Introduction

Maple Donut Bars bring the nostalgic flavors of a classic donut into an easy-to-bake, shareable treat. With a tender, spiced cake base and a rich maple glaze, these bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime indulgence.

A stack of three rectangular doughnuts is shown on a white plate with a textured blue surface. Each doughnut is golden brown and coated lightly with sugar, with a thick layer of creamy beige glaze dripping unevenly down the sides. The top doughnut is decorated with small, round, multicolored sprinkles scattered over the glaze, adding bright spots of red, orange, yellow, blue, pink, and white. The background shows a blurred white cup, and the surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
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
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Sprinkles (optional)
Crumbled bacon (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg for at least 30 seconds to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the butter is slightly cooled before combining.
Step 3: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few flour streaks are fine.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and edges are golden brown.
Step 7: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl to remove lumps.
Step 9: Add the maple syrup, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the powdered sugar.
Step 10: Whisk the glaze until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk or powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency.
Step 11: Once the bars are fully cooled, pour the maple glaze evenly over the top.
Step 12: Immediately sprinkle with your choice of toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon.
Step 13: Allow the glaze to set for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into squares or rectangles.
Step 14: Serve and enjoy your delicious maple donut bars!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, lightly toast chopped pecans or walnuts before sprinkling on top.
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warmer spice profile.
Swap out the maple glaze for a simple vanilla glaze if preferred.

Storage

Store donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor and texture. Leftover bars can be briefly warmed in the microwave for a soft, fresh-eating experience.

How to Serve

Three rectangular pastries are stacked on a white plate, each with a golden-brown, crispy texture. The top layer of each pastry is covered with smooth, creamy white icing that drips slightly down the sides. Small green mint leaves and shiny brown berries are placed on the icing for decoration. In the background, a blurred white plate with another pastry and a turquoise cup filled with coffee sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures 1:1. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, or add it separately according to package instructions.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the bars immediately after mixing for optimal texture. However, you can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it, then bring it to room temperature before baking.