Why You’ll Adore These Maple Donut Bars
If you’re looking for a delightful treat, these Maple Donut Bars are just what you need! They combine the rich sweetness of maple syrup with a soft, cake-like texture. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these bars are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Plus, they are simple to make, so you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen.
Making Your Own Maple Donut Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup (for the batter)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (for the glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Directions
-
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to keep the bars from sticking during baking. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These warm spices will create a comforting flavor in every bite. -
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. The maple syrup brings a unique sweetness that will flavor your bars beautifully. -
Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and well combined, being careful not to overmix. -
Pour Batter into the Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula for a consistent bake. -
Bake the Donut Bars
Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’re looking for a light golden color on top and a soft texture. -
Prepare the Maple Glaze
While the bars are in the oven, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and maple syrup in a small bowl. The glaze should be smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, just add a splash more maple syrup. -
Cool the Donut Bars
Once the bars are baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle. -
Glaze the Bars
When the bars have cooled slightly, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes to create a sweet, sticky layer. -
Serve and Enjoy
Cut the donut bars into squares and enjoy! They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect treat.
Serving Suggestions for Maple Donut Bars
These Maple Donut Bars can be served as a delightful breakfast, a sweet snack, or even as a dessert. They are incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to fit various occasions.
Storing Your Maple Donut Bars
To keep your Maple Donut Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them securely.
Tips for Perfect Maple Donut Bars
- Don’t skip the spices! Cinnamon and nutmeg add amazing warmth to the flavor.
- Make sure not to overmix your batter to keep the bars light and fluffy.
- For a richer glaze, you can mix in a little melted butter into the maple syrup and powdered sugar mixture.
Delicious Variations to Try
If you want to try something different, consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to the batter. These additions can give your Maple Donut Bars an extra special twist.
Nutritional Information
Each serving is approximately 200 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They’re a sweet treat, so enjoy in moderation!
Family-Friendly Serving Ideas
These bars make a great addition to family gatherings. Pair them with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream for a fun dessert. Kids will love them!
Perfect Pairings
Enjoy your Maple Donut Bars with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. They also go well with fruit juices for a refreshing contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture might be a bit denser.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. They taste delicious when fresh but can still be enjoyed later.
How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
To thicken the glaze, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner consistency, add a bit more maple syrup or milk until you reach your desired texture.
Enjoy making these delicious Maple Donut Bars! They are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Maple Donut Bars
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup (for the batter)
Glaze Ingredients
- ¼ cup maple syrup (for the glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
- Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Glazing and Serving
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and maple syrup for the glaze.
- Let the baked bars cool for 10 minutes, drizzle the glaze on top, and allow to set.
- Cut into squares and enjoy with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
