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King Cake Donut Bars

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These King Cake Donut Bars are soft, sweet, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. Finished with a vanilla glaze and festive Mardi Gras colors, they make the perfect party dessert or brunch treat.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons softened butter
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple sanding sugar
  • Green sanding sugar
  • Gold or yellow sanding sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until smooth.
  6. Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling over the batter and gently swirl.
  7. Add the remaining batter on top and smooth evenly.
  8. Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the bars to cool completely.
  10. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and spread over the cooled bars.
  11. Decorate with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

  • Add a cream cheese swirl for a richer king cake flavor.
  • Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract for a bakery-style taste.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze unglazed bars for up to 2 months and decorate after thawing.
  • Warm individual bars in the microwave for 8 to 12 seconds before serving if desired.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/king-cake-donut-bars/