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Maple Donut Bars Recipe

4.9 from 99 reviews

These Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat combining the soft, moist texture of baked donuts with the rich flavor of maple syrup glaze. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, they offer a warm, spiced bite accented by cinnamon and nutmeg. Baked in a single pan, they’re easy to prepare and share, making them an ideal option for gatherings or cozy mornings.

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

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven 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 to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly mixed and aerated.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
  4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the two mixtures together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. It’s important not to overmix—some lumps are acceptable to keep the texture tender.
  5. Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
  6. Bake the bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
  7. Cool the bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the donut bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
  8. Prepare maple glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Add more milk gradually if needed, reaching a glaze consistency that is thick but still pourable.
  9. Add maple syrup to glaze: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup into the glaze for extra flavor and sweetness.
  10. Glaze the donut bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, place them on a serving platter. Use a spoon or small spatula to drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top, ensuring even coverage.
  11. Optional extra drizzle: For added sweetness and an attractive finish, drizzle some extra maple syrup over the glazed bars.
  12. Set the glaze: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes so it firms slightly before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles for serving.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and fluffy.
  • Using parchment paper helps in easily removing the bars from the pan.
  • If desired, substitute whole milk with a dairy-free alternative for a non-dairy version.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm, soft texture before serving.

Keywords: Maple Donut Bars, baked donut bars, maple glaze, cinnamon nutmeg donut, easy breakfast bars, homemade donut bars