Maple Donut Bars

Introduction

Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat that combine the soft, cakey texture of classic donuts with a rich maple glaze. These bars are easy to make and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet and comforting.

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 evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
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, stirring until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few streaks of flour; 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 for easy removal.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges turn golden brown.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: While the bars cool, sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl to remove any 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 the milk or powdered sugar as needed for your desired consistency.
11. Step 11: Once the bars are fully cool, pour the maple glaze evenly over the top.
12. Step 12: Immediately sprinkle with optional toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon.
13. Step 13: Allow the glaze to set for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into squares or rectangles and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit nuts and try toasted coconut or chocolate chips as toppings.
• Use full-fat buttermilk for a richer flavor; if unavailable, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for extra warmth and spice.
• For a boozy twist, stir in a tablespoon of bourbon or rum into the glaze.
• Ensure the bars are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the cake.

Storage

Store leftover maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to regain softness before serving. The glaze may soften over time but will still taste delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend you use includes xanthan gum or add it separately for best results.

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

It’s best to make the glaze right before icing the bars to keep it fresh and pourable. If needed, prepare it a few hours ahead and whisk well before using.

Maple Donut Bars

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 147 reviews

These Maple Donut Bars offer a delightful twist on classic donuts, baked into soft, tender bars with a rich maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these bars combine warm spices, buttermilk richness, and a glossy maple frosting topped with your favorite nuts, sprinkles, or even crumbled bacon for an irresistible treat.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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

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 an even distribution of all dry components.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted and slightly cooled butter with granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; it’s okay if some flour streaks remain.
4. Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat the 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 evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges turn golden brown.
7. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Sift the Powdered Sugar: To prepare the glaze, sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl to remove any lumps for a smooth texture.
9. Combine Glaze Ingredients: Add the pure 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, adjusting milk or powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.
11. Glaze the Donut Bars: Once the donut bars are completely cool, pour the maple glaze evenly over the top to coat the surface.
12. Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately sprinkle with chopped pecans, walnuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon as desired.
13. Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to set completely, typically about 30 minutes to an hour, before cutting.
14. Cut and Serve: Slice the donut bars into squares or rectangles and serve fresh.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to keep the donut bars tender and soft.
• You can substitute regular milk or cream for buttermilk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice added as a buttermilk replacement.
• For a dairy-free version, use butter substitutes and non-dairy milk options.
• Glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more milk for thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
• Optional toppings add texture and flavor contrast—try toasted nuts or savory bacon for a unique twist.
• Store leftover donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Maple Donut Bars, baked donut bars, maple glazed donuts, breakfast bars, sweet snack, maple syrup glaze