Description

These Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on classic donuts, baked in a convenient bar form for easy slicing and sharing. Flavored with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, they feature a tender, moist crumb and a luscious maple glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, these bars combine the nostalgic flavors of maple syrup with an effortlessly delicious presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons maple syrup (for glaze)
Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are fine.
Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the donut bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Glaze: While the bars cool, combine powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add more milk as needed to achieve a thick but pourable consistency.
Add Maple Syrup to Glaze: Stir in 2 tablespoons maple syrup to the glaze mixture to enhance the maple flavor.
Glaze the Bars: Once bars are fully cooled, place them on a serving platter or board. Drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top using a spoon or small spatula.
Optional Extra Drizzle: For extra sweetness and a glossy finish, drizzle additional maple syrup over the glazed bars.
Set Glaze: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes to firm up before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles.

Notes

Ensure the bars are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative if desired, though it may slightly affect texture.
For a spicier flavor, increase the cinnamon or nutmeg slightly but avoid overpowering the maple flavor.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Reheat gently before serving for a fresh-baked taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Maple Donut Bars, Baked Donuts, Maple Syrup Dessert, Breakfast Bars, Cinnamon Nutmeg Bars