Dessert

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

ByElla Hart November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

Introduction

These Maple Donut Bars offer a deliciously soft, tender texture infused with warm spices and topped with a sweet, glossy maple glaze. They are a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack, bringing the flavors of classic donuts in an easy-to-slice bar form.

The image shows five square cake pieces with two visible layers each: a golden-brown soft cake base topped with a smooth, shiny light beige glaze that covers the entire top and slightly drips down the sides. One piece is placed on top of the others, clearly showing the cake's crumbly texture and thickness beneath the glossy glaze. They sit on a dark cooling rack over a white marbled surface, with a white cup filled with milk in the background and a folded lace cloth underneath part of the rack. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2g)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2g)
1/4 teaspoon salt (1g)
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (1g)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (56g)
1 large egg
1/2 cup buttermilk (120ml)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g)
2 tablespoons maple syrup (30ml)
1/2 teaspoon maple extract (2.5ml)
1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency (15–30ml)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk them together and set aside.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the creamed mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to keep the bars tender.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: While the bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth to make the glaze.
Step 10: Once the bars are cool, spread or drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh nutmeg for a more vibrant spice flavor.
Substitute almond milk or another milk alternative if you prefer dairy-free options in the glaze.
For a richer taste, fold in chopped nuts or cinnamon chips into the batter.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days; note that the glaze may harden slightly when chilled. Reheat gently before serving if desired.

How to Serve

The image shows five square cake pieces arranged on a round wire cooling rack. Each cake has two layers: a golden-brown, soft, spongy base layer and a glossy, creamy light brown icing on top with a smooth texture. One cake piece is placed on top of two others, revealing the inside soft cake layer. Behind this rack is a large white cup filled with milk or cream, positioned on a brown wooden surface. A white cloth with black floral patterns partly covers the wooden table. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar per 1/2 cup of milk as a buttermilk alternative.

How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Adjust the milk quantity to change the glaze consistency. Use less milk for a thicker glaze and add a little more milk to thin it out for easier drizzling.