Homemade Maple Donut Bars are a scrumptious and cozy treat that delivers everything you love about a donut—in a convenient, easy-to-make bar form. Rich with the deep flavor of real maple syrup and topped with a smooth, sweet glaze, these bars are the perfect pick for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a midday snack.
Baking them from scratch not only ensures fresher results but also lets you tailor the recipe to suit your taste. Whether you’re new to baking or have experience in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable, rewarding, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like a bakery.
Get ready to enjoy soft, tender bars drizzled with a dreamy maple glaze. Let’s walk through everything you need to make these irresistible maple-infused delights.
Ingredients for Maple Donut Bars
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients—especially real maple syrup—for the most delicious flavor and texture in your bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir until well-blended and set aside.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- This mixture should be creamy and slightly frothy.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients.
- Gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix—it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy. Overmixing can result in dense, chewy bars.
Bake the Bars
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before glazing.
Make the Maple Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup confectioners’ sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of maple syrup.
- Mix until smooth and pourable. For a thicker glaze, add more sugar. For a thinner consistency, add a few drops of milk or syrup.
Glaze and Serve
- Drizzle or spread the glaze evenly over the slightly cooled bars.
- Let the glaze set at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes.
- Once the glaze is set, cut into bars or squares and serve.
Enjoy the soft, fluffy texture with the rich sweetness of maple in every bite.
Flavor Variations to Try
Looking to put your own twist on these donut bars? Try these variations:
Nutty Maple Bars
- Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy bite.
Chocolate Maple Bars
- Mix in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise inside every bite.
Spiced Donut Bars
- Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a cozy, spiced flavor.
Glaze Variations
- Swap the maple glaze for a vanilla glaze, cinnamon icing, or even caramel drizzle for a different flavor profile.
Pro Baking Tips
Make sure your bars turn out bakery-quality by following these simple but essential tips:
- Do not overmix the batter. Mixing too much can lead to a tough texture. Stir only until ingredients are combined.
- Use real maple syrup for the most authentic flavor. Artificial syrups won’t deliver the same rich depth.
- Let the bars cool slightly before glazing. If they’re too hot, the glaze will melt and soak in too much.
- Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk. This ensures even mixing and a consistent bake.
- Test with a toothpick around the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, but bring to room temp before serving for best texture.
- Freezing: Bars (without glaze) can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.
- Make Ahead: Bake the bars a day in advance, and add the glaze just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Conclusion
Homemade Maple Donut Bars are a winning combination of comfort, convenience, and crave-worthy flavor. With their soft texture and glossy maple glaze, they’re a crowd-pleaser for all ages and occasions. The recipe is simple enough for beginners but flexible enough for creative bakers to play with variations and add-ins.
Whether you’re serving them at a holiday brunch, packing them for a school treat, or just enjoying one with your morning coffee, these bars are sure to hit the sweet spot.
Take the time to make them from scratch, and you’ll find that the effort is more than worth it. Enjoy the delightful aroma, the satisfying glaze, and the smiles they bring to everyone who takes a bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pancake syrup instead of maple syrup?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Pancake syrup lacks the depth and richness of pure maple syrup, which is key to this recipe’s flavor.
Can I make Maple Donut Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the bars in advance and glaze them just before serving to maintain the best texture and appearance.
Can I freeze the bars?
Yes. For best results, freeze the unglazed bars. Wrap them well and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
Simply add more confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Why did my bars come out dry?
They may have been overbaked. Start checking doneness at 20 minutes. Also, make sure not to overmix the batter.
What can I serve with these bars?
They pair beautifully with hot coffee, spiced chai, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.