Maple Donut Bars That Taste Just Like Your Bakery Favorites

Delicious Maple Donut Bars that taste just like your favorite bakery treat, fluffy and glazed without frying.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 28

Cooling Time 10

Total Time 53

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Batter

1 cup unsalted butter Adds richness and moisture; consider half butter for sour cream for a more tender crumb.
1 cup granulated sugar Provides sweetness; brown sugar can deepen the flavor.
2 large eggs Binds the ingredients and offers structure.
1 cup buttermilk Keeps the bars moist and tender.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract Enhances the overall flavor of your maple donut bars.
3 cups all-purpose flour Gives structure and texture; for a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
2 teaspoons baking powder Acts as the leavening agent for rise.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda Works alongside baking powder for proper leavening.
1/2 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

For the Maple Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar Adds sweetness and gives a smooth texture to the glaze.
3 tablespoons maple syrup Serves as the flavor base.
2-3 tablespoons milk or cream Adjusts glaze consistency for the perfect spread.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Elevates the flavor profile of the glaze.

Equipment

mixing bowl
Electric Mixer
whisk
spatula
9x13-inch baking pan

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy for 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, followed by buttermilk and vanilla extract, mixing until blended.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually mix into wet ingredients.
Pour and spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake for 22-28 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and enough milk or cream for a smooth consistency.
Once the bars cool for about 10 minutes, glaze them while warm for best results.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Notes

For best results, glaze the bars while they're still warm to get a smoother finish.

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