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
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 a baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- 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.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated and smooth.
- 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.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly using a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
