Name: Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect morning treat—one that’s fluffy, gently spiced, not too sweet, and shining with a glossy glaze—then Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are about to become the star of your kitchen. These irresistible bars bring together the classic comfort of cake-style donuts with an easy bar format, all kissed by warm maple flavor. Whether paired with a cup of coffee or shared at brunch, this recipe is pure comfort and joy baked into every bite. Let’s dive in and make your new favorite go-to treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars is in their simplicity. Each ingredient brings its own special magic to the party—some for lift, some for sweetness, and some for that unmistakable cozy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for these bars, holding everything together while keeping them soft.
Granulated sugar: Adds the right level of sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Baking powder: Essential for making the bars rise and giving them their lovely, airy texture.
Salt: A pinch sharpens all the other flavors and ensures the bars aren’t too sweet.
Ground cinnamon: This adds warmth and depth, giving classic donut-shop vibes.
Large eggs (room temperature): Help bind the batter and add rich, satisfying texture.
Pure maple syrup: The heart of the recipe—choose real maple syrup for authentic flavor and natural sweetness.
Milk (whole or non-dairy): Keeps the bars moist and tender; pick your favorite kind!
Melted butter (cooled): Gives the bars richness and a gentle crumb—make sure it’s not too hot so it doesn’t scramble the eggs.
Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Whisked with a bit of milk, it makes that classic donut-shop topping.
Milk (for the glaze): Just enough to make the glaze smooth and easy to drizzle.

How to Make Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

To kick things off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it carefully with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal. Give the edges a light greasing so nothing sticks—these bars are delicate, so this little step guarantees a mess-free finish.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Use a whisk to evenly distribute everything, making sure there are no sneaky clumps. This step ensures the bars bake up with a uniform crumb and those wonderful notes of cozy spice.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab another bowl and beat together the room temperature eggs, pure maple syrup, your milk of choice, and the cooled melted butter. Whisk until totally smooth—this is where that golden maple flavor starts to shine through and where the bars get their signature moistness.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now comes the fun part! Gently pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. With a spatula or a big spoon, stir everything together just until combined. You don’t want to overmix—stirring too vigorously can make the bars tough instead of bakery-soft. It’s perfectly fine if you spot a few streaks of flour here and there.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Scrape the batter into your prepared dish and smooth the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bars are lightly golden and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The whole kitchen will fill with the heavenly scent of maple and spice—resisting a taste test will be the hardest part!

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out onto a wire rack. While they’re cooling down, whisk together powdered sugar with just enough milk to make a thick, pourable glaze. Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle that shiny glaze all over the top, and let it set for the prettiest (and tastiest) finish.

How to Serve Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Garnishes

There’s so much opportunity for personal flair here! While the simple milk glaze is dreamy on its own, you might want to scatter a light dusting of extra ground cinnamon, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans, or even a few tiny maple sugar crystals on top. Each adds a different texture and visual pop to your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars, taking them from homemade treat to total showstopper.

Side Dishes

These bars are perfect with a mug of fresh coffee, a chai latte, or a glass of cold milk. For brunch spreads, pair them with a fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or crispy bacon for that sweet-and-savory magic. Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars play nicely alongside almost anything, making them a winning choice for any breakfast or dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these bars to a party or brunch, try slicing them into squares and stacking them on a pretty platter for a bakery-style look. For a twist, cut them into fingers and dip one end in melted white chocolate. Or, serve on elegant plates dusted with cinnamon sugar to give each guest a dessert they’ll remember. The possibilities with Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars really are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are no problem at all. Store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay beautifully soft and flavorful, ready for a quick snack or sweet breakfast at a moment’s notice.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars even longer, you can absolutely freeze them! Let the bars cool completely, skip the glaze if possible, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to two months, then glaze after thawing for the freshest finish.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked warmth again, simply microwave an unglazed bar for about 10 seconds. If your bars are already glazed or you’re reheating from frozen, try gently warming them in a low oven (around 300°F) until just soft and fragrant. The maple aroma will be irresistible all over again!

FAQs

Can I use pancake syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

For the signature flavor of Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars, pure maple syrup really is best. Pancake syrup will work in a pinch but won’t deliver the same rich aroma and depth of flavor you get from the real thing.

What type of milk works best for this recipe?

Both whole milk and non-dairy options like almond or oat milk deliver great results here. Whole milk yields a slightly richer crumb, but any milk you love will keep these bars moist and soft.

Can I make Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. Just be mindful to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

How do I prevent the glaze from soaking into the bars?

Let the bars cool completely before glazing. If they’re too warm, the glaze can disappear into the crumb instead of sitting pretty on top. A quick rest on a wire rack solves that problem every time!

Are these bars good for breakfast or dessert?

They’re fantastic for both! Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are not overly sweet, making them a great morning bite, but the glaze and maple flavor also make them a winning dessert when you’re craving something cozy.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars to bring a little joy to your table—whether it’s a lazy morning or a special get-together. Their fluffy texture and homey maple glaze make them unforgettable, so don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe. I can’t wait for you to give these a try and fall in love with every soft, sweet, maple-kissed bite!

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These soft baked maple donut bars are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of maple syrup and cinnamon in a moist, cake-like bar. Topped with a sweet glaze, they are perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix eggs, maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spread evenly, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and Glaze: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Mix powdered sugar and milk for the glaze, and drizzle over the cooled bars.

Notes

You can add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or sprinkles on top of the glaze for extra flavor and decoration.
These bars are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American