Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars offer a deliciously tender texture with the warm flavor of cinnamon and pure maple syrup. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon treat, they combine the ease of baking with the irresistible taste of classic donuts.

A white plate filled with rectangular brown cakes topped with a smooth, light brown icing layer that covers the top and slightly drips down the sides, each cake has two visible layers—the moist brown cake base and the glossy icing on top. The plate sits on a wooden table with a metal cooling rack holding more cakes in the background, and a white cup and teapot with subtle floral patterns are also visible. The overall scene is warm and inviting with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
  • 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it 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.
  4. Step 4: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is 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 them to a wire rack. To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled bars.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
  • You can swap the cinnamon for nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
  • Use a dairy-free milk and vegan butter substitute to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
  • For a crunchier texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.

Storage

Store the donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in an oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

How to Serve

A white plate holds six rectangular cake pieces, each topped with a smooth light brown glaze that covers the entire surface, slightly dripping at the edges. The cake layers beneath are light yellow with a soft, moist texture visible at the sides. The plate sits on a wooden table with a white marbled background behind it. In the background, a cooling rack with more cakes and a white cup and teapot are softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute honey or agave syrup, but the flavor will change slightly. Maple syrup adds a unique depth that complements the cinnamon well.

What if I don’t have an 8×8 inch baking dish?

A similar-sized pan, such as a 9×9 inch, can be used. The bars may be slightly thinner and bake a few minutes faster, so keep an eye on them.

Print
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Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe


  • Author: Victor
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 912 bars 1x

Description

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a deliciously tender treat that combine the warm flavors of cinnamon and pure maple syrup in a cake-like bar form. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they feature a soft crumb and a sweet glaze, making them an irresistible and easy-to-make snack.


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)

For Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined and evenly distributed.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the room temperature eggs, pure maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, making sure the melted butter has cooled to avoid cooking the eggs.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until the batter is combined; avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Pour and spread the batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the surface for an even bake.
  6. Bake the bars: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bars turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and prepare glaze: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth to create the glaze.
  8. Glaze the bars: Drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over the cooled bars before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the melted butter is cooled before mixing with eggs to prevent curdling.
  • Use parchment paper to make removal and cleanup easier.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • Feel free to sprinkle additional cinnamon or chopped nuts on top before baking for extra flavor and texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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

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