Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of maple syrup with a tender, cake-like texture. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these bars offer all the sweet comfort of donuts in an easy-to-make sheet 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 2 cups (240g) of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a larger bowl, cream ½ cup (115g) of softened butter and ¾ cup (150g) of brown sugar until fluffy. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, and mix well. Stir in ½ cup (120ml) of maple syrup, ½ cup (120ml) of milk, and 1 tsp of 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 1 cup (120g) of powdered sugar with 2 tbsp (30ml) of maple syrup and 1-2 tbsp (15-30ml) of milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
8. Step 8: Spread or drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
• You can replace milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
• Use pure maple syrup for the best authentic taste.
• To make the glaze thicker, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner glaze, add a little extra milk.

Storage

Store the maple donut 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 10-15 seconds to restore softness and warmth before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup, but this will slightly alter the flavor. Maple syrup provides a unique earthy sweetness that’s characteristic of this recipe.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking at 25 minutes.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 70 reviews

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars feature a tender, fluffy texture infused with rich maple syrup flavor. Baked to perfection and topped with a smooth maple glaze, they make a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Batter

• 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
• Pinch of salt

Glaze

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp (30ml) maple syrup
• 1–2 tbsp (15-30ml) milk

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 for easy removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside to incorporate the leavening agent evenly.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a larger bowl, cream ½ cup (115g) softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar until light and fluffy to create a smooth base.
4. Add eggs and wet ingredients: Beat in 2 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in ½ cup (120ml) maple syrup, ½ cup (120ml) milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to enrich the batter.
5. Combine dry and wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overdeveloping gluten, which ensures softness.
6. Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool bars: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
8. Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar with 2 tbsp (30ml) maple syrup and 1-2 tbsp (15-30ml) milk until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to reach desired glaze consistency.
9. Glaze bars: Spread or drizzle the maple glaze over the cooled bars evenly to finish the sweet topping.

Notes

• Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars soft and tender.
• Adjust the glaze thickness by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: maple donut bars, soft baked donut bars, maple syrup dessert, baked donut bars, homemade donut bars