Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat that combines the fluffy texture of donuts with the convenience of a bar format. Topped with a rich maple glaze, these bars are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack any time of day!

Ingredients

For the Donut Bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Timing

Making Maple Donut Bars takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Bar Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

1. Pour Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Maple Glaze

1. Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.

Step 5: Glaze the Bars

1. Glaze the Bars: Once the donut bars are completely cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for more control.
2. Let Set: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the bars.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Maple Donut Bars (per bar, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180
Protein	2g
Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	28g
Sugar	10g

Tips for Customization

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with adding nutmeg or allspice for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed bars.

Storage Instructions

Store Maple Donut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Maple Donut Bars are a deliciously sweet and easy-to-make treat that brings the classic flavors of maple donuts to a convenient bar format. Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, these bars are sure to please!

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the bars and glaze them the night before serving for an easy morning treat.

What can I serve with these bars?

These donut bars pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a delightful snack.