Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Maple donut bars combine the soft, tender texture of a classic donut with the convenience of a bar. Topped with a sweet maple glaze, these treats are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk them together and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the creamed mixture. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Step 9: While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth.
10. Step 10: Once the bars are completely cool, spread or drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh nutmeg for a more vibrant spice flavor.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• For a richer glaze, add a little melted butter before whisking.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon on the glaze before it sets for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, though the glaze may harden slightly. To freeze, omit the glaze and freeze bars in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Add glaze after thawing for best results.

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, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture.

Can I use pure maple syrup instead of maple extract in the glaze?

Yes, pure maple syrup adds great flavor on its own, so you can omit the maple extract if you prefer a simpler ingredient list.

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 127 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Delightfully tender and moist Maple Donut Bars topped with a luscious maple glaze. This easy-to-make treat combines the classic flavors of nutmeg and maple syrup creating a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, using a mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which ensures a tender texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
6. Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly using a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
8. Cool 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, which helps the glaze to set properly later.
9. Make the Maple Glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk in a bowl until smooth and pourable, adjusting milk to reach the desired consistency.
10. Glaze the Bars: Once completely cooled, spread or drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the bars. Let the glaze set before serving for that perfect sweet finish.

Notes

• Room Temperature Storage: Store the donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
• Refrigeration: These bars can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though note the glaze may harden slightly.
• Freezing: Freeze the bars without glaze in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Apply the glaze after thawing for best results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Maple Donut Bars, maple glaze, baked donut bars, breakfast bars, nutmeg donut, easy baked donuts