Maple Donut Bars are the perfect blend of a soft, cake-like donut with the rich, sweet flavor of maple syrup. These bars offer all the indulgence of traditional donuts but are easier to make and cut into convenient, bite-sized pieces. Topped with a glossy maple glaze, these donut bars are a deliciously sweet treat, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Maple flavor: The maple glaze adds a rich, warm sweetness that makes these donut bars irresistible.

• Easy to make: No need for frying—these bars are baked, which makes them much simpler and quicker to prepare than traditional donuts.

• Soft and tender: The donut bars have a cake-like texture, which is soft, moist, and perfectly balanced with the sweet glaze.

• Perfect for sharing: These bars are easy to cut into portions and are great for serving at parties, brunches, or as a snack.

• Customizable: You can add your favorite mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or spices, to make these donut bars uniquely yours.

Ingredients

For the donut bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar to sour it)

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for the batter)

For the maple glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon milk (or more for consistency)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Donut Bars:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk and maple syrup. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before glazing.

For the Maple Glaze:

1. Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract (if using). Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if the glaze is too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.

2. Glaze the bars: Once the donut bars have cooled, spread the glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 12-16 bars, depending on how large you cut them.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Baking time: 25-30 minutes

• Cooling time: 30 minutes (for cooling before glazing)

• Glaze time: 10-15 minutes for setting

Variations

• Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.

• Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding nutmeg or ginger to the batter for a warm, spiced twist.

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these donut bars gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.

• Vegan version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs or aquafaba, and the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk and vinegar combination to make these bars vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

• Reheating: If you prefer them warm, reheat the donut bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these donut bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the donut bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and glaze them right before serving.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but buttermilk adds a tangy richness and helps the bars rise. To make your own buttermilk, simply add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I freeze these donut bars?

Yes, you can freeze the unglazed bars for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and glaze.

Can I make a thicker glaze?

Yes, if you prefer a thicker glaze, just add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a little more maple syrup or milk to thin it out.

Can I add nuts or fruit to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans can add a wonderful crunch. You can also fold in dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries for a fruity twist.

How can I make the glaze shine more?

For a shinier glaze, add a small amount of corn syrup to the maple syrup or a teaspoon of vegetable oil to the glaze mixture.

Can I make these donut bars without the glaze?

Yes, the bars are delicious on their own without the glaze. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar or enjoy them as is.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor in the bars.

How do I know when the donut bars are done baking?

The donut bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges are lightly golden.

Can I add coffee to the batter for a mocha flavor?

Yes, adding a tablespoon of instant coffee or brewed coffee to the batter would complement the maple flavor nicely and create a mocha-style donut bar.

Conclusion

Maple Donut Bars are a deliciously indulgent treat with the perfect balance of soft, cake-like texture and rich maple flavor. With a simple glaze that adds a sweet finish, these bars are a great alternative to fried donuts, making them both easier to prepare and equally satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these maple donut bars are sure to become a favorite.