Description
Maple Donut Bars are a deliciously soft and tender baked treat that combines the classic flavors of a donut with the convenience of a bar. Featuring a spiced batter with nutmeg and a sweet maple glaze, these bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Donut Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (1g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (1g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (56g)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (120ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (30ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract (2.5ml)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency (15–30ml)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Whisk thoroughly to blend all the dry ingredients evenly and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, to maintain a soft texture.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake the bars for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare the Maple Glaze: While the bars are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth, adjusting the milk amount to achieve a drizzleable consistency.
- Glaze the Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, either spread or drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerator: Bars can be kept for up to 5 days, although the glaze may harden slightly when chilled.
- Freezer: Freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and re-glaze if desired for best taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, maple glaze, breakfast bars, spiced donut recipe
