Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe
These Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze are a delightful treat combining the softness of a classic donut in an easy-to-make bar form. The rich brown butter glaze infused with pure maple syrup and vanilla bean paste adds a luscious, sweet finish that perfectly complements the spiced cake base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Bar 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
Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring proper aeration for the bars.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add vanilla extract and incorporate thoroughly.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, then cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Brown Butter Glaze: Melt the ½ cup unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat, cooking until it turns golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons milk as needed to achieve desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Set: Pour the brown butter maple vanilla bean glaze evenly over the cooled bars and let it set at room temperature before slicing into bars and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to not overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined to keep the bars light and tender.
- The browning of butter for glaze adds a nutty flavor; watch closely to avoid burning.
- For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add milk gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Use fresh vanilla bean paste for the most authentic vanilla flavor, or substitute with vanilla extract as needed.
Keywords: donut bars, brown butter glaze, maple glaze, vanilla bean glaze, baked donut bars, easy dessert, sweet bars
