There’s something undeniably magical about Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy donut bar that melts in your mouth, infused with the rich aroma of brown butter and just a hint of sweet maple. It’s like a cozy hug from grandma, but in dessert form.
If you’re wondering when you should whip these beauties up, let me tell you: any time is a good time for donuts! Weekend brunches, late-night cravings, or even as an unexpected treat for friends stopping by—these bars are the answer to all your sweet desires.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe combines ease of preparation with irresistible flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds
- The glorious glaze adds a stunning visual appeal that transforms the ordinary into extraordinary
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these donut bars are versatile enough to please any crowd
- Best of all, they are made from scratch using simple ingredients you’ll love
I remember the first time I surprised my friends with these Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars; their faces lit up like kids on Christmas morning when they took their first bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it helps create the perfect density in your donut bars.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and contributes to that lovely golden color we all adore in donuts.
Baking Powder: Essential for leavening; it gives your donut bars that fluffy rise we crave.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors and balances out the sweetness in your donut bars.
Buttermilk: This ingredient makes your donut bars moist and tender; if you don’t have it, mix milk with vinegar as a substitute.
Eggs: Use large eggs to bind everything together and add richness to your donut bars.
Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened; this adds flavor and moisture to your batter.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup brings an incredible depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the brown butter glaze.
Vanilla Bean Paste: A few teaspoons give an aromatic punch and beautiful specks throughout the glaze.
Brown Sugar: It adds caramel notes to both the batter and glaze; trust me, it’s worth it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donuts Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze
Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of each ingredient throughout your batter.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and maple syrup until smooth. The batter should look silky and glossy at this point—just like how we want our donuts to turn out!
Combine mixtures: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into dry ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those fluffy textures!
Pour into pan: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Tap lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles trapped inside.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Prepare glaze: While donuts cool slightly, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat before adding maple syrup and vanilla bean paste.
Glaze donuts: Once cooled slightly but still warm, drizzle or dip each bar generously into the brown butter glaze before letting them set on a wire rack.
Now that you’ve made these delightful Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze, don’t forget to share them! Friends will thank you profusely as they savor every bite while trying not to lick their fingers—a challenge I wholeheartedly support!
You Must Know
- This delightful recipe for Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars will fill your kitchen with sweet, buttery aromas
- They are soft, chewy, and the glaze adds that perfect finishing touch
- Enjoy them fresh or at room temperature; they’re simply irresistible!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the dry ingredients first; then combine the wet ingredients separately before folding them together. This ensures a smooth batter and avoids overmixing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to enhance the flavor profile. You can also experiment with different glazes like chocolate or raspberry.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to regain softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a lighter texture, make sure your buttermilk is fresh
- Don’t skip the resting time; it truly enhances flavors
- Always check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to avoid overbaking
There’s something magical about sharing homemade donuts with friends and family. One time, my neighbor took one bite and declared it “life-changing,” which is a compliment I’ll treasure forever!
FAQ
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but adding vinegar or lemon juice can mimic buttermilk’s tangy flavor.
How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Can I freeze these donut bars?
Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing for up to three months.
Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze
Indulge in the delightful experience of Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze. These decadent bars are fluffy, warm, and drizzled with a rich glaze that melds the nutty flavors of brown butter with sweet maple and aromatic vanilla bean. Whether for weekend brunch or an evening treat, these homemade donut bars will charm your taste buds and leave you craving more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the glaze, melt butter in a saucepan until golden brown. Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup and vanilla bean paste.
- Once the bars cool slightly, drizzle or dip them in the glaze before letting set on a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Add spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for extra flavor. Experiment with different glazes such as chocolate or raspberry. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat briefly in the microwave.
