Name: Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup maple syrup (for the glaze); 2 cups powdered sugar (for the glaze); 2-3 tablespoons milk (for the glaze); Pinch of salt (for the glaze)

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Crisp edges giving way to a supremely soft, cake-like interior – that’s the magic of these maple donut bars. They capture the essence of a classic maple donut but in an easy-to-make bar form, perfect for sharing (or not!). What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of warm spices and the generous maple glaze that soaks into the tender crumb. The touch of cinnamon enhances the maple flavor without overpowering it, creating a balanced and utterly addictive treat.

These soft baked maple donut bars recipe is ideal for a weekend brunch, a potluck contribution, or simply a delightful surprise for a weekday breakfast. They bring a cozy, comforting sweetness to any occasion.

Why you’ll love this Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars with Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Effortless baking: Enjoy the taste of donuts without the fuss of frying.
Moist and tender: The buttermilk ensures a perfectly soft, cake-like texture.
Maple flavor explosion: Every bite is infused with the rich, comforting taste of maple.
Quick and easy: From prep to plate in under 40 minutes, this maple donut bars recipe is perfect for busy mornings.
Crowd-pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Versatile: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins to customize your bars.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredients for Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup, then filling the rest with milk to equal 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
1/2 cup maple syrup (for the glaze): For the best flavor, use a high-quality, pure maple syrup.
2 cups powdered sugar (for the glaze)
2-3 tablespoons milk (for the glaze)
Pinch of salt (for the glaze)

How to make Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan

Maple donut bars recipe makes every moment feel lush. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.

Step 3: Mix wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough donut bars.

Chef’s Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 5: Bake the bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

Step 6: Bake until golden

Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t overbake, as this can dry out the bars.

Step 7: Cool

Let the donut bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare the glaze

While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, powdered sugar, milk, and salt until smooth. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency. You want a glaze that’s pourable but not too thin.

Step 9: Glaze and set

Pour the glaze over the cooled donut bars and spread evenly. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

Chef’s Tip: For a thicker glaze, use less milk. For a thinner glaze, add more milk.

Tips for Success

Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter and better rise.
Don’t overmix the batter. Mix until just combined to avoid tough bars.
Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the bars cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting completely.

Serving Suggestions

These soft baked maple donut bars are fantastic on their own with a cup of coffee or tea. They also pair well with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced peaches. For a more decadent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low oven until slightly warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these donut bars?

Yes, you can freeze these donut bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

While granulated and brown sugar are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can experiment with other sugars such as coconut sugar or maple sugar. Keep in mind that this may affect the color and flavor of the bars.

These soft baked maple donut bars are a simple yet satisfying treat that brings the warmth and comfort of a classic donut to your table in an easy-to-share format. The combination of a tender, cake-like texture and a rich maple glaze is simply irresistible. Go ahead, bake a batch and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Amazing Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe