Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Discover the irresistible taste of Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars, a delightful treat that combines tender cake-like texture with sweet maple flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these bars are easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 2 large Eggs
• 1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1/4 cup Butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 2 tbsp Milk (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, and maple syrup until well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread to the edges.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Cool the bars in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang and cool completely (1-2 hours).
8. Step 8: To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Adjust thickness with small amounts of milk or sugar as needed for a pourable consistency.
9. Step 9: Place the bars on a wire rack over parchment or foil. Pour and spread the glaze evenly over the top.
10. Step 10: If desired, sprinkle toppings like sprinkles, chopped pecans or walnuts, or cinnamon sugar while the glaze is wet.
11. Step 11: Let glaze set undisturbed for at least 30 minutes until no longer sticky.
12. Step 12: Transfer bars to a cutting board and slice into pieces using a sharp knife. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean slices. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients for extra flavor.
• Experiment with toppings like toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate.
• Use a serrated knife for slicing to prevent crumbling.

Storage

Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back softness. For longer storage, freeze wrapped bars for up to 2 months; thaw before glazing.

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 honey or agave syrup, though the flavor will vary slightly. Avoid using granulated sugar in place of syrup as it affects moisture and texture.

How can I make these bars vegan?

Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 101 reviews

• Author: Hailey
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a deliciously tender treat boasting a moist crumb infused with warm cinnamon and the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup. Topped with a smooth, sweet maple glaze, they offer all the flavor of a classic donut in an easy-to-make bar form, perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large Eggs
• 1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1/4 cup Butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar

Glaze

• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 2 tbsp Milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, and pure maple syrup. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender and soft.
5. Pour Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to fill all corners.
6. Bake Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and cool the bars in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out from the pan, and let them cool completely for 1-2 hours before glazing.
8. Prepare Glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a medium bowl until the glaze is smooth and lump-free. Adjust consistency with additional milk or powdered sugar to achieve a pourable but not runny glaze.
9. Glaze Bars: Place the cooled bars on a wire rack set over parchment paper or foil. Pour and spread the glaze evenly across the surface to cover all bars.
10. Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately after glazing, add desired toppings such as sprinkles, finely chopped pecans or walnuts, or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar if desired.
11. Set Glaze: Allow the glazed bars to rest undisturbed for at least 30 minutes until the glaze is fully set and no longer sticky to the touch.
12. Slice and Serve: Transfer bars to a cutting board and slice into individual pieces with a sharp knife. For best results and clean cuts, wipe the knife clean between slices. Serve immediately and enjoy your maple donut bars!

Notes

• Ensure not to overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep the bars soft and tender.
• Use pure maple syrup for the best authentic flavor in the bars.
• The glaze should be thick enough to coat but not too runny to prevent dripping off the bars.
• For an extra nutty flavor, try adding chopped nuts to the glaze or on top.
• Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, soft baked donuts, maple glazed bars, cinnamon maple bars, easy breakfast bars