Description

These Maple Donut Bars offer a delightful twist on the classic donut, baked into an easy-to-make bar format. Featuring a moist, spiced batter enriched with real maple syrup and topped with a smooth maple glaze, these bars deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and warm spice. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, they are simple to prepare and bake in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

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

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons maple syrup (additional for flavor)

Optional

Extra maple syrup for drizzling

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: 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.
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 mixed.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Some lumps are fine; do not overmix.
Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out gently with a spatula.
Bake the Bars: 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.
Cool the Bars: Remove from oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Maple Glaze: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk. Whisk until smooth.
Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add more milk, a little at a time, until glaze reaches a pourable but thick consistency.
Add Maple Syrup to Glaze: Stir in an additional 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for enhanced flavor.
Glaze the Bars: Once bars are completely cooled, place on a serving platter and drizzle the glaze evenly over the top using a spoon or small spatula.
Optional Extra Drizzle: Drizzle extra maple syrup over the glazed bars if desired for added sweetness and a glossy finish.
Set the Glaze: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles.

Notes

For easier removal, line your baking pan with parchment paper extending over the edges to lift out the bars after baking.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and fluffy.
If you prefer a stronger maple flavor, increase the maple syrup slightly in the batter or glaze.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
These bars can be gently reheated in the microwave for a few seconds before serving for a fresh-baked taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, maple syrup dessert, spiced breakfast bars, easy maple bars