Description

These Irresistible Maple Donut Bars are soft, moist, and bursting with warm maple flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these bars combine the comfort of classic donut spices with an easy-to-make maple glaze. They are simple to prepare, requiring basic ingredients and baked in an 8×8-inch pan for delicious, shareable portions.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry 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)

Wet Ingredients

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)

Glaze Ingredients

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

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan to ensure easy removal of the bars.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step incorporates air to help the bars rise.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk into the creamed sugar and butter mixture until you achieve a smooth and homogenous batter.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture carefully until just combined; do not overmix to keep the texture tender.
Bake the Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk quantity if needed to get a drizzling consistency.
Glaze the Bars: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars using a spoon or spatula. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before cutting the bars into squares or rectangles to serve.

Notes

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice for an acidic component.
For a dairy-free or vegan option, replace butter with coconut oil and use applesauce instead of egg, and a plant-based milk alternative.
Ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh for proper rising.
The glaze can be customized with honey if maple syrup is not available.
Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: maple donut bars, maple glazed bars, soft donut bars, easy baked donuts, breakfast bars, homemade donut bars, maple syrup dessert