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

These Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars combine the nostalgic flavors of classic donut shops with the ease of baking at home. Topped with a rich brown butter maple vanilla bean glaze, they are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 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 glaze, as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. The nutmeg adds that classic donut aroma.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined to avoid dense bars.
5. Step 5: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before glazing.
6. Step 6: To make the glaze, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
7. Step 7: Whisk the browned butter with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste. Add milk as needed to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
8. Step 8: Pour the warm glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Let it set for 10–15 minutes before slicing into rectangles or smaller pieces for serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use parchment paper to make removing the bars easier and cleanup faster.
• Replace nutmeg with cinnamon for a different warm spice flavor.
• For a vegan version, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with vinegar and use vegan butter.
• Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the glazed donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften the glaze before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk by mixing ¾ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic the acidity and texture of buttermilk.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are fully baked. Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent sinking.

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

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4.8 from 122 reviews

Delight in these Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars topped with a rich Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze. With a tender, cakey texture achieved by creaming butter and sugar and the nostalgic aroma of nutmeg, these bars offer a classic donut-shop flavor in an easy-to-bake sheet form. The luscious glaze, made from nutty browned butter, sweet maple syrup, and aromatic vanilla bean paste, perfectly complements the moist buttermilk bars, making for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 generous bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Donut Bars:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup buttermilk

For the Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze:

• 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)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking, ensuring easy removal of the bars later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground nutmeg, and salt. The nutmeg imparts the classic donut aroma essential to this recipe.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Using a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the batter, contributing to the tender, cakey texture. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract for flavor.
4. Add the Buttermilk and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars dense.
5. Bake the Donut Bars: Pour and spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top. 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. Make the Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, continuing to cook it until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty fragrance. Be vigilant to avoid burning. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste. If the glaze is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to reach the desired consistency.
7. Glaze the Bars: Pour the warm glaze evenly over the cooled donut bars, spreading it out gently. Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing into desired-sized rectangles.

Notes

• Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain a light, tender texture.
• Watch the butter closely when browning it to avoid burning and a bitter taste.
• Use parchment paper in the pan for easier cleanup and removal.
• If vanilla bean paste is unavailable, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute.
• Let the bars cool fully before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly.

Keywords: buttermilk donut bars, brown butter glaze, maple vanilla glaze, old-fashioned donuts, baked donut recipe, sheet pan donuts, nostalgic donut bars