Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Maple Donut Bars combine the tender crumb of a baked treat with the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, all finished with a luscious maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing; some lumps are okay.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
7. Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: To prepare the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk in a medium bowl until smooth.
9. Step 9: Add more milk a little at a time until the glaze is thick but pourable, coating the back of a spoon.
10. Step 10: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for extra flavor.
11. Step 11: Once the bars are completely cooled, place them on a serving platter or cutting board.
12. Step 12: Drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the bars using a spoon or small spatula.
13. Step 13: Optionally, drizzle extra maple syrup on top for added sweetness and presentation.
14. Step 14: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze before it sets.
• Use almond milk or another dairy-free milk to make these bars vegan-friendly.
• Add a pinch of ground ginger for a spicier flavor profile that complements the maple.
• If you like a thicker glaze, reduce the milk to just one tablespoon or less.

Storage

Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh before serving. The glaze may soften after refrigeration but will still taste delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use light or dark maple syrup?

Yes, both light and dark maple syrup work well. Light syrup has a milder flavor, while dark syrup offers a more robust, intense maple taste.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! The bars can be baked a day ahead and glazed just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 116 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x

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Description

These Maple Donut Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Featuring a soft, cakey texture infused with warm spices and sweet maple syrup, they are topped with a luscious maple glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. Baked in a single pan, these bars offer all the flavors of classic maple donuts in a convenient, shareable form.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for glaze)

Optional

• Extra maple syrup for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare the 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.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well blended.
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, being careful not to overmix. A few lumps are fine.
5. Pour batter into pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared 9×13 inch pan using a spatula.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and edges turn lightly golden.
7. Cool: Remove from oven; let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make maple glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth. Add more milk a little at a time to reach a thick but pourable glaze consistency.
9. Add extra maple flavor: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup into the glaze for enhanced sweetness and flavor.
10. Glaze the bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, place them on a serving platter or cutting board, then drizzle the maple glaze generously and evenly over the top using a spoon or small spatula.
11. Optional finishing touch: Drizzle extra maple syrup over the glazed bars for added sweetness and visual appeal.
12. Set glaze and serve: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles and serving.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and light.
• Allow bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
• Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor in both batter and glaze.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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