Description

These irresistible maple donut bars are soft, fluffy, and easy to make. Featuring a tender crumb with warm nutmeg and vanilla flavors, they are topped with a sweet maple glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime treat, these bars deliver all the comforting flavors of a classic donut in an easy-to-slice square.

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

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)

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Cream butter and sugar: Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender texture.
Add wet ingredients: To the creamed butter and sugar, add the large egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix on medium speed until the batter is smooth and homogenous, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or mixer on low speed. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to dense bars.
Bake the batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean indicating they are cooked through.
Cool the bars: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then carefully transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess on the bottom.
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract (if using), and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired consistency.
Glaze the bars: Drizzle the maple glaze over the cooled bars evenly, allowing it to set before slicing into squares or rectangles. This glaze adds a sweet, glossy finish reminiscent of classic maple donuts.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free milk combined with vinegar instead of buttermilk.
To make this recipe egg-free, replace the egg with 1/4 cup applesauce.
Ensure baking soda and baking powder are fresh for proper rise and texture.
Allow glaze to fully set before cutting for cleaner slices.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: maple donut bars,maple glaze donut bars,soft donut bars,easy baked donut bars,maple syrup dessert,maple flavored bars,breakfast bars,maple donut recipe