Maple Donut Bars: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Delicious Treats Recipe

Introduction

Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on classic donuts, baked into easy-to-cut bars with a rich maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack, these bars combine soft, fluffy texture with sweet, buttery flavors.

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: Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Whisk for at least 30 seconds to ensure even distribution.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 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. Some streaks of flour are fine; do not overmix.
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 for easier removal.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
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 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 sifted powdered sugar.
10. Step 10: Whisk the glaze ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency 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 your choice of toppings, like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon.
13. Step 13: Let the glaze set for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting the bars.
14. Step 14: Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Use dairy-free butter for the glaze and batter.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dry ingredients for extra warmth.
• Try drizzling with pure maple syrup instead of glaze for a lighter topping.
• Experiment with toppings: toasted coconut, chopped dried cranberries, or even a drizzle of chocolate can complement the maple glaze nicely.

Storage

Store the 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 one week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to enjoy a soft, warm treat.

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 that includes xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Can I prepare the batter or glaze in advance?

You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it overnight before baking. The glaze is best made fresh before serving to ensure a smooth consistency.

Maple Donut Bars: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Delicious Treats Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x

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Description

These Maple Donut Bars are a delightful baked treat featuring a tender, spiced cake base topped with a smooth maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, they combine classic donut flavors with the convenience of a bar form, enhanced by optional toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or bacon for added texture and flavor.

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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
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

• 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 even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted and slightly cooled butter with granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, gently mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some streaks of flour are acceptable.
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 to prevent sticking.
5. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the baking pan and spread it to fill the pan uniformly.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven 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 about 10 minutes, then transfer them 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 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 until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Adjust milk or powdered sugar quantities as needed to get the desired thickness.
11. Glaze the Donut Bars: Pour the maple glaze evenly over the completely cooled donut bars, spreading gently if needed.
12. Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately sprinkle with desired toppings such as chopped pecans, walnuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.
13. Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to set fully for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting to ensure clean slices.
14. Cut and Serve: Slice the donut bars into squares or rectangles and serve as a delicious treat.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and light.
• Ensure the melted butter is cooled slightly before mixing with eggs to prevent curdling.
• Use fresh buttermilk for best flavor and texture; you can substitute with milk plus a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
• Customize toppings to suit preferences—nuts for crunch, sprinkles for fun, or bacon for a sweet-savory twist.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Reheat bars slightly before serving to enjoy a warm, fresh-baked experience.

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

Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, maple glaze, breakfast bars, spiced donut bars