Description
Buttermilk Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze are the ultimate homemade bakery-style treat. Combining the rich tang of buttermilk with the deep nutty flavor of browned butter and the sweetness of pure maple syrup, these donut bars offer a sophisticated twist on classic cake donuts. Soft, tender, and topped with a luxurious glaze flecked with real vanilla bean, every bite feels like something straight from an artisan bakery.
Ingredients
🍩 For the Donut Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
🍁 For the Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- Seeds from 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped pecans
- Maple sugar
- Cinnamon sprinkle
- White chocolate drizzle
- Toasted walnuts
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or donut bar pan.
Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Nutmeg
Mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth.
Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients.
Stir until just combined.
Avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Bake the Donut Bars
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool slightly before glazing.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
Place butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Cook until the butter foams and develops golden brown specks and a nutty aroma.
Remove from heat immediately.
Whisk together:
- Browned butter
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Milk
- Vanilla bean seeds
- Salt
Mix until smooth.
Pour over warm donut bars.
Allow the glaze to set before slicing.
Notes
- Watch the butter carefully while browning.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup.
- Glaze the bars while slightly warm.
- Vanilla bean provides the best flavor.
- Allow glaze to set before cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g