Introduction
Welcome to a delightful journey where we turn the beauty of maple syrup into scrumptious Maple Donut Bars! These bars are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, offering a soft, pillowy texture with a warm hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a sweet maple glaze, they are sure to melt in your mouth and fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special occasion or just because, these donut bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined, creating a delightful aromatic mixture.
- In another bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Carefully pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and they have a lovely golden brown color.
- Once baked, allow the donut bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the bars are cooling, whip up the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- When the bars are completely cool, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top, letting it coat the bars beautifully.
- Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing into bars and serving. Enjoy each delightful bite!
Notes or Tips
- For an extra burst of maple flavor, feel free to increase the amount of maple syrup in the glaze.
- These donut bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep!
- Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts into the batter for an exciting twist on flavor and texture.
Cooking Techniques
When making these Maple Donut Bars, it is essential to use the proper mixing technique. Mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining helps ensure that your batter doesn’t become tough. Remember, gentle mixing will yield a tender texture ideal for donuts!
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used; however, it may result in denser bars. You might want to substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a lighter texture.
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
You can substitute honey or agave syrup, but keep in mind that they will change the flavor profile slightly.
Conclusion
These Maple Donut Bars are not just a treat; they are an experience! With their rich, sweet flavors and fluffy texture, they bring a comforting, homemade touch to your table. Whether you share them with family or indulge in a quiet moment for yourself, each bite is a reminder of the simple joys of baking. Enjoy making these delightful bars, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and sweetness!