Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Maple Donut Bars are the perfect indulgence for anyone craving the warmth and sweetness of classic donuts without the deep-frying. These bars are soft, fluffy, and come topped with a luscious maple glaze that brings a comforting breakfast treat right to your table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 3/4 cup Milk
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1/4 cup Butter, melted
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for the glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan using non-stick spray or butter for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and melted butter until well blended.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars light and fluffy.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Step 7: While the bars cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and maple syrup until smooth. Thin with a little milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
8. Step 8: Drizzle the maple glaze generously over the cooled bars. Optionally, sprinkle with crushed nuts or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flair.

Tips & Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or on top for a delightful crunch.
• Drizzle extra maple syrup on the served bars for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Use whole milk for richer bars, or substitute with plant-based milk to make them dairy-free.
• For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea to create a comforting breakfast or snack experience.

Storage

Store maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to refresh their soft texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar, but keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor profile. Pure maple syrup adds a unique, warm sweetness that’s hard to replicate.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent sinking.

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 158 reviews

Maple Donut Bars are a moist, fluffy, and delightfully sweet treat that combines the comforting texture of a classic donut with the convenience of a bar. Made with a blend of all-purpose flour, maple syrup, and a light vanilla glaze, these bars offer a warm, rich flavor perfect for breakfast or a snack. They’re easy to prepare in one baking pan, making them an ideal option for sharing or meal prepping.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 to 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Milk (whole milk preferred)
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1/4 cup Butter, melted (unsalted preferred)

Glaze

• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• Maple Syrup (a few tablespoons for desired consistency, plus extra if thinning)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan using non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined to evenly distribute the leavening and seasonings.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and melted butter until fully incorporated to form a smooth, flavorful batter base.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars light and fluffy rather than dense.
5. Pour and Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
6. Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely, which helps the glaze set properly.
7. Prepare the Maple Glaze: While the bars are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of maple syrup in a bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding a bit of milk if needed to achieve a drizzle-able glaze.
8. Glaze and Serve: Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top. Optionally, sprinkle with crushed nuts or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use whole milk for richer flavor and moister bars, but any milk will work.
• For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk and butter alternative.
• Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light, tender crumb.
• Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or on top of the glaze adds a delightful crunch.
• These bars are best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence paired with fruit or protein for balance.

Keywords: Maple Donut Bars, Maple Bars, Baked Donuts, Breakfast Bars, Maple Glaze, Sweet Bars, Easy Baking Recipe