Name: Irresistible Maple Donut Bars That Are Soft and Simple Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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 (optional); 2 tablespoons Milk (adjust for desired consistency)

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 well 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 fully incorporated.

Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk quantity to reach your desired consistency.

Step 10: Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bars, allowing it to set before cutting into squares or rectangles for serving.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk.

Add a pinch of cinnamon along with or instead of nutmeg for a warmer spice flavor.

Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer, caramel-like sweetness.

To make these bars nutty, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze before it sets.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk by adding 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

How do I make these bars vegan?

Replace the egg with 1/4 cup applesauce or a flax egg, and swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Use plant-based milk with vinegar to replace buttermilk. Make sure the powdered sugar and maple syrup you use are vegan-friendly.