Homemade Maple Donut Bars – Sweet, Soft

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Homemade Maple Donut Bars – Sweet, Soft & Glazed to Perfection

Introduction:

There’s something incredibly comforting about homemade donuts—warm, soft, and perfectly glazed. But when you combine the charm of classic donuts with the satisfaction of a bar format, you get the best of both worlds. These Homemade Maple Donut Bars are sweet, soft, and drenched in a rich maple glaze, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a little indulgence.

The delightful flavor of maple syrup brings a touch of sweetness and warmth that pairs perfectly with the soft, fluffy donut texture. These bars are simple to make, and their soft and airy texture will make you think you’ve been baking all day—despite the fact that they come together quickly. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just because, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

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 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or whole milk if you don’t have buttermilk)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (for the dough)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Method: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the bars from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (if you’re using cinnamon). Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.

Step 5: Bake the Donut Bars

  1. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden brown.
  2. Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Maple Glaze

  1. While the donut bars are cooling, whisk together the 1 cup of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 7: Glaze the Bars

  1. Once the bars have cooled completely, drizzle the maple glaze over the top of each donut bar. For an extra touch, you can dip the top of each bar into the glaze to coat it fully.

History and Formation of Donut Bars

Donut bars are a relatively modern twist on traditional donuts. While the concept of fried dough circles (or “doughnuts”) has been around for centuries, the advent of donut bars comes from the desire for a more portable, less messy version of the beloved donut.

In the early 20th century, donuts became a staple of American breakfast culture. The traditional round donut, often with a hole in the center, was deep-fried and covered in sugary glazes. Over time, people began to experiment with different shapes and flavors. The donut bar emerged as a result of this experimentation, offering the same delicious flavor in a form that’s easier to slice and serve.

Maple syrup, a quintessentially American ingredient, became a popular glaze for donuts in the Northeast, particularly in Vermont, where maple syrup is harvested. Maple donuts became so iconic in this region that they are now considered a classic flavor in the donut world.

Conclusion

These Homemade Maple Donut Bars are the perfect blend of nostalgic flavor and modern convenience. Soft, sweet, and maple-glazed to perfection, they offer the same irresistible qualities as traditional donuts but in an easier-to-make bar form. Whether you’re baking them for a special brunch or as a treat for yourself, these donut bars will satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your heart. Serve them fresh, and watch as your family and friends go back for seconds (or thirds)!

Lovers of Maple Donut Bars:

If you’re a lover of maple syrup, donuts, or soft, gooey desserts, these donut bars are your dream come true. Imagine cozy mornings with a cup of coffee or tea, a soft donut bar in hand, and the satisfying sweetness of maple syrup dripping from the glaze. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Variations and Tips:

  1. Add-ins: Feel free to mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch.
  2. Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Before glazing, you can dust the bars with a cinnamon sugar mixture for a little extra flavor.
  3. Gluten-Free: You can substitute the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Enjoy your homemade donut bars and share the love! 🍩💖

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