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A delicious plate of Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze

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

The viral old-fashioned buttermilk donut bars baked to fluffy perfection with a tender nutmeg crumb and topped with a rich brown butter maple vanilla bean glaze.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter for glaze
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 2 –4 tbsp milk
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease or line a 9x13 baking pan.
  3. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
  6. Add dry ingredients in batches alternating with buttermilk.
  7. Mix until just combined.
  8. Spread batter evenly into pan.
  9. Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden and set.
  10. Brown butter until golden and nutty.
  11. Whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
  12. Add milk until glaze is pourable.
  13. Pour glaze over warm bars.

Notes

Use freshly grated nutmeg for best flavor. Do not overmix or overbake. Pour glaze while both bars and glaze are warm for best texture.