Do you dream of decadent, fluffy donuts but struggle with gluten intolerance? Look no further than these Fluffy Gluten-Free Maple Donut Bars! This recipe delivers all the comforting sweetness of classic donuts in an easy-to-make bar form, perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Fluffy Gluten-Free Maple Donut Bars
- For the Donut Bars:
- 1 ¾ cups (245g) Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum, or add ½ tsp)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) Light Brown Sugar, packed
- 1 large Egg, at room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) Buttermilk, at room temperature (or ¼ cup milk + ¼ cup plain yogurt, whisked)
- ¼ cup (60ml) Unsalted Butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) Powdered Sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons Milk or Cream
- 1 tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
How to Make Fluffy Gluten-Free Maple Donut Bars
Whip up these delightful Fluffy Gluten-Free Maple Donut Bars in under an hour, offering a truly satisfying gluten-free treat that’s incredibly easy to bake. The secret lies in the perfect balance of gluten-free flours and leavening agents, creating a wonderfully tender crumb. This recipe boasts a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a baking time of 20-25 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dessert or weekend brunch addition.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour (using gluten-free flour) an 8×8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Sugars: In a separate medium bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and packed light brown sugar until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients to Sugar Mixture: Add the room temperature egg to the sugar mixture and beat until light and fluffy. Then, gradually beat in the room temperature buttermilk, melted and slightly cooled butter, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. The batter will be thick.
- Pour into Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your spatula to smooth the top.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden.
- Cool in Pan: Let the donut bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before attempting to remove them.
- Remove and Cool Completely: Using the parchment paper overhang (if used) or gently inverting the pan, transfer the donut bars to the wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial before glazing.
- Prepare the Maple Glaze: While the bars are cooling, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk or cream, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. If the glaze is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk or cream, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency.
- Glaze the Bars: Once the donut bars are completely cool, generously drizzle the maple glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more controlled drizzle.
- Set and Serve: Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before cutting the donut bars into squares and serving.
Why You’ll Love This Fluffy Gluten-Free Maple Donut Bars
You’ll instantly fall in love with these Fluffy Gluten-Free Maple Donut Bars for their incredibly light and tender texture, reminiscent of your favorite bakery donuts but without the gluten! Imagine biting into a soft, sweet bar bursting with warm maple flavor, topped with a perfectly sweet glaze that hardens just right. The cost-saving aspect of making these at home is a significant bonus, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet treat without the hefty price tag, and the pure maple syrup infused into both the cake and glaze provides an unparalleled depth of flavor that outshines artificial syrups.
These bars are a game-changer for anyone craving that classic donut experience while adhering to a gluten-free lifestyle, offering a delightful alternative to traditional baked goods. They’re incredibly versatile, perfect for a special breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a simple dessert that will impress everyone, gluten-free or not! Don’t wait – try these amazing Fluffy Gluten-Free Maple Donut Bars today and experience baking bliss!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Properly storing your Fluffy Gluten-Free Maple Donut Bars will ensure they stay delicious for days.
- Room Temperature Storage: Once the glaze has completely set, store leftover donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, up to 5 days, you can refrigerate the donut bars in an airtight container. They may become slightly firmer.
- Freezing: To freeze, ensure the glaze is fully set. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat room temperature or refrigerated bars, lightly warm them in a toaster oven at a low temperature for a few minutes, or simply enjoy them at room temperature. If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature first, then reheat as desired.
Final Thoughts
These Fluffy Gluten-Free Maple Donut Bars are a testament to how delicious gluten-free baking can be. They are incredibly easy to make, wonderfully satisfying, and bursting with comforting maple flavor. Give them a try, and you’ll be delighted with the results!
Fluffy Gluten-Free Maple Donut Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour (using gluten-free flour) an 8×8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.1.75 cups Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend, 1 teaspoon Baking Powder, 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda, 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- In a separate medium bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and packed light brown sugar until well combined.0.5 cup Granulated Sugar, 0.25 cup Light Brown Sugar
- Add the room temperature egg to the sugar mixture and beat until light and fluffy. Then, gradually beat in the room temperature buttermilk, melted and slightly cooled butter, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly incorporated.1 large Egg, 0.5 cup Buttermilk, 0.25 cup Unsalted Butter, 2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. The batter will be thick.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your spatula to smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden.
- Let the donut bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before attempting to remove them.
- Using the parchment paper overhang (if used) or gently inverting the pan, transfer the donut bars to the wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial before glazing.
- While the bars are cooling, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk or cream, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. If the glaze is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk or cream, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency.1 cup Powdered Sugar, 2-3 tablespoons Milk or Cream, 1 tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup, 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Once the donut bars are completely cool, generously drizzle the maple glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more controlled drizzle.
- Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before cutting the donut bars into squares and serving.