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Baked maple donut bars topped with maple glaze on a cooling rack

Baked Maple Donut Bars

Delicious baked donut bars infused with maple syrup and spices, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Use whole wheat for a healthier option.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Can substitute with coconut sugar for lower glycemic index.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk Or milk with a splash of vinegar for a DIY option.
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup The star ingredient!
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil Alternatively use melted coconut oil.
For the Maple Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk Or a milk alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • a pinch salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the buttermilk, maple syrup, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
  4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden.
  3. Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glazing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cool bars.
Serving
  1. Once the glaze has set, slice the bars into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for breakfast or as a sweet snack throughout the day!

Notes

For best results, use high-quality maple syrup. Experiment with spices by adding ginger or allspice. Substitute sugar with applesauce or sugar alternatives for a low-calorie treat. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temp or a week in the fridge.