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Irresistible Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a cozy, cake-like twist on classic donuts, baked instead of fried and topped with a rich maple glaze. They’re tender, moist, and packed with warm maple flavor, perfect for fall or anytime you crave a comforting treat.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 to 15 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (for glaze)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • A pinch of salt (for glaze)
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin glaze, if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and maple syrup.
  5. Add sour cream and milk; stir until smooth.
  6. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 22–26 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. While bars bake, whisk together glaze ingredients: powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and milk if needed to thin.
  9. Cool bars for 10 minutes after baking, then pour glaze over the warm surface and let it soak in.
  10. Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Greek yogurt can substitute for sour cream with similar results.
  • Chopped pecans, cinnamon, or allspice can be added for extra flavor.
  • Bars freeze well without glaze; glaze after reheating for best texture.
  • Mini donut muffins can be made by baking in a muffin tin for 14–16 minutes.
  • Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor—pancake syrup is a less flavorful alternative.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://elladishes.com/irresistible-soft-baked-maple-donut-bars-recipe/