Introduction

These Maple Donut Bars offer a delightful twist on classic donuts, baked into a convenient bar form. Soft, spiced, and topped with a sweet maple glaze, they make a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven and let the donut bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: To prepare the maple glaze, combine the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Step 9: Add more milk a little at a time until reaching a glaze consistency that coats the back of a spoon but is still pourable.
Step 10: Stir in an additional 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for extra flavor.
Step 11: Once the bars are completely cooled, place them on a serving platter or cutting board.
Step 12: Drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top using a spoon or small spatula, covering evenly.
Step 13: Optionally, drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the glazed bars for added sweetness and presentation.
Step 14: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
Use pure maple syrup for the best taste in both the batter and glaze.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly or add more powdered sugar.
Substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier, richer texture.

Storage

Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave to enjoy the softness before serving. The glaze may soften slightly when refrigerated but will still taste delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donut bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that is suitable for baking. Ensure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

While maple syrup gives a distinctive flavor, you can substitute it with honey or agave nectar in equal amounts. Keep in mind the taste and consistency might vary slightly.

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

These Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on classic donuts, baked into easy-to-cut bars with a rich maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they combine warm spices with the natural sweetness of maple syrup for a comforting treat everyone will love.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup

Maple Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons maple syrup

Optional

Extra maple syrup for drizzling

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined for a well-balanced spice and leavening mix.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup together until smooth and thoroughly blended, creating a flavorful wet mixture.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the batter together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, leaving some lumps to avoid overmixing which can toughen the baked bars.
Fill Baking Pan: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan using a spatula, smoothing the surface for uniform baking.
Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges turn a light golden brown.
Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
Prepare Maple Glaze: While the bars cool, make the maple glaze by whisking powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk in a medium bowl until smooth. Add additional milk 1 teaspoon at a time until the glaze reaches a thick but pourable consistency.
Add Maple Flavor: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup into the glaze for enhanced maple sweetness and flavor.
Glaze the Bars: Once the donut bars are completely cooled, place them on a serving platter and use a spoon or small spatula to drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top, ensuring an even coating.
Optional Extra Drizzle: For added sweetness and attractive presentation, drizzle extra maple syrup over the glazed bars if desired.
Set the Glaze: Allow the glaze to set for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting the bars into squares or rectangles for serving.