Get ready to indulge in a delightful twist on a classic treat with these King Cake Donut Bars! Bursting with the vibrant flavors of Mardi Gras, these bars combine the rich, buttery goodness of a donut with the festive spirit of a king cake. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet afternoon snack, they are sure to impress your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of these colorful bars that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Colored sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Sprinkle the colored sugar in traditional Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold) across the top of the batter in a decorative pattern.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 12 rectangular bars and serve. Optional: dust with additional colored sugar before serving.
Tips
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Decorative Touch: For a stunning presentation, sprinkle the colored sugar in a fun pattern on top of the batter before baking. This will create a beautiful, festive look that captures the essence of Mardi Gras.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when they’re ready.
- Cooling Matters: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes cutting them easier.
- Serve with Style: For an extra festive touch, dust the cooled bars with additional colored sugar just before serving. It adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
