Maple Donut Bars 

Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on traditional donuts, offering the soft, fluffy texture of a cake donut without the need for frying. Baked in a pan and topped with a rich maple glaze, these bars are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat anytime. Their nostalgic flavor and ease of preparation make them a favorite among dessert enthusiasts.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Donut Bars:

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 cup milk

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup melted butter

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream 

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.

5. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

7. Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and heavy cream until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.

8. Glaze the Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, pour the maple glaze over them, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let the glaze set before cutting into squares or bars.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 12 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal

• Total Fat: 15g

• Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 55mg

• Sodium: 180mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 40g

• Dietary Fiber: 0g

• Sugars: 30g

• Protein: 3g