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.
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
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for glaze)
Optional
- Extra maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well blended.
- 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.
- Pour batter into pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared 9×13 inch pan using a spatula.
- 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.
- Cool: Remove from oven; let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 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.
- Add extra maple flavor: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup into the glaze for enhanced sweetness and flavor.
- 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.
- Optional finishing touch: Drizzle extra maple syrup over the glazed bars for added sweetness and visual appeal.
- 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
