Description

Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Bars are tender, soft bars made with plant-based ingredients that capture the nostalgic flavor of classic donuts. Featuring a cinnamon-sugar topping and a rich, moist texture with a subtle tang from plant-based buttermilk, these bars are easy to make, slice, and share, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

All-purpose flour – 2 cups
Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
Baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon (natural) – 1 tablespoon

Wet Ingredients

Plant-based butter – 1/2 cup (softened)
Brown sugar (natural) – 3/4 cup
Granulated sugar (natural) – 1/4 cup
Plant-based buttermilk – 3/4 cup
Plant-based yogurt – 1/4 cup
Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) – 1 teaspoon
Vanilla extract (natural) – 1 teaspoon

Other Ingredients

Natural gelling agent – 1 teaspoon
Cinnamon and brown sugar (natural) for topping – 2 tablespoons cinnamon mixed with 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients carefully. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to help release the bars easily after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents for a consistent rise.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer or hand whisk, cream the plant-based butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy to develop a tender crumb and rich flavor.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the plant-based buttermilk, plant-based yogurt, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and vanilla extract (natural) to the creamed mixture. Mix just until combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain a soft texture.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until the batter is just combined and smooth to keep it soft.
Add Natural Gelling Agent: Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and fold it gently into the batter to ensure the bars hold their shape without losing tenderness.
Transfer and Top: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Mix additional cinnamon and brown sugar for the topping and sprinkle it evenly over the batter to create a classic cinnamon-sugar crust.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bars should be golden brown and fragrant.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles. This helps maintain a soft crumb and prevents crumbling.

Notes

Use room temperature wet ingredients for even mixing and smooth batter.
Fold ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to ensure a tender crumb.
Use fresh baking powder and baking soda for the best rise and texture.
Distribute the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly for consistent caramelization.
Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent breaking apart.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12 of recipe)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: plant-based donut bars, cinnamon sugar bars, buttermilk bars, vegan snack, easy baked donut bars, plant-based dessert