Ah, Maple Donut Bars! Just saying the name conjures up memories of cozy fall mornings, the faint aroma of sweet maple wafting through the kitchen, and the sounds of laughter shared over a delicious breakfast treat. I’ve always had a soft spot for these delightful bars, as they combine the soft, fluffy goodness of donuts with the ease of a bar cookie. One bite and I swear, you’ll feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket while sitting at your favorite diner with a steaming cup of coffee.
I first stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was searching for a fun, new breakfast option to share with friends during a weekend brunch. After whipping up this recipe, I was instantly hooked. The delightful maple glaze transformed a simple bar into something extraordinary. Not only are these bars perfect for breakfast, but they make a delightful treat for gatherings or even as dessert! Let’s get into the delicious details so you can experience the joy of baking these yumminess yourself.
What’s in Maple Donut Bars?
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of these bars! A must-have for that perfect donut texture. I usually stick with a good quality brand like King Arthur Flour for consistency.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars beautifully; just the right amount will do the trick!
Baking Powder: This little magic is what makes our bars rise and become pillowy soft. An absolute essential!
Salt: Don’t forget the salt! It enhances the sweetness and balances everything perfectly.
Milk: I prefer whole milk for richness, but any milk will do. It keeps the bars moist and fluffy.
Eggs: They add structure and moisture. You can also substitute with flax eggs if you’re going for a vegan option!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor. Go for pure vanilla extract if you can; it really makes a difference!
Maple Syrup: The star of the show! Pure maple syrup adds that delightful sweetness and warm flavor.
Butter: Melted for richness and the perfect texture. I always use unsalted, but feel free to use salted if that’s what you have on hand.
Powdered Sugar: We’ll use this for our heavenly maple glaze. It’s what makes your donuts look dreamy and sweet!
Is Maple Donut Bars Good for You?
Let’s get real here—while they are absolutely delicious, Maple Donut Bars are more of an indulgence than a health food. However, they do offer a few positives!
Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener contains antioxidants and carries some minerals like manganese and zinc. It has a lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar, which might be a benefit for some.
Whole Milk: This ingredient brings calcium to the table, vital for strong bones!
That said, they are on the sweeter side, so it’s probably best to enjoy these as an occasional treat rather than a daily breakfast staple. Pair them with some fresh fruit or a protein source if you want to balance out your meal!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
– 1 cup Granulated Sugar
– 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
– 1/2 teaspoon Salt
– 3/4 cup Milk
– 2 large Eggs
– 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
– 1/2 cup Maple Syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
– 1/4 cup Butter, melted
– 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for the glaze)
This recipe yields about 12 to 16 bars, depending on how big you slice them.
How to Make Maple Donut Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use non-stick spray for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and melted butter until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want light and fluffy bars!
5. Pour the batter into the greased pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer bars to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. While it’s cooling, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of maple syrup until you reach your desired consistency. You can thin it out with a bit of milk if it’s too thick.
8. Once the bars are cooled, drizzle the maple glaze generously over them. You can even sprinkle some extra crushed nuts or a pinch of cinnamon for a little extra flair!
Sweet Variations & Serving Suggestions
– Add in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
– Drizzle some additional maple syrup on top for an extra layer of sweetness!
– Enjoy with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a proper breakfast combo.
I promise, these Maple Donut Bars are a delightful addition to your breakfast repertoire and will beckon you to the kitchen again and again. I can’t wait for you to try them! Make sure to share your experience with me. Happy baking!
