Introduction

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars combine the rich flavor of pure maple syrup with a tender, cake-like texture that’s irresistible. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, they are easy to make and delightfully comforting.

Four rectangular cake slices with a golden brown, soft crumb base are placed close together on a dark plate. Each slice is covered with a thick layer of creamy, light beige icing that smoothly drips down the sides, pooling slightly at the base. The icing has a glossy finish with tiny specks of cinnamon scattered on top, adding a touch of texture. In the blurred background, more cake pieces can be seen on a white plate, all set on a white marbled surface. 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)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat eggs, maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
Step 4: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Once cooled, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use whole milk or your favorite non-dairy milk to suit your preference or dietary needs.
For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
Make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk to drizzle over the bars once cooled for an extra touch of sweetness.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.

How to Serve

The image shows several small square cakes with a golden-brown, slightly crispy base layer. Each cake is topped with a smooth, creamy light beige icing that drips down the sides slightly. The icing is decorated with small brown sugar crystals scattered across the top. The cakes are placed on a white plate with a subtle glossy finish, resting on a white marbled textured surface. The shot is taken close up, focusing on the front cake with others softly blurred in the background, highlighting the texture and shine of the icing. 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 maple syrup with honey or agave nectar, though the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust quantities to taste.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

They are ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 141 reviews

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat combining the rich flavor of pure maple syrup with a tender, cakey texture. Perfect as a breakfast snack or a sweet indulgence, these bars bake quickly in the oven and can be topped with a simple glaze for added sweetness.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 bars (3×3 inch pieces) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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 the Glaze

Powdered sugar (quantity to preference for drizzling)
Milk (a splash, to thin glaze)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make removal of the bars easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, pure maple syrup, milk, and cooled melted butter together until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Mix Batter: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and carefully fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars soft and tender.
Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread it out smoothly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the baked bars to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Add Glaze: Prepare a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of milk to reach a drizzle-able consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for better batter consistency.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense bars.
The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by varying powdered sugar and milk ratios.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
These bars can be reheated briefly for a soft, warm treat.

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