If you love the cozy flavors of fall and the unbeatable aroma of fresh maple, then you are going to adore this Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe. Imagine soft, cake-like bars with just the right amount of sweetness, a hint of cinnamon, and the deep, rich taste of pure maple syrup running through every bite. These bars bring together the best parts of maple donuts but in an easy-to-make, shareable bar form that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. You’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again, whether for a quick morning treat or a sweet indulgence with your coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe is surprisingly simple, relying on straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create a moist, flavorful treat. Each component plays a key role, giving the bars their soft texture, warm flavor, and irresistible maple character.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure without weighing down the bars.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the bars brown evenly.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives the bars a light, fluffy rise.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy spice note.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup: The star ingredient that delivers authentic maple flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or non-dairy): Keeps the bars tender and moist.
- 1/4 cup melted butter (cooled): Adds richness and a subtle buttery note.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a luscious, sweet glaze to finish the bars.
- 2 tbsp milk (for glaze): Thins the powdered sugar to the perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easy to lift out the bars once baked. Taking this step sets the stage for perfectly baked bars with clean edges.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined. This ensures the rising agent and spices are distributed well, so each bite bursts with flavor and rises evenly.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add the pure maple syrup, milk, and cooled melted butter, mixing well to create a luscious, cohesive liquid mixture. This blend delivers the moistness and maple essence that defines the recipe.
Step 4: Fold Wet Ingredients into Dry
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are totally fine. This technique helps maintain a tender crumb and avoids tough baked bars.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will start to fill with that amazing maple and cinnamon scent that makes your mouth water.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they cool, make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle it generously over the top of the bars. This finishing touch gives the bars a delicate sweetness and a glossy look that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans over the glaze for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. For a fun twist, dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a bit of extra maple syrup for those who love a super sweet touch.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a more filling breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples, pears, or a handful of berries to brighten up the plate and balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bars into smaller bite-sized pieces for a brunch spread or place them in a pretty box tied with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift. You can also layer softened cream cheese on top before drizzling the glaze for a luscious maple cream bar variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and moist, ready to enjoy with minimal fuss.
Freezing
If you want to save some bars for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bars stay fresh for up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge to preserve their soft texture.
Reheating
Warm the bars gently in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This melts the glaze slightly and brings back that fresh-baked softness, making them taste like they’re just out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different flour for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works best for the texture in this recipe, but you can try a gluten-free blend if you prefer. Just make sure the blend substitutes equally for regular flour to maintain the right crumb.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup in this recipe?
While pure maple syrup gives these bars their signature flavor, you can substitute honey or agave syrup if needed, though the taste will vary slightly.
Can I make the bars dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter to keep this recipe dairy-free.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The bars should also be golden brown on the edges and spring back slightly when touched.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger pan, such as a 9×13 inch baking dish. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness around 30-35 minutes.
Final Thoughts
You are going to love how easy and delicious this Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe is to make. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of maple and cinnamon in a soft, comforting bar that’s perfect any time of day. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat to share, these bars are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a try and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Print
Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars offer a delightful twist on traditional donuts with a tender, cake-like texture and a rich maple flavor. Perfectly sweetened with maple syrup and finished with a delicate glaze, these bars make a comforting treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
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
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with pure maple syrup, milk, and cooled melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well integrated, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bars.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the baked bars to cool for about 10 minutes in the dish, then transfer them to a wire rack. Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled bars to add sweetness and a glossy finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure the batter mixes smoothly and evenly.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and soft.
- The glaze can be customized with a splash of vanilla extract or cinnamon for added flavor.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
