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
Scale
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.
