Name: Maple Donut Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Chopped pecans or walnuts; Sprinkles; Crumbled bacon

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Sprinkles (optional)

Crumbled bacon (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg for at least 30 seconds to ensure even distribution.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth, making sure the butter is slightly cooled.

Step 3: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Some streaks of flour are fine; avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges turn golden brown.

Step 7: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl to remove any lumps.

Step 9: Add the maple syrup, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the powdered sugar.

Step 10: Whisk all glaze ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk or powdered sugar to reach your preferred consistency.

Step 11: Once the bars are fully cooled, pour the maple glaze evenly over the top.

Step 12: Immediately sprinkle with optional toppings such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crumbled bacon.

Step 13: Allow the glaze to set completely, about 30 minutes to an hour, before cutting.

Step 14: Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the batter mixes smoothly and evenly.

For a dairy-free option, substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice and use dairy-free butter.

Experiment with toppings like toasted coconut or cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.

Don’t overbake to keep bars soft and moist.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately for proper texture.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Insert a wooden skewer into the center of the bars; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The edges will also turn golden brown when done.