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

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back memories of simpler times, these Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze are just the thing! Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of freshly baked donuts wafting through your home. This recipe is close to my heart, evoking those cozy mornings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. She always believed that Sundays were meant for sweetness, laughter, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones.

These donut bars are not only a fantastic way to start your day but also perfect for gatherings or just as a sweet pick-me-up during the week. Whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, these bars will surely bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nostalgic flavors: Enjoy the classic taste of homemade donuts that remind you of cherished family moments.
• Easy to make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can whip these up with ease.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these deliciously sweet treats — they disappear quickly!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these bars fit right in.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them in advance and store them for a quick and tasty treat anytime!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this recipe calls for simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Each one plays a vital role in creating those soft, tender donut bars and the luscious glaze!

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)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible and open to creative twists! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have or your personal preferences.

• Add some spices: Incorporate cinnamon or cardamom into the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mix in chocolate chips: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips before baking for a rich treat.
• Try different glazes: Experiment with different flavors like chocolate ganache or lemon icing.
• Make mini donut holes: Use a mini muffin pan instead of a baking pan for bite-sized treats!

How to Make Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. I remember watching my grandmother carefully butter every corner of her pan, making sure nothing stuck. It’s worth taking those extra moments to ensure your donut bars come out perfectly!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. The nutmeg is key here — it’s what gives these old-fashioned buttermilk donut bars that irresistible aroma reminiscent of your favorite bakery.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in tender yet cakey bars. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for added depth.

Step 4: Add Buttermilk and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk into your butter mixture. Start and end with flour. Mix just until combined — overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of fluffy ones.

Step 5: Bake the Donut Bars

Spread your batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for about 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before glazing; this helps prevent melting away all that delicious glaze!

Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt half a cup of unsalted butter. Cook it until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty fragrance — be vigilant here since it can burn quickly! Once done, remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste. If needed, add a splash of milk to adjust consistency.

Step 7: Glaze the Bars

Pour that warm glaze over cooled bars while spreading evenly. Let it set for about 10–15 minutes before slicing into generous rectangles or smaller pieces if serving guests. Just like my grandmother did!

Pro Tips for Making Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze

Making these delightful donut bars is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour. This helps avoid dense bars that can occur from packing too much flour into your measuring cup.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep your donut bars light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to tough, chewy bars instead of the tender texture we want.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Expired leavening agents can cause your bars not to rise properly, resulting in a dense outcome.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow the baked bars to cool completely before adding the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting into the warm batter and keeps it beautifully drizzled on top.
• Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to experiment by adding spices or citrus zest to your glaze for a unique twist! A hint of cinnamon or lemon zest can elevate the flavor profile of these bars even further.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze

Presenting these old-fashioned buttermilk donut bars can make them feel even more special. Here are some delightful ways to serve them!

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for added crunch and flavor.
• Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries on the side adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream can add a creamy texture that complements the rich glaze beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the donut bars while providing a healthy option.
• Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy side that adds protein and texture, making your breakfast more satisfying.
• Coffee or Tea: Pair these delicious bars with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea. The warmth of the drink enhances the cozy experience and makes each bite even more enjoyable.
• Scrambled Eggs: For those looking for something savory alongside their sweet treat, fluffy scrambled eggs can provide a nice balance and offer additional sustenance.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable experience that brings warmth and joy to any occasion! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance, store them, and enjoy them throughout the week or share them with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• To maintain the glaze’s texture, it’s best to consume the bars within a few days of baking.

Freezing

• Allow the donut bars to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label the bags with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen donut bars, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a couple of hours.
• For a warm treat, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful donut bars.

Can I use buttermilk substitutes for Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ¾ cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

How do I store Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze?

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze wrapped bars for up to 2 months.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add some extra fiber. Just keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly.

What can I use instead of brown butter in the glaze?

If you’re looking for an alternative to brown butter, you can simply use melted unsalted butter. While it won’t have that rich nutty flavor, it will still create a delicious glaze when combined with powdered sugar and maple syrup.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating memories and enjoying simple pleasures. I hope you find joy in making these bars as much as I did! Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or shared with loved ones over coffee, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!