Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the comforting flavors of these soft baked maple donut bars, a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. With a tender crumb and a sweet maple glaze, they offer all the deliciousness of a donut in an easy-to-cut bar form.

Ingredients

• ½ cup (120ml) maple syrup
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp (30ml) maple syrup (for glaze)
• 1–2 tbsp (15–30ml) milk (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Step 5: Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Step 7: To prepare the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with maple syrup and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
8. Step 8: Spread or drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Let it set for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try using half-and-half instead of milk in the batter.
• You can substitute the maple syrup in the glaze with honey for a different sweetness.
• Add chopped nuts or cinnamon to the batter for extra texture and warmth.
• Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bars soft and tender.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds before serving to enjoy a soft, warm treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour works best for the right texture, you can try using whole wheat flour, but the bars may be denser. Consider substituting half the flour with whole wheat for a balanced result.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or a thin skewer into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done. Avoid waiting until it’s completely dry to keep them soft.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 149 reviews

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat combining the rich flavors of maple syrup with a tender, cake-like texture. Perfectly soft and moist, these bars are topped with a sweet maple glaze that enhances their natural sweetness, making them an ideal breakfast snack or dessert for maple lovers.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (for glaze)

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) maple syrup
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp (30ml) maple syrup (for glaze)
• 1–2 tbsp (15-30ml) milk (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside for later use.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a larger bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. This process aerates the batter for a lighter texture.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract to incorporate moisture and flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and toughening the dough.
6. Transfer and Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
8. Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve desired glaze consistency.
9. Glaze the Bars: Spread or drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bars soft and tender.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal of bars from the pan.
• Adjust the glaze milk amount to get a thicker or thinner consistency depending on preference.
• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and eggs with flax eggs.

Keywords: maple donut bars, soft baked bars, maple glaze, breakfast bars, easy dessert, homemade donut bars