I have always been drawn to recipes that combine comfort with a touch of nostalgia, and Maple Donut Bars are exactly that for me. These bars remind me of the cozy mornings spent baking in my kitchen, filling the air with the sweet aroma of maple syrup and cinnamon. There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a soft, moist bar with a perfectly glazed maple topping — it’s like having a homemade donut in bar form, but easier to share and enjoy anytime.
You will love this recipe because it delivers all the classic flavors of a maple donut without the fuss of frying or shaping dough. It’s an easy treat that fits perfectly into busy schedules, yet still feels special enough for weekend breakfasts or casual gatherings. The balance of maple sweetness and tender crumb makes these bars a delightful indulgence that isn’t overly rich or heavy.
What makes these Maple Donut Bars truly versatile is their adaptability. You can enjoy them plain with a simple maple glaze, or dress them up with chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or even a drizzle of chocolate for added flair. They also freeze well, making them a great option to prepare ahead and have on hand for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
This recipe is affordable, using common pantry ingredients that are easy to find and budget-friendly. The star ingredient, pure maple syrup, adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that elevates the bars beyond ordinary baked goods.
Ingredients for the Maple Donut Bars:
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Ground cinnamon
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Unsalted butter
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Granulated sugar
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Brown sugar
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Large eggs
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Vanilla extract
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Buttermilk
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Pure maple syrup (for both batter and glaze)
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Powdered sugar (for glaze)
These simple ingredients come together to create a comforting treat that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Making Maple Donut Bars is straightforward and enjoyable, even if you are new to baking. The process starts with mixing the dry ingredients separately from the wet ones, which ensures a smooth, lump-free batter. You will first combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in one bowl. These dry components provide the structure and subtle warmth that give the bars their signature flavor.
In another bowl, you’ll cream the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, helping the bars rise and become tender. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mixing in vanilla extract and pure maple syrup follows, giving the batter a rich sweetness and aroma.
Next, alternate adding the dry ingredients with buttermilk to the wet mixture. This technique keeps the batter moist and tender while activating the baking soda for a light texture. Be careful not to overmix; stir until just combined to avoid dense bars.
Pour the batter evenly into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While the bars cool slightly, prepare the maple glaze by whisking powdered sugar with maple syrup until smooth and pourable.
Once the bars have cooled enough to handle but are still warm, spread the glaze evenly over the top. The warmth helps the glaze set with a shiny finish, sealing in the moistness.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is quick and easy, requiring only one bowl for the wet ingredients and another for the dry. The entire preparation takes about 15 minutes, with baking time around 25 to 30 minutes. Because there is no frying or complicated shaping involved, these bars are perfect for busy mornings or last-minute desserts.
Customizable
You can customize Maple Donut Bars to suit your preferences or the occasion. Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter gives a satisfying crunch. For a spiced twist, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg. Drizzling melted dark chocolate on top of the maple glaze is another delicious option.
Popular with Many People
These bars are loved by many because they combine familiar flavors with convenience. They make excellent snacks for kids and adults alike, work well for brunch buffets, and are a hit at potlucks. Their soft texture and sweet glaze keep everyone coming back for more.
By following these steps, you will create moist, flavorful Maple Donut Bars that bring warmth and sweetness to any table.
Print
Maple Donut Bars
Maple Donut Bars are a soft, moist baked treat that captures the classic flavor of maple donuts in an easy-to-make bar form. These bars combine a tender crumb with a sweet maple glaze, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup pure maple syrup (plus extra for glaze)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and ½ cup maple syrup until combined.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with ¼ cup maple syrup until smooth to make the glaze.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the warm bars. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
Bars can be topped with chopped nuts for added texture.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which helps tenderize the bars.
Q: How should I store Maple Donut Bars?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
Q: Is it possible to make these bars vegan?
A: To make vegan bars, substitute butter with plant-based margarine, use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, and choose a dairy-free milk alternative with a splash of lemon juice as buttermilk.
Q: Can I skip the glaze?
A: Yes, the bars are delicious on their own, but the maple glaze adds a lovely sweetness and texture that complements the soft crumb.
Q: What is the best way to reheat these bars?
A: Warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven to refresh their softness without melting the glaze.