Irresistible Maple Donut Bars That Are Soft and Simple Recipe
Introduction
These irresistible maple donut bars offer a soft, tender texture with a sweet glaze that’s simple to make at home. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, they combine classic donut flavors in an easy-to-bake bar form.
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 mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream together 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 creamed mixture and mix until smooth and well blended.
- Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: To prepare the glaze, whisk together 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 slicing into squares or rectangles for serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil for butter and use almond or oat milk instead of buttermilk.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a different spice profile.
- Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar to add a subtle molasses flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly or add more powdered sugar.
Storage
Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week; allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm, soft treat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup applesauce and use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk to make the recipe vegan.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done baking.
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Irresistible Maple Donut Bars That Are Soft and Simple Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Irresistible Maple Donut Bars are soft, moist, and bursting with warm maple flavor. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these bars combine classic donut spices with a luscious maple glaze, delivering a simple yet decadent treat that everyone will love.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing or lining it to prevent sticking.
- 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 hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 8×8-inch baking pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the cooled bars and allow the glaze to set before cutting the bars into squares or rectangles for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground cinnamon for nutmeg for a warmer spice flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and a plant-based milk with vinegar for the buttermilk.
- If you prefer an egg-free version, replace the egg with 1/4 cup applesauce.
- Adjust the milk quantity in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: maple donut bars, easy donut bars, maple glaze, soft donut bars, baked donut bars, breakfast bars, sweet snack
