Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Start your day with these soft baked maple donut bars that capture the warm flavors of a classic breakfast treat. Light, tender, and topped with a sweet maple glaze, they are perfect for morning moments or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (freshly ground for best flavor)
• 2 large Eggs (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup (pure maple syrup recommended)
• 1/2 cup Milk (whole or non-dairy options allowed)
• 1/4 cup Butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for the glaze)
• 2 tablespoons Milk (to mix with powdered sugar)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with greased parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bars tender.
5. Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Step 7: For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly ground cinnamon for a more vibrant flavor and aroma.
• Swap the butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free version with a subtle tropical note.
• Drizzle with extra maple syrup instead of glaze for more natural sweetness.
• Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar, but the flavor will vary slightly. Pure maple syrup offers the most authentic taste for this recipe.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. Avoid over-baking to keep them soft and tender.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 142 reviews

Enjoy a delicious start to your day with these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars, featuring a tender crumb infused with cinnamon and pure maple syrup, topped with a sweet powdered sugar glaze. Perfectly moist and easy to make in one baking dish, these bars bring the comforting flavors of maple donuts to your breakfast table without the need for frying.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (freshly ground for best flavor)

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large Eggs (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup (pure maple syrup recommended)
• 1/2 cup Milk (whole or non-dairy options allowed)
• 1/4 cup Butter (melted and slightly cooled)

Glaze

• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Milk

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with greased parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, maple syrup, milk, and melted butter together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to over-mix to maintain a tender texture.
5. Bake the Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Bars: Allow the baked bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: Mix the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bars to add a sweet finishing touch. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• Use freshly ground cinnamon for the best flavor impact.
• Make sure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix more easily.
• Do not over-mix the batter to keep the bars soft and tender.
• Allow bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• For a dairy-free option, use non-dairy milk and vegan butter alternatives.

Keywords: maple donut bars, breakfast bars, baked donut bars, maple syrup recipe, cinnamon baked bars, soft baked bars, maple glazed bars