Name: Golden Maple Donut Bars with Sweet Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 large egg; 1 cup milk (whole or 2%); 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (for the bars); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; FOR THE MAPLE GLAZE:; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (for the glaze); 2-4 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream), as needed; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, cake-like bar, infused with the warm, comforting essence of pure maple syrup, then generously draped in a glistening, sweet maple glaze. These Golden Maple Donut Bars are the epitome of cozy, home-baked goodness, reminiscent of your favorite old-fashioned donuts but in an incredibly easy-to-make bar form. This recipe shines by delivering a soft, moist crumb that perfectly carries the rich, earthy sweetness of maple, complemented by a simple yet decadent glaze that sets into a delightful finish.

Perfect for sharing around a crackling fire, as a delightful treat after a day of cabin adventures, or simply for a comforting weekend breakfast, these bars offer a delightful balance of flavor and texture. Their straightforward preparation method ensures that even novice bakers can achieve a truly satisfying dessert, proving that some of the best treats are also the simplest.

Why you’ll love this golden maple donut bars with sweet glaze with Maple Glazed Donut Bars

**Effortless Elegance:** Achieve the comforting taste and texture of old-fashioned donuts without the hassle of frying.
**Irresistible Maple Flavor:** A double dose of pure maple syrup in both the bars and the glaze ensures a truly authentic and rich taste.
**Quick & Convenient:** With only 20 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of bake time, these maple glazed donut bars are ready in under an hour.
**Crowd-Pleasing Perfection:** The soft, cake-like texture and sweet glaze make these bars a guaranteed hit for any gathering.
**Perfect for Sharing:** Easily cut into squares, these bars are ideal for potlucks, brunches, or a cozy treat with loved ones.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredients for Golden Maple Donut Bars with Sweet Glaze

**2 cups all-purpose flour:** Standard all-purpose flour works best here. For a slightly lighter texture, you could use cake flour, reducing the amount by 2 tablespoons per cup.
**1/2 cup granulated sugar:** Provides sweetness and contributes to the golden color and tender crumb.
**1 tablespoon baking powder:** Our leavening agent, ensuring a light and airy texture.
**1/2 teaspoon salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
**1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled:** Adds richness and moisture. Make sure it’s cooled to avoid cooking the egg.
**1 large egg:** Acts as a binder and adds structure.
**1 cup milk (whole or 2%):** Whole milk will provide a slightly richer bar. You can use any milk you have on hand.
**1/4 cup pure maple syrup (for the bars):** The star flavor! Use good quality pure maple syrup for the best results, not pancake syrup.
**1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Enhances the overall sweetness and complements the maple.
**FOR THE MAPLE GLAZE:**
**2 cups powdered sugar:** The base for our sweet, smooth glaze. Sift it for the smoothest glaze.
**1/4 cup pure maple syrup (for the glaze):** More maple goodness for an unbeatable topping.
**2-4 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream), as needed:** Adjust to achieve your desired glaze consistency. Heavy cream will yield a richer, thicker glaze.
**1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract:** A touch more vanilla to round out the glaze flavor.

How to make golden maple donut bars with sweet glaze

Step 1: Prepare your pan and preheat the oven

Maple glazed donut bars makes every moment feel energetic. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides. This overhang will act as handles for easy removal of the baked bars later.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk well to ensure there are no lumps and the leavening agent is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Mix wet ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter, large egg, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. Ensure the butter is cool enough so it doesn’t scramble the egg.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Chef’s Tip: Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense bars instead of light and tender ones. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 5: Bake the bars

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to spread it smoothly to the edges. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden brown.

Step 6: Prepare the maple glaze

While the donut bars are baking, prepare the maple glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Chef’s Tip: The glaze should be thick enough to generously coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drizzle and spread easily.

Step 7: Glaze the warm bars

Once the donut bars are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. Chef’s Tip: While still warm, pour the prepared maple glaze evenly over the top, spreading it with a spatula if needed. Applying the glaze while the bars are warm allows it to melt slightly and create a beautifully even, shiny coating.

Step 8: Set, slice, and serve

Allow the glaze to set for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature before slicing and serving. For faster setting, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for a short time. Once the glaze is firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares or rectangles.

Tips for success

**Don’t Overmix:** This is crucial for a tender crumb. Stop stirring as soon as the wet and dry ingredients are just combined.
**Cool Butter:** Ensure your melted butter is cooled before adding it to the wet ingredients to prevent it from scrambling the egg.
**Glaze While Warm:** Applying the glaze to warm (but not hot) bars helps it spread evenly and set beautifully.
**Adjust Glaze Consistency:** Start with the lower amount of milk for the glaze and add more, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the perfect pourable yet thick consistency.
**High-Quality Maple Syrup:** Since maple is the star, investing in good quality pure maple syrup (grade A dark or amber) will significantly elevate the flavor.

Serving suggestions

These Golden Maple Donut Bars are a delightful stand-alone treat, but they also pair wonderfully with a few simple additions. Serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee, a warm mug of tea, or a tall glass of cold milk for a comforting snack. For a truly decadent experience, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over a slightly warmed bar creates a sublime dessert. If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter for an extra layer of warmth, or try our cinnamon glazed apple fritter bites for another spiced sweet treat.

Storage & reheating

Store any leftover maple glazed donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. While they are delicious cold, you can gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make these donut bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance. For the best presentation, glaze them a few hours before serving so the glaze has time to set perfectly.

Can I freeze these golden maple donut bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. For best results, freeze the unglazed bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and then prepare and apply the glaze. If you need to freeze them already glazed, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. The glaze might be slightly softer upon thawing.

How can I make the maple flavor even stronger?

To enhance the maple flavor, use a very dark, robust maple syrup (like Grade B or a very dark Grade A) for both the bars and the glaze. You can also add a tiny dash of maple extract (start with 1/4 teaspoon) to the batter or glaze, but be careful not to overdo it as it can become overpowering. Another great option, as seen in other glazed baked goods, is to sprinkle a fine dusting of maple sugar over the wet glaze before it sets.

These Golden Maple Donut Bars truly embody the spirit of cozy, homemade baking. With their tender crumb, rich maple flavor, and sweet, glistening glaze, they’re a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a special gathering or a quiet moment of indulgence, these easy-to-make bars are sure to become a beloved favorite. Enjoy the process, and savor every delicious bite!

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