Irresistible Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

These soft baked maple donut bars offer the perfect balance of tender cake-like texture and rich maple flavor. They’re an easy-to-make treat that feels like a fresh bakery delight, ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or non-dairy)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (cooled)
• For glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
• For glaze: 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined to keep the batter light.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bars turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra maple kick, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
• Substitute almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option without affecting flavor.
• Try adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the batter for crunch.
• If you prefer a stronger glaze, add more powdered sugar or reduce the milk slightly.

Storage

Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can refrigerate them for up to a week, but let them come to room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donut bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in a 1:1 ratio. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results.

What if I don’t have pure maple syrup?

If pure maple syrup isn’t available, you can use a quality maple-flavored syrup, but the flavor may be less authentic. Alternatively, substitute with honey for a different but delicious taste.

Irresistible Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 94 reviews

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars combine the irresistible flavors of maple syrup and cinnamon in a tender, cakey bar form. Perfectly soft and moist, they’re topped with a simple maple glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness and charm. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack, these bars offer the delicious taste of donuts without the frying.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or non-dairy)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (cooled)

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper to ensure the bars come out easily.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, maple syrup, milk, and cooled melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well integrated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and tender.
5. Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Glaze: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Meanwhile, mix the powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

• Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to help the batter blend smoothly.
• You can substitute non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, to keep it dairy-free.
• For a stronger maple flavor, consider using maple extract in the glaze.
• Bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Feel free to add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for texture.

Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, soft donut bars, maple syrup dessert, cinnamon donut bars, breakfast bars, easy baked donuts