Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars offer a tender, cake-like texture infused with the warm flavor of maple syrup and cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, they bring the taste of donuts in an easy-to-make bar form.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease the parchment.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, maple syrup, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and blended.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, gently folding with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft.
5. Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then use the parchment overhang to lift them out and cool completely before cutting.
8. Step 8: Slice into bars of your desired size, serve, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar on top after baking.
• Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangier taste and softer texture.
• Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added crunch and sweetness.
• Make mini bars by baking in a smaller pan and adjusting baking time accordingly.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar, but it will slightly change the flavor profile.

Are these bars gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free bars, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars offer a delightful treat with a tender crumb infused with warm cinnamon and rich maple syrup flavors. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, these bars are perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars (3×3 grid) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until fully combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, maple syrup, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and tender.
5. Pour Batter into Pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan using the spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean, and the edges should be golden brown.
7. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Let them cool completely before slicing.
8. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, cut into desired bar sizes. Serve fresh and enjoy the soft, maple-infused donut bars.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to maintain a soft texture.
• Ensure the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
• You can substitute milk with a non-dairy option to make it dairy-free.
• For a stronger maple flavor, drizzle extra maple syrup on top before serving.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: maple donut bars, soft baked bars, cinnamon maple dessert, easy breakfast bars, baked donut recipe