Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Discover the simple joy of homemade goodness with this incredible maple donut bars recipe, a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, offering a satisfyingly sweet experience that’s surprisingly easy to whip up.

Key Ingredients for Maple Donut Bars

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• For the Maple Glaze:
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup (pure maple syrup is best)
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for a richer glaze)
• Optional Toppings:
  • Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
  • Extra sprinkle of cinnamon
  • Crisp bacon bits

How to Make Maple Donut Bars

Get ready for a delicious, satisfying experience that’s remarkably simple to make. These maple donut bars boast an incredibly moist and tender crumb, perfectly complemented by a rich, naturally sweet maple glaze. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes of active work and 25 minutes of baking, you can enjoy this delightful treat in under an hour from start to finish, making it ideal for last-minute cravings or special occasions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting. This step ensures your maple donut bars won’t stick and come out beautifully.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air, contributing to the tender texture of the bars.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in tough maple donut bars.
6. Pour and Spread Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. The batter will be thick, so ensure it reaches all corners of the pan.
7. Bake the Bars: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden.
8. Cool the Bars: Allow the baked maple donut bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Let them cool completely on the wire rack before glazing.
9. Prepare the Maple Glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons of milk in a medium bowl until smooth. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if a thinner consistency is desired for drizzling or a thicker consistency for a more opaque glaze.
10. Glaze and Decorate: Once the maple donut bars are completely cool, pour or drizzle the maple glaze over the top. If using, sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans, extra cinnamon, or crisp bacon bits immediately after glazing, while the glaze is still wet.
11. Cut and Serve: Once the glaze has set, cut the maple donut bars into desired serving sizes.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Donut Bars

You’ll absolutely adore these maple donut bars recipe for their irresistible spiced cake base, reminiscent of a perfectly baked old-fashioned donut, but in an incredibly convenient bar form. Making these at home is not only budget-friendly, saving you trips and the premium price of bakery treats, but also allows you to customize them with your favorite toppings – from crunchy nuts to a surprising hint of savory bacon. Unlike complicated cake recipes, these bars are wonderfully straightforward, offering that comforting donut shop flavor without any fuss.

Imagine the pure delight of biting into a moist, cinnamon-kissed bar, generously coated in a sweet, rich maple glaze, that tastes just like your favorite donut, but even better because you made it with love. They are the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or as a sweet ending to any meal. Don’t wait to experience this simple, delicious upgrade to your dessert repertoire; give these glorious maple donut bars a try this week – your taste buds will thank you!

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftover maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if the bars are heavily glazed with a frosting that might melt, it’s best to refrigerate them. Refrigerated bars will stay fresh for up to a week.
• Reheating: For a warm, freshly baked feel, you can gently reheat individual bars. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds, just until slightly warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough. Alternatively, you can warm them in a toaster oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
• Freezing: To freeze maple donut bars, ensure they are completely cooled and the glaze has set. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.

Final Thoughts

This maple donut bars recipe offers a wonderfully accessible way to enjoy the comforting flavors of your favorite donuts in a convenient bar format. Whip up a batch to bring smiles to your family and friends, and experience the simple pleasure of homemade goodness.