Maple Donut Bars

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a soft, cake-like take on the classic maple bar donut, baked instead of fried for easy, mess-free preparation. Flavored with pure maple syrup, a touch of brown sugar, and topped with a smooth maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple extract, they bring bakery-quality taste to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars combine the cozy nostalgia of a maple bar donut with the ease of a quick, no-fry recipe. Instead of waiting for dough that doubles in size or pulling out a heavy bottomed pot to fry the donuts, you’ll simply mix the batter—whether by hand or with a stand mixer—and bake it on a sheet or in a pan. The result is a tender, cake-like texture infused with warm spices, rich brown sugar, and pure maple syrup, all finished with a silky maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple extract. Here’s why they’re worth adding to your baking list:

• Effortless prep – No yeast, no rise time, no frying—just mix and bake.
• Bakery flavor at home – Captures the sweetness of a maple bar with wholesome, fresh ingredients.
• Versatile serving options – Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or a coffee break.
• Make-ahead friendly – Stays soft for days and can be frozen for later.

Ingredients for Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

This recipe for Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars delivers the familiar maple bar donut taste without the need to fry the donuts. A stand mixer can make the process quicker, but a whisk and mixing bowl work just as well. All you need is a baking sheet or an 8×8-inch pan to bake the bars and a few pantry staples. The glaze is a simple blend of powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract, creating that irresistible bakery-style maple glaze.

For the Bars

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup milk (whole or non-dairy)
• ¼ cup melted butter (cooled)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for deeper flavor)

For the Maple Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp maple extract (optional, for stronger maple flavor)

How to Make Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Creating Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars is far simpler than preparing a traditional maple bar donut, as there’s no need to fry the donuts or wait for dough that doubles in size. This method uses an easy batter that comes together quickly in a stand mixer or by hand, bakes in a standard pan or baking sheet, and finishes with a silky maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple extract.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar (if using), baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, maple syrup, milk, and cooled melted butter until smooth. A stand mixer can make this step quicker and ensure a lump-free mixture.
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated to maintain a soft texture.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared dish.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Prepare the maple glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars before serving.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix – Whether using a stand mixer or a whisk, combine the batter only until the dry ingredients disappear. This keeps the texture soft, like a bakery-style maple bar donut.
• Cool before glazing – Applying the maple glaze to warm bars will cause it to melt instead of setting beautifully.
• Use quality maple syrup – It’s the star flavor, and pairing it with a touch of brown sugar deepens the taste.
• Mind the bake time – Overbaking can make the bars dry. Begin checking at the 20-minute mark.
• Optional maple extract – For a stronger, bakery-style maple bar flavor, add maple extract to the glaze or batter.

Equipment Needed for Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Making Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars is straightforward and doesn’t require the same tools you might need to fry the donuts for a classic maple bar donut. Instead, you’ll work with basic baking equipment that keeps the process simple and mess-free.

• Mixing bowls – One for dry ingredients, one for wet ingredients.
• Whisk or stand mixer – A stand mixer can speed up blending, but a hand whisk works perfectly.
• 8×8-inch baking dish or baking sheet – Lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient portions like brown sugar, maple syrup, and powdered sugar.
• Cooling rack – Allows the bars to cool evenly before applying the maple glaze.
• Small bowl and spoon – For preparing and drizzling the maple glaze with maple extract.

Variations for Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are versatile, and a few small changes can completely transform the flavor while keeping that maple bar donut charm. Here are some creative ways to make them your own:

• Brown sugar boost – Swap part of the granulated sugar for brown sugar to add a richer, molasses-like sweetness.
• Nut topping – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the maple glaze for crunch and flavor.
• Spiced version – Add nutmeg, allspice, or ginger to the batter for a warm, seasonal twist.
• Chocolate maple – Drizzle melted chocolate alongside the maple glaze for a layered dessert.
• Mini donut bites – Use a mini muffin tin instead of a baking sheet for bite-sized maple bar donut treats.

Serving Suggestions for Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are as adaptable as they are delicious, making them perfect for more than just a casual snack. While they carry the comforting flavor of a maple bar donut, their tender crumb and sweet maple glaze allow them to shine in many settings. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and let their rich notes of maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon take center stage.

• Breakfast treat – Pair a bar with hot coffee or tea for a bakery-style morning without having to fry the donuts.
• Dessert plate – Serve alongside vanilla ice cream and drizzle with extra maple glaze for a decadent finish.
• Brunch buffet – Arrange neatly on a baking sheet or platter for an easy, shareable option at gatherings.
• Holiday spread – Add them to a festive dessert table with other baked goods for a cozy, maple-scented highlight.
• Gift idea – Wrap cooled bars individually in parchment and twine for a homemade present that captures the charm of a fresh maple bar.

FAQs About Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Final Thoughts

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars offer all the comfort and sweetness of a classic maple bar donut without the hassle of needing dough that doubles in size or the mess of a heavy bottomed pot to fry the donuts. With the warm notes of brown sugar, pure maple syrup, and a smooth maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple extract, these bars are a simpler way to enjoy bakery-quality flavor at home. Whether you mix the batter in a stand mixer or by hand, bake in a dish or on a baking sheet, the result is a tender, flavorful treat worth sharing.

More Bibodo Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed the soft, cake-like texture and maple glaze of these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars, you might love exploring other Bibodo recipes that bring the same comforting, homemade touch. Here are five flavorful ideas to inspire your next kitchen project:

• Try the Stir-Fried Potatoes with Minced Meat for a savory side dish that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of a maple bar donut–inspired dessert.
• Enjoy a rich, satisfying dinner with Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, pairing tender chicken with buttery flavors for a perfect follow-up to a plate of Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars.
• Bake a Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole for a wholesome meal, then finish with a square of maple glaze–topped bars for dessert.
• Fire up the grill for Crack Burgers Recipe and serve with a sweet treat on the side—proof that you can enjoy savory and sweet in one satisfying menu.
• Indulge in the Best Smoked Salmon Sandwich for a gourmet lunch, followed by a maple bar–inspired baked good for a complete, balanced meal.