Name: Irresistible Maple Donut Bars That Are Soft and Simple Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can use gluten-free flour); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (ensure it’s fresh); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (check expiration for effectiveness); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (enhances flavor); 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (or cinnamon as a substitute); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (brown sugar can replace it); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (coconut oil for dairy-free); 1 large Egg (or use 1/4 cup applesauce for egg-free); 1 cup Buttermilk (or milk plus a teaspoon of vinegar); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (use pure for the best taste); 1 cup Powdered Sugar; 1/4 cup Maple Syrup (honey can be a substitute); 1/2 teaspoon Maple Extract (can be omitted); 2 tablespoons Milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Ingredients

2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can use gluten-free flour)

1 teaspoon Baking Soda (ensure it’s fresh)

1 teaspoon Baking Powder (check expiration for effectiveness)

1/2 teaspoon Salt (enhances flavor)

1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (or cinnamon as a substitute)

3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (brown sugar can replace it)

1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (coconut oil for dairy-free)

1 large Egg (or use 1/4 cup applesauce for egg-free)

1 cup Buttermilk (or milk plus a teaspoon of vinegar)

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (use pure for the best taste)

1 cup Powdered Sugar

1/4 cup Maple Syrup (honey can be a substitute)

1/2 teaspoon Maple Extract (can be omitted)

2 tablespoons Milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the butter mixture. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth and pourable.

Step 9: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars and let it set before cutting into squares or rectangles to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk mixed with vinegar instead of buttermilk.

Replace ground nutmeg with cinnamon if you prefer a warmer spice.

Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.

If you like a stronger maple flavor, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of maple extract to the glaze.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, combine 1 cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This homemade buttermilk substitute works well in this recipe.