These Maple Donut Bars are fluffy, sweet treats drizzled with a rich maple glaze. They are easy to make and are perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Who can resist the warmth of freshly baked donut bars? I love enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning. A little slice of happiness on a plate! ☕🍩
Making these at home is a breeze! Just mix the ingredients, bake, and top with that delicious maple glaze. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll impress everyone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the dough’s structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead. Just make sure it has xanthan gum included or add some yourself for better texture.
Granulated Sugar: While granulated sugar is great for sweetness, you can swap in brown sugar for a deeper flavor. The molasses in brown sugar will add a hint of richness to your donuts.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. This will mimic buttermilk’s tangy taste.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives an authentic flavor to the glaze. If it’s not available, you could use pancake syrup, though it won’t have the same depth of flavor. Agave syrup is another alternative, but it will change the taste slightly.
How Do I Get Perfectly Fried Donut Bars?
Frying can be intimidating, but with a bit of practice, you’ll get it just right! The key is maintaining the right oil temperature (350°F or 175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. Here’s how:
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. If it’s too low, the donuts will absorb oil; if too high, they’ll burn on the outside.
- Fry only a few donut bars at a time. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature too much.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a beautiful golden brown color, and be sure not to rush this step!
How to Make Maple Donut Bars From Scratch
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donut Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes to prepare the dough and another 20 minutes to fry the donut bars and glaze them. In total, you’ll spend around 35-40 minutes in the kitchen before indulging in those delicious maple donut bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Donut Dough:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is well combined. This will be your dry mixture.
2. Mix in Butter and Wet Ingredients:
Add the softened butter to your dry mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until it resembles a crumbly texture. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract together until they are mixed well. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Remember, don’t overmix—your dough should still be a little sticky!
3. Shape the Donuts:
Lightly flour your countertop, and turn the dough out onto it. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick. Now, use a bench scraper or a knife to cut it into rectangular bars, aiming for about 3 inches by 1 inch. These will be your donut bars!
4. Fry the Bars:
In a deep fryer or a deep saucepan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donut bars a few at a time, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out, and place them onto paper towels to absorb any extra oil.
5. Make the Maple Glaze:
While the donut bars cool for a few moments, prepare the glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and maple syrup. Add milk, a little at a time, until your glaze is smooth and pourable. It should have a good consistency for dipping!
6. Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donut bars have cooled slightly, dip the tops into the maple glaze to coat them wonderfully. Don’t worry if some glaze runs down the sides; it just makes them look delicious! The glaze will harden a bit as they cool further.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to enjoy your homemade maple donut bars! Serve them warm or at room temperature, and share them with your family and friends for a delightful treat!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may make the donut bars denser. A good tip is to use a mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain some lightness while adding extra fiber and nutrients.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Glaze?
If you find the glaze too sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar and add more milk to thin it out. Alternatively, try adding a touch of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness without losing that delicious maple flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Donut Bars?
Store leftover donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm!
Can I Freeze These Donut Bars?
Absolutely! Once the donut bars have cooled completely, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave before glazing.
