Name: Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489548H46M43S
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you’re a fan of cozy flavors and tender treats that make your kitchen smell irresistibly sweet, then you’re in for a real delight with these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars. Imagine biting into a soft, cakey bar that carries the warm, comforting notes of maple syrup and just a hint of cinnamon, perfect for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a shareable dessert. These bars blend the nostalgic essence of donuts with the convenience of a bar, making them incredibly easy to enjoy anytime. Let’s dive into this recipe that will soon become your new favorite sweet indulgence.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and softness. From the rich maple syrup that infuses sweetness and moisture to the hint of cinnamon that adds warmth, these straightforward ingredients come together harmoniously.

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the bars while keeping them tender.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with a slight crispness around the edges.
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings depth with its molasses content and extra moisture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise gently, ensuring a soft crumb.
1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Provides additional lift and lightness.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with maple.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and moisture without weighing the bars down.
1/4 cup pure maple syrup: The star sweetener that gives these bars their distinct soft baked maple donut flavor.
1/4 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender once baked.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and gives a nice tender texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely fragrant note.

How to Make Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the right heat for a perfectly soft and golden bake. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang on the sides—this trick makes it super easy to lift out your bars later without any fuss. Then, lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This blend of dry ingredients lays the foundation for the soft texture and flavorful warmth that will fill your kitchen as these bars bake.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, pure maple syrup, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This wet mixture infuses the batter with moisture and that unmistakable maple sweetness that makes these bars so addictive.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and gently fold together with a spatula until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars tender and cakey instead of dense.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma by this point will make it impossible to wait!

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for around 10 minutes. Then use the parchment overhang to lift the whole slab out and let it cool completely before slicing into bars. This step helps them hold together beautifully when served.

How to Serve Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of additional maple syrup on top can elevate the bars’ appearance and intensify that delightful maple flavor. Toasted pecans or chopped walnuts sprinkled over the top add a wonderful crunch contrast if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Serve your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai latte for the ultimate cozy pairing. A side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also brighten the experience, balancing the sweetness with fresh or airy textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting breakfast platter, arrange the bars alongside mini yogurt parfaits and sliced fruit. Alternatively, cut them into smaller bite-sized squares to create a snack tray perfect for gatherings or potlucks. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with twine makes for charming homemade gifts, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and perfectly soft without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars later, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months, making them an easy treat to pull out whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring your bars back to that freshly baked softness, reheat them gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This revives their warm, tender texture with a hint of that maple aroma waking up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of syrup instead of maple?

While pure maple syrup is the heart of this recipe, you can substitute with honey or agave nectar in a pinch. However, the flavor profile will change, and you won’t get quite the same iconic maple taste in your bars.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Unfortunately, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. You can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose blends, but results may vary in texture and rise.

How soft are these bars compared to traditional donuts?

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are delightfully tender and moist—and while they have that soft crumb reminiscent of donuts, they’re cake-like and not fried, so they offer a lighter texture that’s easy to enjoy anytime.

Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit can add exciting texture and flavor variations. Just fold them into the batter before baking for delicious customized bars.

What’s the best way to slice these bars for serving?

Use a sharp knife and wait until the bars are completely cool to avoid crumbling. Cutting into even squares or rectangular bars makes portioning easy and looks neat when sharing.

Final Thoughts

Creating these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars is such a joyful experience, rewarding you with sweet, tender bites that celebrate the warm, comforting flavor of maple. Whether you’re starting your day or indulging in an afternoon treat, these bars bring so much heart and flavor to the table. I can’t wait for you to bake up a batch and share the joy of this simple yet irresistible recipe with those you love!

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews

Author: Gabriel
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat combining the warm flavors of cinnamon and pure maple syrup with a tender, cakey texture. Perfect for a breakfast snack or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these bars are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined and evenly distributed.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, milk, large egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a soft texture in the bars.
Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it out using the spatula to ensure a uniform thickness.
Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the bars are fully baked.
Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and let them cool completely before slicing.
Slice and Serve: Once cooled, cut the bars into your desired sizes. Serve and enjoy your soft baked maple donut bars!

Notes

For an extra touch, drizzle additional maple syrup or a simple glaze over the bars after baking.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
You can substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bars soft and tender.
These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American