Name: Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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; 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)

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, alternating between the two, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: 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.

Step 6: For the glaze, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring often until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Add milk a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Allow it to set before slicing into squares to serve.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality pure maple syrup for the best flavor in the glaze.

Vanilla bean paste adds a more intense vanilla flavor, but pure vanilla extract works well too.

For a seasonal twist, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter before baking.

If you prefer a thinner glaze, gradually add milk until you reach the perfect pourable consistency.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk combined with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How do I achieve the brown butter flavor without burning the butter?

Keep the butter over medium heat and stir constantly. Watch closely for it to turn golden brown and smell nutty, then immediately remove it from the heat to prevent burning.