Pin It Indulge in the comforting, bakery-style flavor of these Maple Donut Bars. Soft, fluffy, and infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these bars offer all the satisfaction of a traditional donut without the mess of deep-frying. Topped with a rich, glossy maple glaze, they are the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or a sweet afternoon treat.
Pin It Whether you are looking for a quick breakfast option or a delightful dessert, these bars strike the perfect balance between cake and donut. The sweet glaze sets into a beautiful, crackly layer that adds a gourmet touch to every bite.
Ingredients
- 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
- For Serving: Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Step 3
- In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Step 4
- Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix.
- Step 5
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- 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
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8
- Meanwhile, prepare the glaze: whisk together powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth. Add more milk as needed to reach a thick but pourable consistency. Stir in maple syrup for flavor.
- Step 9
- Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top.
- Step 10
- If desired, drizzle extra maple syrup for added sweetness and presentation.
- Step 11
- Allow glaze to set for 10–15 minutes, then slice into bars.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, avoid overmixing the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined; a light hand keeps the bars fluffy. For the perfect glaze application, ensure the bars are entirely cooled to prevent the icing from melting and becoming too thin.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can enhance the maple profile by adding a few drops of maple extract to the glaze. For a textured finish, consider topping the glaze with chopped toasted pecans or even crumbled cooked bacon for a savory contrast. If you prefer a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based milk and melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these bars at room temperature for the best consistency. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. For a truly decadent dessert, serve a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Pin It With their soft crumb and irresistible maple finish, these donut bars are a simple yet impressive addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy the sweet, spiced aroma that fills your kitchen and the delicious results that follow.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The glaze stays fresh and the texture remains soft. You can also freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months and add the glaze after thawing.
- → What's the best way to get a thick but pourable glaze?
Start with 1 tablespoon of milk when whisking the powdered sugar. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drizzle easily. Add the second tablespoon only if needed—too much liquid will make it run right off the bars.
- → Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may be slightly denser. Whole wheat flour works for half the amount, but will make the bars heartier and less tender. For best results, stick with all-purpose flour.
- → Why should I avoid overmixing the batter?
Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make the bars tough and chewy instead of soft and tender. Gently fold until the flour streaks just disappear—some small lumps are fine. This keeps the texture light and donut-like.
- → How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges will be lightly golden, and the top should spring back when gently pressed. Start checking at 25 minutes, as oven temperatures vary.