Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe

Introduction

These Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze are a delightful twist on a classic treat. Soft, cakey bars topped with a rich, golden butter glaze sweetened with maple and vanilla create a perfect combination for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 1–2 tbsp milk (for thinning, as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light in color.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
7. Step 7: To make the glaze, melt the ½ cup of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
8. Step 8: Whisk the browned butter into the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to thin to your desired consistency.
9. Step 9: Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled bars and let it set before slicing into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh vanilla bean paste for an extra rich vanilla flavor, or substitute with high-quality vanilla extract if needed.
• For a nuttier glaze, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before the glaze sets.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ¾ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Ensure the browned butter doesn’t burn by watching it carefully and stirring constantly as it melts.

Storage

Store the donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy, let refrigerated bars come to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave. Glaze may soften slightly when warmed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Can I prepare the bars and glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake the bars and allow them to cool completely, then store covered at room temperature or refrigerated. Prepare the glaze just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 102 reviews

Delight in these moist and flavorful Donut Bars topped with a rich Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze. This easy-to-make recipe combines classic donut flavors with the convenience of bars, offering a perfect sweet treat for breakfast or dessert. The brown butter glaze adds a decadent touch of nutty sweetness enhanced with pure maple syrup and aromatic vanilla bean paste.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup buttermilk

Glaze Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 1–2 tbsp milk (for thinning, as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a tender texture in the bars.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk into the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in denser bars.
6. Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.
7. Prepare the Brown Butter Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, then remove from heat.
8. Mix Glaze Ingredients: Whisk the brown butter with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to reach desired consistency.
9. Glaze the Bars: Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled bars, spreading gently if needed. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

• Ensure the bars are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and becoming too runny.
• Use real vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor, but vanilla extract works well in a pinch.
• The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth typical to classic donuts, but you can adjust the amount to taste.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk or use less powdered sugar accordingly.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.

Keywords: donut bars, brown butter glaze, maple syrup glaze, vanilla bean, easy dessert, baked donuts