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

Introduction

These Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars capture the nostalgic flavors of classic donuts in an easy, sliceable form. Topped with a rich brown butter maple vanilla bean glaze, they’re a perfect treat for sharing any time of day.

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 pan to prepare for baking.
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 light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk to the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined without overmixing.
5. 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 before glazing.
6. Step 6: For the glaze, melt the ½ cup of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and well combined.
7. Step 7: If the glaze is too thick, thin it with 1–2 tablespoons of milk until it reaches a pourable consistency. Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled donut bars and let it set before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh buttermilk for the best tang and texture; alternatively, make your own by adding 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to ¾ cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon along with the nutmeg in the dry ingredients.
• If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, pure vanilla extract works just as well.
• Try drizzling the glaze over warm bars for a gooey topping, or refrigerate the bars after glazing for a firmer, more set glaze.

Storage

Store the glazed donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also refrigerate well for up to 1 week; allow them to come to room temperature before serving. To refresh, warm individual squares briefly in the microwave for a soft, tender bite.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure it includes xanthan gum or add some separately for structure.

Can I prepare the bars and glaze in advance?

Absolutely. Bake the bars a day ahead and keep them covered at room temperature. Prepare the glaze on the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste and texture.

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

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★★★★★

4.5 from 136 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

These Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars are a delightful twist on classic donuts, featuring a tender, moist crumb infused with warm nutmeg and a rich brown butter maple vanilla bean glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these bars combine the flavors of traditional buttermilk donuts with the convenience of a sheet pan recipe.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 (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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground nutmeg, and salt ensuring they are well combined for even leavening and flavor.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a creamy base for your batter.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the buttermilk to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bars.
6. Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before glazing.
7. Prepare Brown Butter Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma, then remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
8. Mix Glaze Ingredients: Transfer the browned butter to a bowl and whisk in the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, thin it with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to reach your desired consistency.
9. Glaze the Bars: Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled bars and spread gently with a spatula if needed. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing to ensure a clean cut and a glossy finish.

Notes

• Ensure your butter for the glaze is browned carefully to avoid burning, as burnt butter will give a bitter taste.
• The glaze consistency can be adjusted with milk; add gradually to avoid making it too runny.
• For best flavor, use pure maple syrup and real vanilla bean paste, but vanilla extract works as a substitute.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Allow bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and becoming too thin.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: old-fashioned donuts, buttermilk bars, brown butter glaze, maple vanilla glaze, baked donut bars, easy donut recipe, breakfast bars