Introduction

Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat that combines the soft, cakey texture of donuts with the convenience of bars. Brimming with warm spices and a rich maple glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

The image shows a close-up of several square-shaped doughnuts stacked on a white plate. The doughnuts have a golden-brown fried exterior with a soft, light yellow inside visible on the cut edges. Each doughnut is topped with a drizzle of white icing that flows smoothly over the surface, adding a glossy texture. One doughnut in the background is coated in a layer of granulated sugar, giving it a sparkling, slightly rough texture. A cup of dark coffee sits blurred in the background on a white marbled surface, complementing the warm tones of the doughnuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. A few lumps are fine—do not overmix.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Remove from oven and let the donut bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: While bars cool, prepare the maple glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk. Whisk until smooth.
Step 9: Add more milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired glaze consistency—thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
Step 10: Stir in an additional 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for extra flavor.
Step 11: Once the bars are completely cooled, place them on a serving platter or cutting board.
Step 12: Drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top using a spoon or small spatula, covering the bars evenly.
Step 13: For added sweetness and presentation, drizzle extra maple syrup over the glazed bars if desired.
Step 14: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze before it sets.
Use light or dark maple syrup depending on your preferred intensity of maple flavor.
To make these gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Storage

Store maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving. Add fresh glaze if needed.

How to Serve

This image shows a stack of six rectangular donuts with a light brown color and a slightly shiny surface. Each donut is topped with a smooth, white glaze that covers the entire top and slightly drips down the sides. The donuts are stacked unevenly on a white plate with a blue floral pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a blurry object with warm brown tones adding a cozy feel to the scene. The focus is on the shiny texture of the glaze and the soft, fluffy look of the donuts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with any milk you prefer, including almond, oat, or soy milk. Keep in mind that it may slightly affect the texture and flavor.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the bars are done. The edges should also be lightly golden.