Maple Donut Bars From Scratch

These Maple Donut Bars From Scratch are a delightful treat that brings the cozy flavors of maple and the satisfaction of homemade baking right to your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion, these bars are soft, buttery, and full of rich flavor. With just a bit of effort, you can create these delicious goodies that will impress family and friends alike!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Doughnut Bars
• For the Maple Glaze
• How to Make Maple Donut Bars From Scratch
• Step 1: Prepare Yeast Mixture
• Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 3: Add Flour Gradually
• Step 4: Knead the Dough
• Step 5: Let It Rise
• Step 6: Shape the Bars
• Step 7: Bake
• Step 8: Make the Maple Glaze
• Step 9: Glaze Your Bars
• How to Serve Maple Donut Bars From Scratch
• With Fresh Fruit
• Drizzled with Chocolate
• Topped with Whipped Cream
• Served Warm
• How to Perfect Maple Donut Bars From Scratch
• Best Side Dishes for Maple Donut Bars From Scratch
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Maple Donut Bars From Scratch
• Reheating Maple Donut Bars From Scratch
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use store-bought maple syrup instead of extract?
• How do I know when my donut bars are baked?
• Can I add toppings to my maple donut bars?
• What is the best way to store my maple donut bars from scratch?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up without stress.
• Flavorful Delight: The combination of maple extract and brown sugar creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast option or a comforting dessert after dinner.
• Guaranteed Freshness: Made from scratch means you skip preservatives and enjoy pure homemade goodness.
• Perfect for Sharing: These donut bars make an excellent treat for gatherings, parties, or just to brighten someone’s day.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of making Maple Donut Bars From Scratch, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. This ensures a smooth baking experience and perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Rolling pin

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Baking sheet: Using a heavy-duty baking sheet helps ensure even cooking for those perfectly baked donut bars.
• Whisk: A whisk is vital for blending ingredients smoothly, especially when incorporating eggs and liquids.

Ingredients

These homemade maple donut bars are so soft, buttery, and moist! They are made from scratch so you know it’s going to be good!

For the Doughnut Bars

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 2 tsp dry active yeast
• 1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 5 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

For the Maple Glaze

• 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 TBSP milk
• 1 TBSP corn syrup
• 2 tsp maple extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Maple Donut Bars From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Yeast Mixture

Start by combining warm water with dry active yeast in a mixing bowl. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the same bowl, add warm milk, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, and melted butter. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Add Flour Gradually

Gradually add all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Stir gently until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands once it gets too thick.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 5: Let It Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Bars

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Cut into rectangular shapes for bars.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shaped bars on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 8: Make the Maple Glaze

While the donut bars cool, prepare your glaze by mixing brown sugar, milk, corn syrup, maple extract, and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth.

Step 9: Glaze Your Bars

Once cooled slightly, dip each bar into the maple glaze. Let excess drip off before placing them on a wire rack for icing to set.

Enjoy your freshly made Maple Donut Bars From Scratch! They are sure to become a favorite in your home!

How to Serve Maple Donut Bars From Scratch

These delightful maple donut bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas add a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• Chocolate Sauce: A warm drizzle of chocolate sauce adds richness and depth to the bars.
• Nutella: Spread a layer of Nutella on top for an indulgent twist.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream creates a light and airy complement to these moist bars.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try vanilla or maple-flavored whipped cream for an extra kick.

Served Warm

• Warm from the Oven: Enjoy the bars straight out of the oven for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Lightly Toasted: Slightly toast them in the toaster oven for a crisp outer layer.

How to Perfect Maple Donut Bars From Scratch

Achieving the perfect maple donut bars from scratch requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out fantastic.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for proper rising and fluffiness.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon and level method to prevent dense bars.
• Cool Before Glazing: Allow the bars to cool slightly before applying glaze so it adheres better.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your glaze; you can adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if needed.
• Don’t Overmix Dough: Mix until just combined for tender, soft donut bars.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Donut Bars From Scratch

Pairing side dishes with your maple donut bars can create a balanced meal or snack spread. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Breakfast Sausages: Savory sausages provide a protein-packed contrast to sweet donut bars.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a wholesome side.
3. Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl complements the sweetness of the bars beautifully.
4. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs offer a savory balance alongside sweet treats.
5. Crispy Bacon: The saltiness of crispy bacon enhances the flavor profile wonderfully.
6. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making maple donut bars from scratch can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs or milk can affect the dough’s rise. Always use warm water and milk to activate the yeast properly.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Adding too much flour can lead to dense bars. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make the bars tough. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
• Skipping the proofing step: Not allowing the dough to rise can result in flat donut bars. Be patient; let it rise until doubled in size.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can burn or undercook your bars. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover maple donut bars in an airtight container.
• item They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Maple Donut Bars From Scratch

• item Freeze unglazed bars for up to 2 months.
• item Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Maple Donut Bars From Scratch

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each bar for about 15-20 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place bars on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers about making maple donut bars from scratch.

Can I use store-bought maple syrup instead of extract?

Yes, you can substitute maple extract with pure maple syrup, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I know when my donut bars are baked?

The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I add toppings to my maple donut bars?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts or sprinkles make great toppings for added texture and sweetness.

What is the best way to store my maple donut bars from scratch?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.

Final Thoughts

These maple donut bars from scratch are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfectly soft and moist, they can be customized with various toppings or fillings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy homemade goodness that everyone will love!