Description
These irresistibly soft maple donut bars are baked to perfection and coated with a luscious maple glaze. Easy and quick to make, they’re a delightful treat perfect for cozy mornings or snack times.
Ingredients
For the Donut Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (1g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (1g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (56g)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (120ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (30ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract (2.5ml)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency (15–30ml)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Set aside this dry mixture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the creamed mixture, add the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender and soft.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula for uniform thickness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating full doneness.
- Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Make Maple Glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk in a bowl until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle or spread the maple glaze generously over the top. Let the glaze set before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Room Temperature Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though the glaze may harden slightly; allow to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze the bars without glaze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Apply the glaze only after thawing for best texture.
