Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Maple Donut Bars offer a delightful twist on classic donuts, baked into convenient squares perfect for sharing or snacking. These bars feature a tender crumb infused with warm spices, topped with a rich maple glaze and optional fun toppings for added texture and flavor.

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. It’s okay if a few streaks of flour remain; 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, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges turn golden brown.
7. Step 7: Allow the donut bars to cool in the pan for about 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 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 together until smooth and creamy. Adjust texture by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
11. Step 11: Once the bars are completely cool, pour the maple glaze evenly over the top.
12. Step 12: Immediately sprinkle with desired toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon.
13. Step 13: Let the glaze set completely for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting.
14. Step 14: Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moist bars, substitute half the buttermilk with plain yogurt.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon along with the nutmeg for a warmer spice profile.
• Use creative toppings like toasted coconut or chocolate chips for unique flavors.
• For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk.

Storage

Store the 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 enjoy a warm treat. If glazed, allow the glaze to fully set before storing to avoid stickiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donut bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to check that the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture.

Can I prepare the bars without the glaze?

Absolutely! These bars are delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar if you prefer a simpler treat or want to reduce sweetness.

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 86 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x

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Description

These Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on classic donuts, baked into a convenient bar form. They feature a moist, tender crumb infused with warm spices and topped with a luscious maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, these bars can be customized with various toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even crumbled bacon for a sweet and savory contrast.

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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

Toppings (Optional)

• 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 they are evenly mixed.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled butter, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing; it’s okay if a few streaks of flour remain.
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 pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
6. Bake: Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges turn golden brown.
7. Cool: Let the donut bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Sift the Powdered Sugar: In a large bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps for a smooth glaze.
9. Combine Glaze Ingredients: Add 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 the consistency by adding more milk if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
11. Glaze the Donut Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, pour the maple glaze over the top evenly, spreading with a spatula if necessary.
12. Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately sprinkle chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon over the glaze to your liking.
13. Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to set for 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature before cutting.
14. Cut and Serve: Slice the bars into squares or rectangles and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Ensure the melted butter is slightly cooled before mixing with eggs to prevent curdling.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and light.
• You can substitute milk with almond milk or another dairy-free alternative in the glaze for a different flavor or dietary preference.
• Customize toppings to suit your taste—try chopped toasted nuts for crunch or crumbled bacon for a savory contrast.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• For easier cleanup, lining the baking pan with parchment paper is recommended.

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

Keywords: Maple Donut Bars, baked donut bars, maple glaze, breakfast bars, fall desserts, easy baked donuts, spiced baked donuts