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Maple Donut Bars

Soft, cakey baked donut bars with a hint of nutmeg, topped with a thick, gooey maple glaze. The perfect easy breakfast or brunch treat, no frying required.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Setting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Donut Bars
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg Do not skip!
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted (1 stick)
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Thick Maple Glaze
  • 2.5 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 0.5 cup pure maple syrup Not pancake syrup
  • 3-4 tbsp milk or cream
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes.
  7. While the bars are cooling, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk the sifted powdered sugar, maple syrup, 3 tbsp milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add the last tbsp of milk only if needed to reach a thick, pourable consistency.
  8. Pour the thick glaze over the warm donut bars and spread evenly.
  9. Let the glaze set for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

The key to the 'donut' flavor is the nutmeg; do not omit it. Use real 100% pure maple syrup for the glaze for the best flavor. Bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature.