Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat that combines the soft, cake-like texture of donuts with the ease of baking in a pan. Topped with a sweet maple glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

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 all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. A few lumps are fine; do not overmix.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: To prepare the glaze, combine powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth.
9. Step 9: Add more milk gradually until the glaze is thick but pourable, enough to coat the back of a spoon.
10. Step 10: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to enhance the flavor.
11. Step 11: When the bars are cool, place them on a serving plate.
12. Step 12: Drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the bars using a spoon or small spatula.
13. Step 13: Optionally, drizzle extra maple syrup on top for added sweetness and presentation.
14. Step 14: Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares or rectangles.

Tips & Variations

• For a nuttier flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze before it sets.
• Use buttermilk instead of whole milk to add extra tenderness to the bars.
• To make these gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• If you prefer a stronger maple flavor, increase the maple syrup in the glaze slightly.

Storage

Store maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften the glaze before serving. These bars also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of syrup instead of maple syrup?

While maple syrup provides a unique flavor, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup. Keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done. The edges should also be lightly golden brown.

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 83 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

Delight in these Maple Donut Bars—a moist and fluffy baked treat bursting with warm spices and a rich maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these bars combine classic donut flavors with easy-to-make convenience. Topped with a luscious maple syrup glaze, they bring a cozy, homemade charm to your kitchen.

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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

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 the oven: 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 flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and fully combined.
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently fold together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, leaving a few lumps to ensure tender texture.
5. Pour batter into pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare maple glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth. Add more milk as needed for a thick but pourable consistency. Stir in 2 tablespoons maple syrup for added flavor.
9. Glaze the bars: Once the donut bars have completely cooled, place them on a serving plate. Drizzle the maple glaze generously and evenly over the top using a spoon or spatula.
10. Optional drizzle: For extra sweetness and visual appeal, drizzle some additional maple syrup over the glazed bars.
11. Set glaze and serve: Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and fluffy.
• The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding milk gradually.
• Use parchment paper in the pan for easy removal of bars.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before glazing.

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

Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, maple glazed bars, breakfast bars, easy desserts