Dessert

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

ByLily Cross October 19, 2025October 19, 2025

Introduction

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars offer all the cozy flavors of a classic maple donut in an easy-to-make bar form. With a tender crumb and a sweet cinnamon glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

A white plate with a light gray floral pattern holds five rectangular glazed pastries. Each pastry has two layers: the bottom layer is golden-brown with a soft textured surface, and the top layer is a smooth, light brown icing covering the entire top. Behind the plate, there is a white teacup and teapot on a white marbled surface. In the background, some more pastries rest on a black wire rack. The setting is warm and cozy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup milk (whole or non-dairy)
1/4 cup melted butter (cooled)
For glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
For glaze: 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly mixed.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat the eggs, maple syrup, milk, and melted butter together until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula.
Step 6: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the batter mixes smoothly and bakes evenly.
For a richer flavor, substitute melted butter with browned butter.
Try using almond or oat milk if you prefer a non-dairy option.
Add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for extra texture.

Storage

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back softness before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with six rectangular cake slices, each topped with a smooth, light brown glaze layer that has a shiny texture. The cake underneath the glaze appears golden brown, with a soft and moist look, slightly thicker than the glaze. The plate sits on a wooden surface, with a white marbled texture background. Behind the plate, there is a white cup and teapot, adding a cozy feel to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 with regular flour. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.