Irresistible Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

These soft baked maple donut bars are the ultimate treat when I’m craving something cozy, cakey, and sweet — but don’t want to deal with frying. They’re tender, moist, and full of warm maple flavor, topped with a silky maple glaze that sets just right. I love how easy they are to make in a pan, and the result tastes just like a bakery-style maple bar, only better and homemade.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these donut bars combine the richness of cake donuts with the simplicity of a bar recipe. No rolling, no frying — just mix, bake, glaze, and enjoy. The soft texture reminds me of my favorite donuts, and the maple icing adds that classic, comforting flavor that’s perfect for fall mornings, weekend brunches, or anytime I want a homemade treat that feels a little special.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

• Unsalted butter

• Granulated sugar

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Maple extract or real maple syrup

• Milk or buttermilk

For the maple glaze:

• Powdered sugar

• Maple syrup

• Vanilla or maple extract

• Milk or cream

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In a separate bowl, I cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.

4. I beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and maple extract (or syrup).

5. I alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk, mixing just until combined.

6. I spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 22–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. While the bars cool slightly, I prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk until smooth and pourable.

8. I spread the glaze over the warm bars so it soaks in slightly, then let it set before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9 large or 12 medium donut bars.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.

• A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the glaze adds a great sweet-salty balance.

• For a deeper maple flavor, I use dark maple syrup or a few extra drops of maple extract.

• I’ve swapped the milk for buttermilk to give the bars a slight tang and softer texture.

• To turn these into maple donuts, I bake the batter in a donut pan and reduce the baking time.

storage/reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I need to keep them longer, I refrigerate them and let them come to room temp before serving. To reheat, I microwave each bar for 10–15 seconds for that warm, fresh-baked feel. The glaze stays soft, so they’re great warm or cold.

FAQs

Can I use real maple syrup instead of maple extract?

Yes, I’ve used real maple syrup in both the batter and glaze. Maple extract has a stronger flavor, so if I’m using syrup only, I sometimes add a bit extra to bring out that maple punch.

Do I have to use an electric mixer?

No, I’ve made this recipe by hand with a sturdy whisk and spatula. As long as the butter is soft and I mix well, the results are just as good.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may increase slightly, so I keep an eye on the center with a toothpick test.

How do I know when the bars are done?

I check that the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. I avoid overbaking to keep them soft.

Can I freeze these donut bars?

Yes, I let them cool completely and freeze them (unglazed or glazed) in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container. I thaw at room temperature and re-glaze if needed.

Conclusion

These soft baked maple donut bars are everything I want in a sweet treat — easy, flavorful, and packed with that classic maple donut taste. I love how they come together in one bowl with no mess and no frying. Whether I’m baking for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack, these bars never fail to satisfy.