Decadent Maple Donut Bars Recipe
Introduction
Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on classic donuts, combining a soft, cake-like base with a rich maple glaze. They’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, offering a sweet and comforting flavor that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the melted butter and mix until you have a smooth batter.
- Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Step 4: Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 5: While the bars bake, prepare the maple glaze by mixing maple syrup with a little melted butter or powdered sugar for consistency.
- Step 6: Once the bars have cooled slightly, spread the maple glaze evenly over the top.
- Step 7: Allow the glaze to set before cutting into bars and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use pure maple syrup in both the batter and the glaze.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter to give the bars a warm spice note.
- Top with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and taste.
Storage
Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If refrigerated, they will last about a week but may become denser. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a soft, warm treat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use maple flavoring instead of maple syrup?
While maple flavoring can be used, pure maple syrup offers a more authentic and rich taste, enhancing the overall flavor of the bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
PrintDecadent Maple Donut Bars Recipe
These Maple Donut Bars offer a delightful twist on classic donuts by baking the batter in a bar form and topping them with a sweet, luscious maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these bars combine a tender, buttery crumb with the rich flavor of pure maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Donut Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Bake the Donut Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: While the bars bake, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk together in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk quantity to achieve the desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze the Bars: Once the bars are fully baked and slightly cooled, spread the maple glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares or bars and serve. These maple donut bars are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor; imitation syrup can alter the taste.
- Ensure the bars are cooled slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- You can substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Keywords: Maple Donut Bars, baked donut bars, maple glaze, breakfast bars, easy dessert
