Can I substitute buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ¾ cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes—it works like a charm.

How do I store leftovers?

Store your donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Absolutely. Freeze without the glaze for best results. When ready to enjoy, thaw and glaze fresh.

Can I make this Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the bars a day ahead, then glaze them the next day for that fresh-baked feel.

Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars: Irresistible 5-Step Treat

Description

Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars are soft, cakey, and topped with a rich brown butter maple vanilla bean glaze. This easy baked treat brings classic donut-shop flavor home without any frying.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, for glaze
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons milk, as needed

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
For the glaze, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.
Remove from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste.
Add milk a little at a time until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
Pour the glaze over the cooled bars, spread evenly, and let it set before slicing and serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter or the bars can turn dense.
Let the bars cool fully before glazing so the topping sets nicely.
Add milk slowly to the glaze until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 418
Sugar: 30 g
Sodium: 305 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 93 mg