Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of classic donuts with the ease of baking in a pan. These bars are moist, fluffy, and generously glazed with a sweet maple syrup icing, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
• Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk together until well mixed.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; a few lumps are fine.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges are lightly golden.
7. Step 7: Cool the bars in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: For the glaze, combine powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
9. Step 9: Add more milk gradually until glaze coats the back of a spoon but is still pourable.
10. Step 10: Stir in 2 tablespoons maple syrup to the glaze for extra flavor.
11. Step 11: Place cooled bars on a platter or cutting board.
12. Step 12: Drizzle maple glaze evenly over the bars using a spoon or small spatula.
13. Step 13: Optionally, drizzle extra maple syrup over the glazed bars for added sweetness and presentation.
14. Step 14: Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Tips & Variations

• Use parchment paper to line the pan for easier removal and cleaner edges.
• Add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for texture.
• Swap whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and softer crumb.
• Use pure maple syrup for the best depth of flavor in both the batter and glaze.

Storage

Store maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften before serving, if desired. The glaze may soften over time but remains delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for the right texture, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a denser, nuttier bar. Adjust liquid amounts as needed.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

To thicken the glaze, add more powdered sugar a little at a time. To thin it out, add milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 144 reviews

Delight in these moist and fluffy Maple Donut Bars, combining warm spices with a rich maple glaze for a sweet, comforting treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 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
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup maple syrup

Maple Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Optional

• Extra maple syrup for drizzling

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter light with some lumps.
5. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, evenly spreading it with a spatula.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the donut bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare Maple Glaze: While bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk in a medium bowl until smooth. Add more milk gradually to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
9. Add Maple Syrup to Glaze: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the glaze for enhanced flavor.
10. Glaze Bars: Once the bars are fully cooled, place them on a serving platter and drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top using a spoon or small spatula.
11. Optional Drizzle: For extra sweetness and visual appeal, drizzle additional maple syrup over the glazed bars if desired.
12. Set Glaze: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles for serving.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender texture.
• Use parchment paper to make removal and cleanup easier.
• Let the bars cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
• Adjust milk amount in glaze to achieve desired thickness.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: maple donut bars, maple glazed bars, baked donut bars, sweet treat, breakfast bars