Maple donut bars bring the delightful taste of your favorite bakery right into your kitchen. They are soft, sweet, and drizzled with a rich maple glaze that makes every bite special. These bars are easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack with the family. They’ll fill your home with an inviting aroma and your loved ones with joy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These maple donut bars are simply wonderful for busy families. They’re quick to make, require basic ingredients, and come together in just one pan. There’s no need for a fancy setup! The kids will love the sweet flavor, and you’ll enjoy the simplicity of preparing them. Plus, they’re a great treat for breakfast, brunch, or an after-school snack.
How to Make Maple Donut Bars
Making these bars is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You’ll start by mixing the wet ingredients, followed by combining them with the dry ones. Then, you’ll just spread the batter and bake. Once they come out of the oven, you add a delicious glaze that takes them to the next level.
What You Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13 pan with parchment.
- Beat butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add in eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add this to the wet mixture and mix until smooth.
- Spread the batter in the lined pan and bake for 22–28 minutes or until golden.
- While the bars cool, combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and milk to form the glaze.
- Spread the glaze over the warm bars. Allow to cool completely, slice, and serve.
How to Serve Maple Donut Bars
These maple donut bars are delightful on their own but can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them with a side of fresh fruit or whipped cream for breakfast, or pair them with a warm beverage for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread or a snack for family gatherings.
How to Store Maple Donut Bars
To keep these delicious bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them briefly in the microwave.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Mix until just combined to avoid tough bars.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for extra warmth.
- Use maple extract if you’d like a stronger maple flavor.
- These bars are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later.
Variations & Swaps
- For a chocolate version, mix in some cocoa powder into the batter for a rich twist.
- If you’re looking for a lighter option, replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
- Add in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pour it into the pan and bake in the morning for fresh bars.
Can I freeze these maple bars?
Absolutely! Once they’re cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer. They can last up to three months.
How do I reheat leftover bars?
To reheat, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5–10 minutes.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can make a simple substitute by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This will mimic buttermilk’s tanginess.
What should I do if my bars are too dry?
Overbaking can cause dryness. To avoid this, check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested time, using a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they’re done!
Maple Donut Bars
Ingredients
Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk You can substitute with milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream Adjust consistency as needed.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13 pan with parchment.
- Beat butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add in eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add this to the wet mixture and mix until smooth.
Baking
- Spread the batter in the lined pan and bake for 22–28 minutes or until golden.
- While the bars cool, combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and milk to form the glaze.
- Spread the glaze over the warm bars. Allow to cool completely, slice, and serve.
