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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/irresistible-maple-donut-bars-that-are-soft-and-simple-recipe/