Description
Enjoy these Maple Donut Bars, featuring a fluffy cake base topped with a sweet maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they are easy to make and even easier to savor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup maple syrup (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for glaze)
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk them together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is not too hot to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Once the batter is mixed, pour it into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the donut bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy.
- While the donut bars are cooling, prepare the maple glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth and well combined. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If its too thick, add a little more maple syrup; if its too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Once the donut bars are completely cooled, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to catch any drips from the glaze.
- Using a spoon or a small ladle, drizzle the maple glaze over the top of each donut bar. Make sure to cover them generously for that delicious maple flavor.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze while it is still wet. This adds a nice crunch and enhances the flavor.
- Allow the glaze to set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing the bars. This will help the glaze firm up slightly.
- Once the glaze has set, use a sharp knife to cut the donut bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- Serve the maple donut bars warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using dark maple syrup instead of light maple syrup.
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
- Experiment with different toppings such as shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes