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Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Maple Donut Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

These Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on classic donuts, baked in a convenient sheet pan for easy serving. Featuring a soft, tender crumb infused with warm nutmeg and a rich maple glaze, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and spice. Topped with optional chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Maple Glaze

  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings

  • Chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Sprinkles
  • Crumbled bacon

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg for at least 30 seconds to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled butter, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; it’s okay if a few streaks of flour remain.
  4. Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  5. Pour Batter into Pan: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  6. Bake: Bake the donut bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges turn a golden brown color.
  7. Cool: Allow the donut bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
  8. Sift the Powdered Sugar: While the bars cool, sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl to remove any lumps for a smooth glaze.
  9. Combine Glaze Ingredients: Add the pure maple syrup, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the sifted powdered sugar.
  10. Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk all glaze ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed for your preferred consistency.
  11. Glaze the Donut Bars: When the bars are completely cool, pour the maple glaze evenly over the top, using a spatula if needed to spread it evenly.
  12. Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon over the glaze before it sets to add texture and flavor.
  13. Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to fully set for 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature before cutting.
  14. Cut and Serve: Slice the donut bars into squares or rectangles and serve fresh for a delicious treat.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the butter in the wet ingredients is cooled to avoid curdling when mixed.
  • Donut bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • Reheat individual bars briefly in the microwave for a warm, fresh-baked experience.
  • Milk in the glaze can be substituted with cream or non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for variations.
  • Feel free to customize toppings according to your preference; the glaze pairs well with both sweet and savory options.
  • To make the bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut recipe, maple glaze, breakfast bars, easy donut recipe

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/maple-donut-bars-recipe/