Introduction
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the sweet scent of maple drifting through your kitchen. These Homemade Maple Donut Bars capture the comforting flavor of maple syrup with the soft, cakey texture of a classic donut—all baked into easy-to-serve bars. Whether you’re preparing them for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack, these bars are a guaranteed hit.
They’re simple enough for beginner bakers but satisfying enough to impress a crowd. Let’s get started!
🍴 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ No deep frying – all the flavor, none of the mess
🧁 Baked, not fried for a lighter treat
🧂 Easy-to-find pantry ingredients
✨ Sweet, soft, and topped with a luscious maple glaze
👨👩👧 Perfect for sharing or gifting
🛒 Ingredients
For the Bars:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
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
2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (adjust for desired thickness)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
Buttermilk
Eggs
Melted butter
Maple syrup
Vanilla extract
4. Combine and Bake
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
Gently stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool for 10–15 minutes.
5. Make the Maple Glaze
In a small bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar with maple syrup.
Stir until smooth and pourable. Add more sugar for a thicker glaze or more syrup to thin it out.
6. Glaze and Serve
Drizzle glaze over the slightly cooled bars.
Let it set for about 10 minutes.
Cut into squares and serve warm or room temperature.
🔁 Variations
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a zigzag of melted chocolate over the glaze.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Dust the bars lightly with cinnamon sugar instead of glaze.
Maple Bacon Bliss: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a sweet-salty combo.
💡 Pro Tips for Success
Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the bars light and fluffy.
Use pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup) for the richest flavor.
Let the bars cool slightly before glazing to keep the glaze from melting off.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 12 servings)
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
280 kcal
Total Fat
6g
Carbohydrates
53g
Protein
4g
Sodium
250mg
Fiber
1g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredients.
📌 FAQs
Q: Can I use pancake syrup instead of maple syrup?
A: You can, but pure maple syrup gives a deeper, more authentic flavor.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake the bars ahead and glaze them just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes. Freeze unglazed bars for up to 1 month. Thaw, then glaze before serving.
Q: How do I make the glaze thicker?
A: Add more confectioners’ sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
📣 Final Thoughts
These Homemade Maple Donut Bars are soft, sweet, and utterly satisfying. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore the delicious variations, this recipe is a keeper. Perfect for bake sales, brunch tables, or lazy weekends, these bars deliver donut shop magic right from your kitchen.
So go ahead—preheat that oven, grab your apron, and let the warm, inviting aroma of maple and vanilla fill your home.
Happy baking! 🍁