Decadent 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.
- Author: Yana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
- 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