Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars offer a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining tender cake-like texture with the warm, sweet flavor of maple. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed
• A pinch of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Step 4: Mix in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Stir until just combined.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
10. Step 10: For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
11. Step 11: Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag.
12. Step 12: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing the bars into your desired size.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze before it sets.
• Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangier taste and tender crumb.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk gradually while whisking until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage

Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave to soften the bars before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use maple flavoring instead of pure maple syrup?

While maple flavoring can be used, pure maple syrup provides authentic taste and moisture that enhance the bars’ texture and flavor.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are done baking.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 52 reviews

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat combining the rich flavor of pure maple syrup with a tender, cake-like texture. These bars are easy to prepare, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a smooth maple glaze that enhances their sweetness. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, they offer the comforting taste of classic donuts in a convenient bar form.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Bars

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed
• A pinch of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside to ensure easy removal of the bars.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, providing a smooth base for the batter.
3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated and the mixture stays smooth.
4. Incorporate Maple Syrup and Vanilla: Mix in the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract until the ingredients are well combined, infusing the batter with rich flavor.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spice.
6. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with milk and sour cream to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender texture.
7. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
8. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
9. Cool Bars: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set properly before glazing.
10. Prepare Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed so it is pourable.
11. Glaze Bars: Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the top using a spoon or piping bag for an even and attractive coating.
12. Set and Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the bars into your desired size and serving.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter once flour is added; overmixing can make the bars dense.
• Ensure the bars are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
• The glaze thickness can be adjusted by adding more or less milk depending on your desired consistency.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and added protein.

Keywords: maple donut bars, soft baked bars, maple glazed bars, easy breakfast bars, homemade donut bars