Maple Donut Bars are the perfect homemade treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of maple with a soft, cake-like donut bar. These baked bars are drizzled with a sweet, sticky maple glaze and are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Quick to make and easy to enjoy, they bring all the flavors of fall without the hassle of frying.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Donut Bars:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)

  • 1 large egg

  • ½ cup buttermilk

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the Maple Glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

  • ½ teaspoon maple extract

  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. Make the Batter:
   In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk, mixing well.

4. Combine the Mixtures:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.

5. Bake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Prepare the Glaze:
   While the bars are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth.

7. Glaze the Bars:
   Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top. Let the glaze set before serving.

Nutrients

For one serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 275 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 37g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 13g

  • Saturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 40mg

• Sodium: 200mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 20g

Why Maple Donut Bars are So Popular

Maple Donut Bars are loved for their warm, cozy flavors, especially during the fall and winter months when maple syrup reigns as a classic ingredient in baked goods. The combination of nutmeg and maple syrup creates a wonderful aroma, and the texture of the cake-like bars is soft yet slightly firm, making them a perfect pairing with a cup of coffee or tea. The maple glaze drizzled on top adds a perfect sweet finishing touch that enhances the natural flavors of the donut bars without overwhelming them.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. These donut bars are easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients, and they can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at brunch or simply enjoy a homemade snack, Maple Donut Bars are a fantastic and satisfying option. They’re baked, which eliminates the hassle and mess of frying, making them a quick and convenient treat for any time of day.

How to Make Maple Donut Bars

Making Maple Donut Bars is a simple process that yields delicious results. With just a few steps, you can create this sweet and comforting treat.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the donut bars from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Set the dry ingredients aside.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk, mixing until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a tender and soft texture in your bars.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the donut bars are cooling, prepare the maple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth. The glaze should have a pourable consistency; adjust the amount of milk if needed to achieve the right thickness.

Step 7: Glaze the Bars

Once the donut bars have cooled, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top. Let the glaze set before cutting and serving to allow it to firm up slightly.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

Maple Donut Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. They’re ideal for breakfast, offering a sweet start to your morning, or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. The baked nature of the bars makes them easy to prepare without any frying involved, and the maple glaze adds the perfect amount of sweetness.

These bars are also a great option for gatherings such as brunches or casual get-togethers, where you want to offer something homemade and unique without a lot of fuss. They can be made ahead of time and stored for a few days, making them a convenient snack or dessert for family or friends. The flavors of maple and nutmeg pair beautifully with the warm, soft texture of the bars, making them a comforting treat that’s especially perfect for fall and winter.

Conclusion

Maple Donut Bars are a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make treat that brings together the delicious flavors of maple syrup and nutmeg in a soft, cake-like bar. Drizzled with a sweet maple glaze, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth, making them the perfect snack, breakfast, or dessert. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cozy afternoon with coffee, or just craving something sweet, Maple Donut Bars are sure to hit the spot. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your collection.