Easy Homemade Buttermilk Bar Doughnuts Recipe

From Humble Beginnings to Sweet Rewards

In my kitchen, much like Alyssa from Economical Recipes, every recipe carries a story—one that often starts with stretching a budget and ends with something magical on the plate. Growing up, mornings were rarely rushed, but they were always filled with the comforting smells of something baking. The clatter of pots, the warmth of the oven, and the simplicity of turning pantry staples into moments of joy still echo in my memory.

That’s the heart of economical cooking. It’s about bringing a sense of warmth and satisfaction without fancy ingredients or complicated steps. And today’s recipe, the Buttermilk Bar Doughnut, is exactly that kind of experience. Inspired by classic old-fashioned cake doughnuts but with a little twist—and no hole—this bar-shaped treat delivers pure vanilla bliss in every craggy, golden bite. If you’ve ever stood at a bakery counter, debating whether to grab an old-fashioned donut, this homemade version will settle that debate for good.

What Makes Buttermilk Bar Doughnuts So Special?

These doughnuts are the unsung heroes of the pastry world. Think of them as old-fashioned cake doughnuts’ cooler cousin. They’re craggy on the outside, tender on the inside, and covered in a simple yet irresistible vanilla bean glaze.

Made with ingredients you likely have in your pantry—flour, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk—this recipe stays true to Alyssa’s philosophy: cooking that’s budget-friendly, approachable, and brimming with flavor.

And don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned baker. This recipe was made for real life. It’s the kind of doughnut that doesn’t mind a little imperfection because, honestly, those rustic crags and bumps? They’re the best part.

The Recipe: Buttermilk Bar Doughnuts with Vanilla Bean Glaze

Ingredients

For the Doughnuts:

• 3 ½ cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 2 ¾ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 2 tbsp shortening
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 4 egg yolks (room temperature)
• ¾ cup buttermilk (room temperature)

For the Vanilla Bean Glaze:

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
• 2 tbsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)
• ¼ cup warm water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a stand mixer, cream sugar, vanilla paste, shortening, and melted butter until fluffy. Add egg yolks one at a time, then mix in the buttermilk. Slowly add the dry ingredients on low speed until combined. The dough will be sticky—don’t worry, that’s perfect!

Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes (up to 60 for easier handling).

Shape the Bars

Flour your hands and work surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick, then cut into bars (3 ½ x 1 ½ inches). Lightly score the tops to get the classic buttermilk bar look.

Fry the Doughnuts

Heat shortening in a heavy pot to 350°F. Fry each bar bottom-side down for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and beautifully craggy.

Glaze

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, vanilla paste, and warm water until smooth. Dip the tops of the cooled bars in the glaze and let them set for 3-5 minutes.

Why You’ll Love These Buttermilk Bars

• Budget-Friendly
• Simple Ingredients
• Perfect for Beginners
• Crispy Outside, Tender Inside

Nutritional Information (Per 100g)

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for these homemade Buttermilk Bar Doughnuts:

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	345 kcal
Total Fat	15 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Cholesterol	110 mg
Sodium	350 mg
Total Carbohydrates	47 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Sugars	25 g
Protein	4 g

A Bite of Happiness (Without Breaking the Bank)

Just like Alyssa at Economical Recipes, I believe the best meals are the ones you make with what you have—and a little creativity. These Buttermilk Bar Doughnuts aren’t just a recipe; they’re a reminder that home cooking can be indulgent and joyful without costing a fortune.

Whether you’re whipping them up for a special morning or just craving a sweet pick-me-up, these doughnuts are pure, budget-friendly comfort. So, flour your counter, heat that oil, and let’s make some magic—one vanilla-flecked bar at a time.

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