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Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Maple Donut Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

Easy and delicious baked maple donut bars with a soft, cakey texture and a sweet maple glaze. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or as a sweet treat, these bars offer a wonderful homemade donut experience without the frying. Customize them with nuts, sprinkles, or savory bacon for added fun and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Donut Bars:

  • 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
  • 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

For the 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 flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk for at least 30 seconds to ensure even distribution.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Ensure the melted butter is slightly cooled so it doesn’t cook the eggs. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
  4. Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal.
  5. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
  6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and edges are golden brown. Start checking at 20 minutes due to oven variations.
  7. Cool: Let the donut bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Use parchment paper overhang to lift bars out easily if lined.
  8. Sift the Powdered Sugar: In a large bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove lumps, ensuring a smooth glaze.
  9. Combine Glaze Ingredients: Add maple syrup, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the powdered sugar.
  10. Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk all glaze ingredients until creamy. Adjust milk or powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time to reach desired pourable but not runny consistency.
  11. Glaze the Donut Bars: Once bars are completely cool, pour the maple glaze evenly over the top. Spread gently with a spatula if needed.
  12. Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately sprinkle chosen toppings such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon while glaze is wet.
  13. Let the Glaze Set: Allow glaze to set for 30 minutes to one hour until it hardens slightly, making bars easier to cut and handle.
  14. Cut and Serve: Cut bars into squares or rectangles and serve. Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored up to 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, making donut bars tough. Mix just until combined.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure baking powder and baking soda are fresh for proper rising.
  • Cool Completely Before Glazing: Warm bars will cause glaze to melt and run off.
  • Adjust the Glaze Consistency: Add milk or powdered sugar gradually to get perfect glaze thickness.
  • Get Creative with Toppings: Try nuts, sprinkles, bacon, chocolate shavings, or coconut to personalize your bars.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, maple glaze, easy brunch recipe, homemade donut bars, sweet treat, brunch dessert

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