Description
These soft-baked maple donut bars are a cozy twist on classic donuts—baked, not fried, and glazed with real maple syrup for the perfect fall treat. Tender, buttery, and lightly spiced with cinnamon, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. Perfect for brunches, coffee breaks, or gifting to your favorite sweet tooth.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – for a soft, tender crumb
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – helps the bars rise gently
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds warmth and depth
¼ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
½ cup unsalted butter, melted – creates a rich, soft texture
½ cup packed light brown sugar – adds caramel sweetness
¼ cup pure maple syrup – for that true maple flavor
2 large eggs – room temperature for best texture
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – enhances maple and spice notes
¼ cup milk – smooths the batter for easy spreading
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar – the base of a sweet, glossy glaze
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup – flavor-forward sweetness
1–2 tablespoons milk – to thin to desired consistency
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla, and milk until smooth and well combined.
Combine and mix: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
Glaze and serve: Spread or drizzle the glaze over cooled bars. Let set for 15 minutes, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Flavor variation: Try using browned butter or adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth.
Serving tip: Delicious with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, maple dessert, fall baking, brunch bars, easy donut recipe, cozy recipes, maple glaze, soft baked bars
