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Irresistible Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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These irresistible soft baked maple donut bars are tender, moist, and full of warm maple flavor, topped with a silky maple glaze. Baked in a pan for ease, they deliver the rich, cakey texture of classic donuts without the mess of frying — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy treat.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 9 large or 12 medium bars
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp maple extract or 2 tbsp real maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla or maple extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk or cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat 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, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
  3. In a separate bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and maple extract or syrup.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
  6. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 22–28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. While bars cool slightly, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth and pourable.
  8. Spread glaze over warm bars. Let set before slicing into squares or bars.

Notes

  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt on glaze for sweet-salty contrast.
  • Use dark maple syrup or extra maple extract for bolder flavor.
  • Swap milk with buttermilk for a tangier, softer texture.
  • Bake in donut pans for a donut-style version; reduce bake time accordingly.

Nutrition

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