars combine the classic flavors of a soft, spiced donut with a luscious maple glaze. Perfectly baked and topped with optional pecans, sprinkles, or crispy bacon, they offer a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare for breakfast or dessert.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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

Glaze Ingredients

• 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 together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Ensure the melted butter is slightly cooled to avoid cooking the eggs.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix; some streaks of flour are okay to keep the batter tender.
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 and cleanup.
5. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly into the corners and edges for uniform thickness.
6. Bake: Bake the batter for 20-25 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown.
7. Cool: Allow the donut bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
8. Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl to remove any lumps, ensuring a smooth glaze.
9. Combine Glaze Ingredients: Add the maple syrup, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the powdered sugar.
10. Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk all glaze ingredients together until creamy and smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
11. Glaze the Donut Bars: Pour the glaze evenly over the completely cooled donut bars using a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out.
12. Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately sprinkle chopped pecans, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon over the glaze before it sets for added texture and flavor.
13. Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to fully set, about 30 minutes to 1 hour, before cutting the bars into squares and serving.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to keep the donut bars tender and fluffy.
• Make sure the donut bars are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and becoming runny.
• Optional toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or bacon add extra texture and flavor but can be omitted for a simpler glaze.
• Use fresh buttermilk or add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk as a substitute to get the same tangy effect.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Maple Donut Bars, donut bars, maple glaze, baked donut, easy dessert, spiced donut bar, breakfast bars