Maple Donut Bars From Scratch Recipe

I recently tried a twist on traditional baked treats by preparing Maple Donut Bars using sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and pure maple syrup. Mixing eggs with milk, melted butter, and vanilla resulted in a light, fluffy cake that pairs wonderfully with a delicate powdered sugar glaze. This recipe is simply irresistible.

I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen lately and decided to try my hand at making Maple Donut Bars from scratch. These maple donuts are soft, simple, and perfectly balanced for a snack or dessert.

I started off by sifting 2 cups of all-purpose flour with ½ cup of granulated sugar and mixing in 2 teaspoons of baking powder along with a pinch of salt. Adding 2 large eggs, ¾ cup whole milk, 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, and 4 tablespoons of melted butter brought the batter together into a delightfully smooth mix with just the right amount of richness.

I finished them off with a drizzle of glaze made by combining 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, and a splash of whole milk to achieve a perfect consistency. It reminded me of making those classic homemade maple glaze donuts – a treat that’s both simple and irresistible even if sometimes things might not be perfect.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really dig this recipe for a few reasons.

1. I love that it’s so easy to make from scratch and ends up super fluffy and buttery. I mean, I don’t have to be a professional baker to whip up something that tastes homemade and comforting.

2. The maple flavor is just perfect. It’s not overly sweet but has that rich, natural taste from the real maple syrup which makes every bite feel special.

3. It feels like the kind of treat you make for yourself or your friends on a lazy weekend. It reminds me of memories in the kitchen, and that personal touch is really important to me.

4. The glaze is awesome too, seeping into every little nook and cranny of the bars. It adds this extra layer of flavor and fun texture that makes them so irresistible.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour is a carb source that give structure and body to the bars.
• Granulated sugar naturally sweetens the recipe by adding flavor and helping browning.
• Eggs contribute protein and helps bind the mix while add a rich flavor.
• Whole milk bring moisture and tenderness, leaving a slight creamy taste in each bite.
• Pure maple syrup offers natural sweetness and a deep maple flavor that really stands out.
• Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture which results in a tender texture overall.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• ¾ cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
• For the glaze: 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• For the glaze: 1-2 tablespoons whole milk (adjust for consistency)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 9 pan so the bars dont stick.

2. In a large bowl, sift 2 cups of all-purpose flour along with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt then stir in ½ cup of granulated sugar.

3. In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs (make sure they are room temp), ¾ cup of whole milk, 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup, 4 tablespoons of melted and cooled unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir just until combined, try not to overmix it.

5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan making sure its spread evenly.

6. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Let the bars cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack.

8. While the bars are cooling, whisk together 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of whole milk until you get a smooth glaze.

9. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bars, letting it settle into the nooks and crannies.

10. Cut the bars into squares and enjoy your fluffy, buttery Maple Donut Bars as a treat or snack.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. 9 x 9 inch baking pan (greased)
3. Two mixing bowls (one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients)
4. Sifter (or fine mesh sieve for flour and powdered sugar)
5. Measuring cups and spoons (for both wet and dry ingredients)
6. Whisk (for combining eggs, milk, maple syrup, butter, and vanilla and for the glaze)
7. Spatula (for gently mixing the batter)
8. Cooling rack (for letting the bars cool after baking)
9. Toothpick (to check if the bars are done)

FAQ

Maple Donut Bars From Scratch Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the all-purpose flour, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture or try whole wheat flour if you want a slightly heartier bite
• If you dont have granulated sugar, light brown sugar works well and adds a bit more caramel flavor, or you can try coconut sugar
• Instead of whole milk, almond milk or oat milk can be a good substitute especially if you’re aiming for a dairy free version, though soy milk works too
• If you’re out of pure maple syrup, a natural honey can substitute, but it might change the flavor slightly so adjust to taste
• For unsalted butter, you could use margarine or even coconut oil, but if you use salted butter, just reduce the added salt a bit

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature coz it helps everything mix together smooth and prevents weird lumps in your batter.
2. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until they come together; overmixing can make your bars kinda tough instead of light and fluffy.
3. Test the bars with a toothpick right before you take them out, but keep an eye on them coz ovens can be all over the place.
4. Drizzle the glaze while the bars are still warm, it lets the glaze soak in better and gives an extra hit of sweetness that makes them tastier.