Description
Learn how to make delicious Irresistible Maple Donut Bars. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds warmth)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (can substitute with coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (plus extra for glaze)
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to lift the bars out easily once baked.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This dry mix is your flavor base, so make sure everything is evenly combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup maple syrup until smooth and well blended. The buttermilk’s tanginess is key here—it gives the bars a tender crumb reminiscent of a donut.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and cakey. The batter will be thick but spreadable.
- Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. The batter should fill the pan about halfway.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I always check at 25 minutes because ovens vary—if the edges look too dark, tent loosely with foil.
- While the bars bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and enough milk to reach a smooth, drizzling consistency. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more if needed.
- Once the bars are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out onto a wire rack.
- Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm bars. The warmth helps it soak in slightly, creating that irresistible sticky finish.
- Allow the glaze to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing into 12 squares. If you want cleaner cuts, chilling the bars for 20 minutes helps firm up the glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Irresistible Maple Donut Bars, recipe, cooking, food
