Name: Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of ground cinnamon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how these bars blend the rich flavor of old-fashioned donuts with the ease of baking in a pan. The buttermilk adds a delightful tang, while the cinnamon glaze gives a sweet and aromatic finish. They’re great for brunch, coffee breaks, or sharing with friends and family. No frying required, just delicious comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper if desired.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. I take care not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the bars are baking, I prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with enough milk or buttermilk and vanilla extract to reach a pourable consistency, adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
Once the bars are warm (but not hot), I drizzle the glaze over the top and spread it evenly.
Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes, then slice into bars and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 bars. Prep time is about 10 minutes, baking time is 25 minutes, and the total time is approximately 35 minutes. Each bar contains around 180 kcal.

Variations

Sometimes I add a pinch of clove or allspice to the batter for extra spice. For a citrusy twist, I stir a bit of lemon zest into the glaze. If I want more texture, I top the glazed bars with a sprinkle of chopped nuts before the glaze sets.

storage/reheating

I store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To enjoy them warm, I microwave each bar for about 10 seconds or gently reheat them in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, I can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often bake them a day in advance and glaze them just before serving to keep them fresh.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If I want a different finish, I sometimes dust the bars with powdered sugar or spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting.

How do I get clean slices?

I let the bars cool completely before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat edges.

Are they freezer-friendly?

Yes, I freeze the unglazed bars in a sealed container for up to a month. I thaw and glaze them when ready to serve.

Conclusion

These Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars are a wonderful blend of classic flavor and simple preparation. I love baking them for a cozy breakfast treat or sharing with guests over coffee. They bring all the charm of a donut shop favorite right to my kitchen table.