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Maple Bacon Donut Bars

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These Maple Bacon Donut Bars combine a soft, cake-like base with rich maple flavor and crispy bacon for a sweet and salty treat. Easy to make at home, they’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (for glaze)
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • Pinch of salt (for glaze, optional)
  • 5–6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon extra maple syrup (optional, for brushing bacon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. Lay bacon slices on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes until crispy. Drain, chop, and set aside. Optionally, brush with maple syrup during the last few minutes of baking.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
  5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 22-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Let bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until thick but pourable.
  9. Drizzle or pour glaze over cooled bars. While glaze is wet, sprinkle chopped bacon on top. Optionally, drizzle with extra maple syrup.
  10. Let glaze set for at least 20 minutes before slicing into bars. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best texture. Do not overmix the batter to keep bars soft. Let bars cool completely before glazing. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and milk. Bars can be frozen unglazed for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bacon donut bars, maple bacon dessert, easy donut bars, brunch bars, homemade donut bars, maple glaze, bacon dessert, breakfast treat

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/maple-bacon-donut-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-bars/