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Maple Donut Bars

Maple Donut Bars
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Maple Donut Bars are fluffy, moist squares infused with authentic maple syrup flavor and topped with a smooth, glossy maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these bars combine simple ingredients to create a comforting treat with a soft texture and irresistible sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for vegan option)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (or flax/chia eggs for vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk (or non-dairy milk for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Maple Glaze

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bars bake evenly and remove easily.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, creating air pockets for a tender texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, carefully maintaining batter structure and moisture.
  5. Incorporate Maple Syrup and Milk: Stir in the pure maple syrup and milk (or buttermilk) until the mixture is smooth and combined, imparting classic maple flavor and moisture.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients until no visible streaks remain; avoid overmixing to keep bars light and fluffy.
  7. Bake Your Bars: Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Prepare Maple Glaze: While bars cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and maple syrup until smooth and glossy; adjust thickness as needed by varying ingredients.
  9. Glaze and Cool Completely: Spread the glaze evenly over warm bars and cool fully in the pan to set the shiny maple finish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for consistent batter and smooth texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough bars.
  • Always use real maple syrup to maximize authentic flavor.
  • Test doneness with a toothpick to prevent under- or over-baking.
  • Allow bars to cool before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple, donut bars, maple donut bars, baked bars, maple syrup dessert, breakfast bars, gluten-free dessert

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/maple-donut-bars/