Irresistible Maple Donut Bars That Are Soft and Simple Recipe

Introduction

These irresistible maple donut bars are soft, simple, and perfect for a sweet treat any time of day. With a tender crumb and a luscious maple glaze, they bring the comforting flavors of a classic donut in an easy-to-make bar form.

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can use gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (ensure it’s fresh)
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (check expiration for effectiveness)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (enhances flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (or cinnamon as a substitute)
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (brown sugar can replace it)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (coconut oil for dairy-free)
• 1 large Egg (or use 1/4 cup applesauce for egg-free)
• 1 cup Buttermilk (or milk plus a teaspoon of vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (use pure for the best taste)
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup (honey can be a substitute)
• 1/2 teaspoon Maple Extract (can be omitted)
• 2 tablespoons Milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the creamed mixture and mix until smooth and well combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth and pourable.
9. Step 9: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and let it set before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Tips & Variations

• Swap the nutmeg for cinnamon for a warmer, spicier flavor.
• Use coconut oil instead of butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
• For a vegan version, substitute egg with applesauce and use a plant-based milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk.
• Adjust the milk in the glaze to achieve your preferred consistency—less for thicker glaze, more for a drizzle.

Storage

Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave if desired, but the bars are delicious served at room temperature as well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to create a similar tangy effect.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free as well for best results.

Irresistible Maple Donut Bars That Are Soft and Simple Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 133 reviews

These irresistible Maple Donut Bars are soft, moist, and effortlessly simple to make. Perfect as a breakfast treat or an anytime snack, they combine a tender cake-like texture with a luscious maple glaze that adds sweetness and depth of flavor. Made from pantry staples, this recipe is customizable with gluten-free and dairy-free options, making it versatile for various dietary needs.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can use gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (ensure it’s fresh)
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (check expiration for effectiveness)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (enhances flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (or cinnamon as a substitute)

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (brown sugar can replace it)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (coconut oil for dairy-free)
• 1 large Egg (or use 1/4 cup applesauce for egg-free)
• 1 cup Buttermilk (or milk plus a teaspoon of vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (use pure for the best taste)

Maple Glaze

• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup (honey can be a substitute)
• 1/2 teaspoon Maple Extract (can be omitted)
• 2 tablespoons Milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined to ensure proper leavening and spice distribution.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, which helps incorporate air for a light texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
6. Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
7. Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool for about 10 minutes in the pan to firm up, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk quantity if needed to achieve desired consistency.
9. Glaze the Bars: Drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before cutting the bars into squares or rectangles for serving.

Notes

• You can replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make the bars gluten-free.
• Substitute coconut oil for butter to make this dairy-free.
• Use 1/4 cup applesauce instead of egg for an egg-free version.
• Brown sugar can be substituted for granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
• If you don’t have maple extract, you can omit it without significantly changing the taste.
• Ensure your baking soda and powder are fresh for proper rising.
• Adjust glaze thickness with more or less milk depending on preference.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: maple donut bars, soft donut bars, maple glazed bars, easy breakfast bars, gluten-free donut bars, maple syrup dessert, simple baked bars