Description
Brown Butter Maple Donut Bars are a cozy, easy recipe that turns simple pantry staples into a soft, bakery-style treat with rich maple flavor and nutty brown butter depth. These tender bars are perfect for breakfast ideas, brunch tables, holiday baking, dessert trays, or a sweet snack when you want quick breakfast inspiration, easy dessert ideas, and comforting homemade food ideas in one delicious bite.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon toffee bits
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and continue cooking until it smells nutty and turns golden brown. Remove from the heat and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the browned butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth.
4. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk, then whisk again until fully combined.
5. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until no dry streaks remain.
7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
8. Bake for 24 to 28 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
10. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and enough milk to create a thick but spreadable consistency.
11. Spread the glaze over the cooled bars.
12. Sprinkle with chopped pecans, toffee bits, and flaky sea salt.
13. Let the glaze set, then slice and serve.
Notes
Brown the butter carefully and remove it from the heat as soon as the milk solids turn golden so it does not taste burnt.
Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added or the bars may lose their soft donut-like texture.
Let the bars cool fully before glazing so the maple topping stays thick and glossy instead of melting into the surface.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 312
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 156mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
Keywords: brown butter maple donut bars, maple bars, baked donut bars, easy breakfast, breakfast ideas, dessert ideas, brunch recipe, homemade bars, maple dessert