why make this recipe
Making Easy Homemade Maple Donut Bars gives you a delicious treat that’s soft, sweet, and full of maple flavor. These bars are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. They are simple to make, and the best part is that you don’t need to fry them! This recipe is great for sharing with family and friends or for enjoying with a warm cup of coffee.
how to make Easy Homemade Maple Donut Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (Substitute: 1/2 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice in cup, fill with milk, let sit 5 mins.)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, not hot!)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (for the batter!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (also known as powdered sugar or icing sugar)
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (pure, for glaze; might need slightly more or less)
Directions:
Step 1: Prep your pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan. Grease it really well (baking spray with flour or grease/flour). This helps ensure those lovely bars don’t stick!
Step 2: Combine the dry: In your biggest mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Whisk the wet: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, the 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (for the batter!), and the vanilla extract. Whisk until it’s all smoothly combined.
Step 4: Mix ’em up: Pour the wet ingredients from step 3 into the dry ingredients from step 2. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, mix them together just until everything is combined. A few small lumps are totally fine! Do not overmix, or your bars can become tough.
Step 5: Pour and bake: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared 9×13 pan. Use your spatula to spread it out to the corners. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and edges look lightly golden.
Step 6: Make the glaze: While the bars are baking or just after they come out, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup in a small bowl. Start with 2 tablespoons of syrup. If it’s too thick, add another tablespoon, maybe even just a tiny bit more, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s a smooth, pourable consistency.
Step 7: Glaze and set: Let the baked bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. They should still be warm, but not piping hot. Drizzle the maple glaze all over the top! Spread it around evenly if you like a full coverage look. Let the glaze sit for another 10-15 minutes to start setting up before cutting.
Step 8: Cut and serve: Once the glaze has slightly set, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares right in the pan. Serve them warm!
how to serve Easy Homemade Maple Donut Bars
You can serve these donut bars warm or at room temperature. They are delightful on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also add fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a special treat.
how to store Easy Homemade Maple Donut Bars
To store the leftover bars, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars; just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
tips to make Easy Homemade Maple Donut Bars
- Make sure your butter is melted but not hot to avoid cooking your eggs.
- Don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay!
- Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
variation
You can customize your maple donut bars by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth. You can also swap the maple syrup for flavored syrups, like vanilla or caramel, to change up the glaze.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be a bit denser.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for buttermilk?
Yes, you can mix 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This works well as a substitute.
Can I make the bars in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake them a day ahead and store them, then glaze them right before serving.
