Name: Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something that combines the cozy flavors of breakfast with the easy, handheld joy of a treat, these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are exactly what you need. Picture tender, cake-like bars infused with warm cinnamon and sweet maple syrup, topped with a glossy drizzle of maple glaze. They bring all the flavor of a classic maple donut but in a soft, sliceable bar that’s perfect for sharing, snacking, or even a casual brunch centerpiece. They’re simple to make, absolutely delicious, and guaranteed to become a new favorite way to enjoy maple sweetness any time of the day.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the soft crumb to the signature maple taste, you’ll appreciate how simple pantry staples transform into something special.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure with a tender crumb that’s not too dense.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for that inviting golden color.
Baking powder: Gives the bars a light, airy lift for a soft texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Sprinkles a warm spice that perfectly complements the maple syrup.
Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to a moist, tender bite.
Pure maple syrup: The star ingredient, infusing every bite with authentic, rich maple flavor.
Milk (whole or non-dairy): Keeps the batter creamy and moist.
Melted butter: Adds a luscious richness and helps with that soft texture.
Powdered sugar & milk for glaze: Creates a sweet, smooth topping that seals in the maple magic.

How to Make Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, which makes sure your bars release effortlessly and bake evenly. A well-prepared pan sets the stage for success.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, so every bite has that delicious flavor and rise.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, pure maple syrup, milk, and cooled melted butter until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This creates the moist base that will make your bars wonderfully soft and rich.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir just until combined—overmixing can toughen the texture, and we want these bars soft and tender like a fresh donut. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes; this makes it easier to handle before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 6: Add the Signature Maple Glaze

While your bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar with milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this glossy ribbon of sweetness generously over the bars. This final touch brings that classic maple donut vibe to the bars and adds a slight crunch once set.

How to Serve Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Garnishes

To make your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars even more inviting, consider a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze. This adds texture and visual appeal that makes these bars pop for any occasion.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a steaming cup of coffee or a creamy latte for an unbeatable cozy combo. For a brunch spread, fresh berries or a bowl of Greek yogurt on the side create a nutritious balance that keeps the indulgence feeling fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving these bars as part of a dessert platter is a genius move. Cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange alongside other fall-inspired treats like spiced nuts or apple slices. You can also toast individual bars lightly and add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra luscious twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be hard to resist), store the Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and super soft for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or an easy grab-and-go breakfast.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a sweet maple fix, thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they’ll taste freshly baked.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, pop a bar in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast for a subtle crispness on the edges. Reheat right before serving and drizzle a bit more glaze if desired for an extra special treat.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of syrup instead of maple syrup?

While pure maple syrup offers a unique, rich flavor that defines these bars, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup for a different twist. Just keep in mind, the signature maple taste will be less pronounced.

Are Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. If you need gluten-free options, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but test baking times as they might vary slightly.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden brown surface and do the toothpick test—insert it into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re done baking perfectly.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dark chocolate chips fold nicely into the batter, adding texture and flavor that complements the maple and cinnamon beautifully.

What if I don’t have an 8×8 inch pan?

If your pan size is different, adjust baking time accordingly. A slightly larger pan will produce thinner bars that bake faster; keep an eye on them after 15 minutes. A smaller pan will require a bit more time to bake fully.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are more than just a recipe—they’re comfort food that fits effortlessly into your busy life. Whether you’re sharing them with family at breakfast, bringing them to a potluck, or just sneaking one with your afternoon tea, they deliver that perfect maple-sweet moment. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you’ll soon find these bars becoming a cherished part of your baking rotation.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 bars (3×3 cut pieces) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars offer a deliciously tender and moist texture reminiscent of classic maple donuts, but in an easy-to-make bar form. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they combine warm cinnamon spices with the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup and a luscious glaze on top.

Instructions

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 for easy removal of the bars.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the pure maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until smooth and homogenous.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until the batter is combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bars tough.
Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
Bake: Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Glaze: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before slicing and serving.

Notes

For dairy-free options, use non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk and substitute melted butter with a plant-based alternative.
Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter combine more smoothly.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bars soft and tender.
The glaze can be adjusted by adding more milk for a thinner consistency or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American