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); For glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk

Jump to Recipe

Let me introduce you to your new breakfast favorite: Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars. These heavenly bars combine the pillowy softness of a classic donut with the homestyle comfort of a cake, all infused with rich maple sweetness. Each bite is perfectly moist, warmly spiced with a touch of cinnamon, and finished with a dreamy maple glaze. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, craving a cozy afternoon treat, or just want to jazz up your snack game, Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars will charm everyone who tries them.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things blissfully simple, focusing on a handful of pantry staples and a couple of standout flavors. Each ingredient plays its part in building those iconic flavors and an undeniably tender crumb that makes these bars so special.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of our bars, it gives just the right structure for a soft yet sturdy bite.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a golden, tender crumb.
Baking powder: Ensures the donut bars rise beautifully in the oven for that signature fluffiness.
Salt: A tiny amount balances out the sweetness and enhances the maple notes.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, bakery-style aroma that exemplifies comfort food.
Large eggs (room temperature): Binds everything together, lending moisture and richness.
Pure maple syrup: The true hero, bringing deep, complex maple flavor to every bite.
Milk (whole or non-dairy): Keeps the bars delightfully moist and soft-baked.
Melted butter (cooled): Provides richness for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk: Creates a smooth, sweet finish and just the right amount of sticky-topped decadence.

How to Make Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly right from the get-go. Lightly grease and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. The parchment makes it a breeze to lift out your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars once they cool, so you get perfect slices every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This simple step means every slice will have evenly distributed spices and rising power, delivering consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, maple syrup, milk, and cooled melted butter. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous. Don’t rush this step—the eggs and liquids need to be fully incorporated so your finished bars bake up fluffy and light.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the bars tough rather than tender. It’s totally okay if there are a few lumps; that’s what gives them that classic, soft donut texture.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Take a moment to enjoy the irresistible maple aromas filling your kitchen!

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Once your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then lift them onto a wire rack and let them finish cooling. Make the glaze by stirring together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then generously drizzle it over the top of your cooled bars. The glaze soaks in just enough for that perfect donut-shop finish.

How to Serve Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Garnishes

Dress up your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of chopped toasted pecans, or a pretty dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling fancy, add a little orange zest for a bright contrast to the maple. Each garnish brings its own flair and a pop of color to your plate.

Side Dishes

These bars are fantastic next to fresh seasonal fruit like berries or citrus slices, which cut through the sweetness. For a more indulgent treat, pair them with a creamy latte, hot chocolate, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Their subtle flavors play well with so many breakfast or brunch classics.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars into small finger-sized pieces for a party tray, or cut them into big squares for a more rustic, bakery-style look. Stack them up on a pretty cake stand or serve them on parchment for a farmhouse brunch vibe. However you present them, every slice looks irresistibly inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The bars stay surprisingly soft, and the glaze keeps them moist. If it’s particularly warm in your kitchen, you can refrigerate them, but always bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Allow the glazed bars to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Tuck them into a freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze them uncut and slice after thawing.

Reheating

For a fresh-from-the-bakery feel, warm your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If you’ve frozen them, let them thaw at room temperature before heating. This quick step revives their pillowy softness and makes the glaze melt just a little—pure comfort food perfection.

FAQs

Can I substitute the maple syrup with pancake syrup?

While pancake syrup will technically work in a pinch, pure maple syrup is what sets Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars apart and gives them their deep, authentic flavor. Using real maple syrup is worth it for that cozy, unmistakable taste.

Can I use a different pan size?

An 8×8 inch pan is ideal for thick, soft bars, but you can use a 9×9 inch pan for slightly thinner bars or even a muffin tin for donut bar “bites.” Just watch the bake time—they may cook a little faster or slower depending on the pan.

How do you know when the bars are done baking?

The edges will be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars perfectly moist and tender.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture, and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to store the bars if I want to keep them super soft?

Seal the bars in an airtight container with a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking. If you want to go the extra mile, put a slice of sandwich bread in the container; it helps maintain moisture, so the bars stay as soft as the day you baked them!

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a bite of something soft, maple-sweet, and deeply satisfying, give these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars a try. They’re a treat to bake, a joy to share, and the perfect way to make any day feel extra special. Pour yourself a coffee, cut a bar, and take a moment to savor the magic!

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the irresistible softness of these baked maple donut bars. These bars are a delightful fusion of traditional donut flavors with the convenience of a simple baked treat.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs, maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry: 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 and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Glaze: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Mix powdered sugar with milk to make the glaze, and drizzle over the cooled bars.

Notes

You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts on top of the glaze for extra flavor.
These bars are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

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