Description
Delight in these Maple Donut Bars, a soft and tender baked treat infused with warm nutmeg and a rich maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack, these bars combine the cozy flavors of classic donuts with the convenience of baking in a pan.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Donut Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (1g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (1g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (56g)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (120ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (30ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract (2.5ml)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency (15–30ml)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Whisk together to ensure even distribution and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth and pourable. Add milk gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the bars are fully cooled, spread or drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top. Let the glaze set before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerator: Bars can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Note that the glaze may harden slightly when chilled.
- Freezer: Freeze the bars without glaze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Apply the glaze after thawing for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, maple glaze, easy dessert, breakfast bars, nutmeg, homemade donuts
