Maple Donut Bars from Scratch: 7 Sweet Reasons to Indulge

Name: Maple Donut Bars from Scratch: 7 Sweet Reasons to Indulge
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup maple syrup; 1 cup powdered sugar

octobre 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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There’s something truly magical about homemade treats, isn’t there? The way your kitchen fills with that warm, inviting aroma as something sweet bakes in the oven is pure joy. And when it comes to flavors, maple takes the cake—or should I say, the bar! These maple donut bars from scratch are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the rich, earthy sweetness of maple syrup with a moist, fluffy texture that you just can’t resist. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be transported to your happy place. They’re perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this easy and oh-so-satisfying recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

maple donut bars from scratch - detail 1

Ingredients List

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup maple syrup
1 cup powdered sugar

How to Prepare Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This is key for getting those delicious maple donut bars just right! While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a good greasing. I like to use a bit of butter or non-stick spray to ensure nothing sticks when it’s time to dig in. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that scrumptious goodness!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, let’s mix together the dry ingredients. Grab your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well combined. This step is super easy and helps ensure your donut bars turn out light and fluffy. No lumps allowed! Just a nice, smooth mixture.

Cream Butter and Sugar

Now, in a separate large bowl, cream your softened butter and granulated sugar together. I usually use an electric mixer for this part, but a good old-fashioned whisk works too if you’re feeling strong! You want it to be light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This is where the magic begins—get ready for that sweet aroma!

Combine Ingredients

Next, it’s time to add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix those in until everything’s well blended. Then, gradually add your dry ingredients from the first step and the buttermilk. Don’t rush this part; I like to alternate between the dry mix and the buttermilk to keep it all smooth. Stir until combined, but be careful not to overmix—just until you see no more flour streaks!

Bake and Cool

Now for the fun part! Pour that lovely batter into your greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack. Patience is key here—allowing it to cool will make the drizzling part even better!

Nutritional Information

When you’re whipping up these scrumptious maple donut bars from scratch, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving (that’s one delightful bar):

Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But hey, a little indulgence in homemade goodness is totally worth it, right? Enjoy every bite knowing you’re treating yourself to something special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings!
The rich, warm flavor of maple syrup makes these bars a delightful treat.
Homemade goodness that beats store-bought any day!
Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
Perfectly portioned for sharing (or not—no judgment here!).
Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert—flexible for any occasion!
Customizable with toppings like nuts or chocolate drizzles for added flair.
Sure to impress family and friends with your baking skills!
Every bite is a taste of warmth and comfort, just like a hug from your kitchen.

Tips for Success

Getting your maple donut bars from scratch just right is all about those little details! Here are some of my top tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your baking adventure is a success:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smooth batter and gives your bars that perfect fluffy texture.
Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, and we want them light and airy!
Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bars a few minutes before the 25-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean, but a few moist crumbs are okay!
Cool Completely: Letting your bars cool completely in the pan before drizzling with the maple glaze is crucial. This prevents the glaze from melting into the bars and helps create a lovely, sticky topping.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter treat, feel free to add a bit more powdered sugar to your glaze. You can also use less maple syrup if you want to reduce the sweetness a touch.
Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate your maple donut bars to a whole new level.
Store Properly: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If they last that long, that is!

With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a storm! Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making these delightful bars again and again.

Variations

One of the best things about these maple donut bars from scratch is how easy it is to mix things up and make them your own! Here are some fun variations to get your creative juices flowing:

Nutty Topping: For a delightful crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking. They add a lovely texture that pairs perfectly with the maple flavor!
Chocolate Drizzle: Feeling indulgent? Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bars for a sweet and rich contrast to the maple. You can’t go wrong with chocolate!
Cinnamon Swirl: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to your dry ingredients for a warm, cozy spice that complements the maple beautifully. Or, create a cinnamon sugar topping for an extra sweet touch!
Fruit Infusion: Fold in some fresh blueberries or chopped apples into the batter for a fruity twist that adds moisture and a burst of flavor. Just be careful not to overmix!
Maple Glaze Variations: Experiment with different flavors in your glaze by adding a splash of vanilla or almond extract. You can also mix in a little orange zest for a refreshing citrus kick!
Healthier Option: Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier twist that still keeps the bars delicious and satisfying.
Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based butter to make these bars vegan-friendly!

Feel free to get adventurous and try your own unique combinations! The sky’s the limit when it comes to creating your perfect maple donut bars. Enjoy experimenting, and remember, there’s no wrong way to enjoy these delightful treats!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious maple donut bars from scratch fresh, it’s important to store them properly. Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their moisture and flavor for up to three days at room temperature. If you think you won’t finish them in that time (though I doubt it!), you can also refrigerate them to extend their life for about a week.

If you’d like to enjoy them warm again, simply pop the bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will give them a lovely, soft texture just like when they were freshly baked! Just be cautious not to overheat them, as you don’t want them to dry out. And if you’re feeling a little indulgent, drizzle a bit more maple syrup or a scoop of ice cream on top when reheating for that extra special treat. Enjoy every last bite!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your maple donut bars from scratch, there are so many delightful ways to elevate the experience! Here are some simple yet scrumptious ideas for what to serve alongside these sweet treats:

Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea pairs beautifully with these bars, enhancing the cozy flavors of maple.
Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or sliced bananas for a bright and refreshing contrast. The sweetness of the fruit complements the rich maple flavor perfectly!
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds an airy, creamy element that makes each bite even more indulgent.
Iced Milk or Milkshakes: For a fun twist, try serving your bars with a tall glass of cold milk or even a maple-flavored milkshake for a sweet treat overload!
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or maple ice cream on the side takes these bars to another level of deliciousness—just imagine that gooey maple goodness with creamy ice cream!
Yogurt Parfait: Layer pieces of the bars with yogurt and granola for a delightful breakfast or snack option. It adds a nice crunch and makes for a filling treat!
Maple Syrup Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness, serve with a small pitcher of warmed maple syrup for drizzling. It’s a maple lover’s dream!

These serving suggestions are sure to enhance your enjoyment of the maple donut bars from scratch. Get creative and mix and match to find your perfect pairing—happy indulging!

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Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.