Maple Donut Bars
These Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on the classic donut, perfect for when you’re craving that soft, fluffy texture with a rich maple glaze. They’re easy to make at home and bring the comforting flavors of your favorite bakery right into your kitchen.
Every Saturday morning, my husband insists on finding the best maple donuts in town, but when I whipped up these Maple Donut Bars at home, he was hooked. The kids love helping drizzle the glaze, and I love seeing their maple-sticky smiles. These bars have become a family favorite, perfect for cozy mornings or sharing with friends.
Why You’ll Love Maple Donut Bars
•Easy to Make: No frying involved—bake these bars to perfection.
•Rich Maple Glaze: The sweet, buttery maple flavor is the star of the show.
•Soft and Fluffy: The dough creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
•Perfect for Sharing: A tray of these bars is always a hit at gatherings or brunches.
Ingredients Notes For Maple Donut Bars
•All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the bars tender.
•Yeast: Ensures a soft, airy texture.
•Maple Syrup: The key ingredient for a natural maple flavor.
•Butter: Adds richness to the dough and glaze.
•Powdered Sugar: Perfect for creating a smooth and glossy glaze.
Recipe Steps
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1.Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit until foamy. Mix in eggs, melted butter, and flour to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
2.Shape the Bars: Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness and cut into rectangular bars. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rise again until puffy.
3.Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bars for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.
4.Make the Maple Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and a splash of milk until smooth.
5.Glaze the Bars: Dip the tops of the cooled bars into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place them on a wire rack to set.
Storage Options
•Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
•Freeze: Freeze unglazed bars for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
•Add Bacon: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top of the glaze for a sweet-savory twist.
•Maple Pecan: Add chopped pecans to the glaze for extra crunch.
•Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use maple extract instead of maple syrup? Yes, but reduce the amount since extract is more concentrated.
Q: Can these be fried instead of baked? Absolutely! Fry in hot oil until golden, then glaze.
Q: How do I keep the glaze from being too runny? Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or a touch of milk as needed.
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Maple Donut Bars
Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook PrintIngredients
- For the Donut Bars:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Maple Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the Donut Bars:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Maple Glaze:
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the maple syrup and bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Glaze the Bars: Once the bars are cool, remove them from the pan using the parchment overhang. Spread the maple glaze evenly over the top.
- Serve:
- Cut and Serve: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes, then slice into rectangular bars. Serve immediately.
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