Maple Donut Bars: A Homemade Treat with Irresistible Flavor
If you're a fan of bakery-style donuts but crave something easier to make at home, these Maple Donut Bars are the answer. They bring together the tender, cakey texture of a classic donut and the warm, indulgent taste of real maple syrup—all baked in a single pan. No frying, no fuss—just pure comfort in every bite.
Whether you're looking for a cozy fall recipe, a sweet breakfast treat, or a crowd-pleasing snack for a brunch table, these homemade bars are the perfect addition to your baking rotation. And the best part? You can whip them up in less than an hour using simple pantry staples.
🍁 Why You’ll Love These Maple Donut Bars
- Quick and easy: No need for yeast or deep-frying. Just mix, bake, and glaze.
- Maple-flavored magic: The sweet maple glaze is rich, smooth, and perfectly complements the tender cake base.
- Great for any occasion: Ideal for brunches, potlucks, holiday breakfasts, or an afternoon treat with coffee.
- Customizable: Top them with chopped nuts, bacon bits, or extra glaze if you want to go all out.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Donut Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (adjust for desired thickness)
👨🍳 How to Make Maple Donut Bars
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stop once no flour streaks remain.
5. Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden.
6. Make the Maple Glaze
While the bars are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking confectioners' sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of maple syrup until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency by adding more syrup (for thinner glaze) or more sugar (for thicker glaze).
7. Glaze and Serve
Once the bars have cooled for about 10–15 minutes, drizzle the glaze evenly across the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai, or cold brew.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans, toasted coconut, or a dash of cinnamon for an extra special touch.
- For a savory-sweet twist, top with crispy crumbled bacon!
🧊 Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Will stay fresh for up to 5 days—just bring to room temp or warm slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed bars for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze fresh for best texture.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Bar Approximation)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fiber: 1g
💬 Final Thoughts
These Maple Donut Bars are everything you love about donuts—with none of the hassle. The combination of rich maple glaze and soft, fluffy cake is downright addictive. Whether you're treating yourself on a weekend morning or baking a batch to share, these bars are bound to become a household favorite.
Looking to impress guests, kids, or even coworkers? Bake up a batch of these easy bars and watch them disappear. Because nothing says “made with love” like the smell of maple drifting from the kitchen.