Irresistible Maple Donut Bars
Soft, fluffy, and perfectly glazed maple donut bars that combine the warm sweetness of maple syrup with a tender cake-like texture. A simple yet delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or snacking.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Donut Bar Batter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Maple Glaze
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup milk more as needed for consistency
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
Optional Toppings
- chopped pecans or walnuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg together.
- In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually fold wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread to the edges.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze: whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Once bars are fully cooled, spread glaze evenly on top and garnish with toppings if desired.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the batter for tender bars. For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest. Bars can be frozen unfrosted for up to 3 months.