Maple Donut Bars: A Delicious Recipe for Sweet Treats Recipe

Introduction

Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat that combine the comforting flavors of breakfast with the convenience of a handheld dessert. These soft, fluffy bars are glazed with rich maple syrup, making them perfect for brunches, snacks, or anytime you crave something sweet and satisfying.

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
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
• Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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 for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined. A few lumps are okay—avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: While the bars bake, prepare the glaze by whisking the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk if needed to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
7. Step 7: Once the bars are cool, spread the glaze evenly over the top. Drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired.
8. Step 8: Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy your sweet maple treat!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the whole milk with buttermilk.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.
• Use pure maple syrup for the best authentic taste.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly to keep it dense enough to hold on top.
• Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a warmer spice profile.

Storage

Store Maple Donut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the glaze and warm the bars before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe to achieve the right texture, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a denser, nuttier bar. Adjust liquid amounts as needed.

How do I make the bars gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly but the flavor will remain delicious.

Maple Donut Bars: A Delicious Recipe for Sweet Treats Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 51 reviews

Maple Donut Bars are a quick and delightful treat combining the classic flavors of maple syrup with a soft, fluffy cake base. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these bars are easy to make and feature a moist texture topped with a sticky maple glaze that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare 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 for easy removal.
2. 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 fully combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well mixed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Avoid overmixing; some lumps are fine.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare Maple Glaze: While the bars bake, whisk powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and glossy. Adjust thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar.
7. Glaze and Cool: Once baked, allow the bars to cool slightly before drizzling the maple glaze evenly over the top. Optionally, drizzle extra maple syrup for added sweetness.
8. Serve: Let the glaze set slightly before cutting into bars and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• For best results, do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
• If you prefer a stronger maple flavor, increase the maple syrup in the glaze or drizzle additional syrup just before serving.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• These bars can be reheated gently in the microwave for a warm treat.

Keywords: maple donut bars, maple glaze bars, baked donut bars, maple syrup dessert, easy sweet bars, breakfast bars