Go Back
–+ servings

Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze

A nostalgic recipe for tender donut bars made with buttermilk and topped with a rich brown butter maple glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Use a good quality flour for best results.
  • 2 tsp baking powder This helps the bars rise nicely as they bake.
  • 1 tsp baking soda A key ingredient that works alongside baking powder.
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg Essential for that classic donut flavor and aroma.
  • 1 tsp salt Enhances all the flavors in your donut bars.
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar Sweetness that perfectly balances the tangy buttermilk.
  • 2 large eggs Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Imparts delightful flavor throughout the bars.
  • 0.75 cup buttermilk The star ingredient that keeps these bars tender and moist.
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter (for glaze) Adds depth and richness when browned.
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar For creating that luscious glaze on top.
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup Infuses sweetness and warmth into your glaze.
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) Elevates your glaze with beautiful flavor notes.
  • 1-2 tbsp milk (for thinning, as needed) Adjusts consistency of glaze for perfect drizzling.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition before stirring in the vanilla extract.
  4. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to your creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix.
  5. Spread your batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth out any lumps on top with a spatula. Bake for about 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean; then let them cool completely before glazing.
  6. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt half a cup of unsalted butter until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma; remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste until combined.
  7. Pour warm glaze over cooled bars while spreading it evenly across their surface using an offset spatula or back of a spoon. Allow glaze to set for about 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!