Why Make This Recipe
Maple donut bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. They offer a delightful taste reminiscent of your favorite bakery donut, combined with the simplicity of a cake bar. These bars are soft, sweet, and topped with a rich maple glaze that will keep you coming back for more. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, a snack for the kids, or a dessert for a gathering, these donut bars are sure to please everyone.
How to Make Maple Donut Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
- Beat the butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla to the mixture and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 22–28 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze by combining powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and milk in a bowl until smooth.
- Once the bars are out of the oven, spread the glaze over them while they are still warm. Let them cool, then slice and serve.
How to Serve Maple Donut Bars
Maple donut bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. You can serve them on their own or pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They make a delicious addition to any breakfast table or snack time.
How to Store Maple Donut Bars
To keep your maple donut bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well and thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Tips to Make Maple Donut Bars
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for a creamy texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bars light and fluffy.
- If you like a stronger maple flavor, you can add a bit more maple syrup to the glaze.
Variation
Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different flavor extracts, such as almond, to create your unique twist on these donut bars.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can substitute the buttermilk with any milk you have on hand, such as whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Just add a little vinegar or lemon juice to make it similar to buttermilk.
2. Can I make these donut bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just glaze them when you are ready to serve.
3. What can I do if I don’t have maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute for a different but still sweet flavor.
Maple Donut Bars
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk Can substitute with any milk by adding vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper.
- Beat the butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla to the mixture and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Baking
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 22 to 28 minutes or until golden brown.
Glazing
- While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze by combining the powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and milk in a bowl until smooth.
- Once the bars are out of the oven, spread the glaze over them while they are still warm. Let them cool, then slice and serve.