Introduction

These irresistible maple donut bars are soft, simple, and perfect for a sweet treat any time of day. With a tender crumb and a glossy maple glaze, they bring the cozy flavors of classic donuts to a convenient bar form.

Irresistible Maple Donut Bars That Are Soft and Simple Recipe - Recipe Image

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)
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)
1 cup Powdered Sugar
1/4 cup Maple Syrup (honey can be a substitute)
1/2 teaspoon Maple Extract (can be omitted)
2 tablespoons Milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the creamed mixture and beat until smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently, mixing until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 9: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Let it set before cutting into squares or rectangles and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
Swap ground cinnamon for nutmeg to add a warmer spice flavor.
For dairy-free bars, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk.
If you prefer a more intense maple flavor, add a little extra maple extract to the glaze.
To make these bars egg-free, replace the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.

Storage

Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat bars gently in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the glaze before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or adds a binding agent for best results.

What if I don’t have maple extract?

Maple extract enhances the maple flavor in the glaze, but it’s optional. You can omit it and rely on pure maple syrup alone for a delicious glaze.

Irresistible Maple Donut Bars That Are Soft and Simple Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 109 reviews

These irresistible maple donut bars are soft, simple to make, and packed with warm flavors of maple and nutmeg. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they feature a tender crumb topped with a smooth, sweet maple glaze that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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)
3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (brown sugar can replace it)

Wet Ingredients

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 (can be omitted)
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 it 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: In a separate bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This adds air and texture to the batter.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Bars: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Glaze: While the bars are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk quantity to reach desired consistency.
Glaze Bars: Drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Allow the glaze to set for several minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles for serving.

Notes

Ensure baking soda and powder are fresh to guarantee proper rising.
Substitute vegan butter and applesauce to make the recipe dairy-free and egg-free.
Use gluten-free flour blend if you require a gluten-free dessert.
Adjust milk quantity in glaze to get the perfect drizzle consistency.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate leftovers to keep fresh longer, can be reheated gently before serving.

Keywords: maple donut bars, maple glazed bars, soft donut bars, easy baked donut, breakfast bars, maple syrup dessert