Sweet, Soft & Glazed to Perfection
Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a soft, cakey donut topped with a rich maple glaze. These Homemade Maple Donut Bars bring together the warmth of maple syrup, the tenderness of a cake donut, and the simplicity of home baking. Unlike their fried cousins, these bars are baked, making them lighter but no less indulgent.
Whether you’re cozying up with a cup of coffee or making breakfast extra special, these maple bars are the perfect treat for any donut lover. They’re nostalgic, deeply flavorful, and dangerously easy to love.
A Brief History of the Maple Bar
The maple bar, or maple long john, originated in North America, likely evolving from the traditional yeast-raised doughnuts brought by European immigrants in the 19th century. Maple syrup — a staple in early colonial kitchens and made by Indigenous peoples for centuries — gave the bar its distinct flavor. Over time, bakeries across the U.S. and Canada adopted the rectangular shape and signature maple glaze.
The maple bar became particularly popular on the West Coast, where it’s still a staple in many mom-and-pop donut shops today. For lovers of maple, it’s more than a treat — it’s a tradition.
Ingredients
For the Donut Bars:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup buttermilk (or ¾ cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 min)
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons milk or cream
½ teaspoon maple extract (optional but adds depth)
Pinch of salt
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Donut Batter
