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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to fill all corners.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
