I baked these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars when I craved something both comforting and cheerful. They’re soft, warm, and infused with rich maple flavor—perfect as a breakfast treat or sweet afternoon pick-me-up. The golden finish and drizzle alone make my mornings feel extra special
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and forgiving it is. Even without deep-frying, I still get that sweet, spiced taste and tender crumb that feels indulgent yet approachable. These bars rise nicely, look beautiful with their glaze, and are surprisingly versatile—wonderful for brunch, dessert, or simply brightening a coffee break
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I gather these familiar, heartwarming ingredients for the bars:
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All-purpose flour
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Granulated sugar
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Baking powder
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Salt
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Ground cinnamon
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2 large eggs
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Pure maple syrup
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Milk (whole or non-dairy alternative)
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Melted butter
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Powdered sugar (for glaze)
directions
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I preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C), then grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper
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I whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
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In another bowl, I beat the eggs with maple syrup, milk, and melted (but cooled) butter until smooth and slightly airy.
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I gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry just until combined. Overmixing is the enemy of fluffiness.
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I pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top, and bake 20–25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean
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After cooling for about 10 minutes, I mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk into a silky glaze and drizzle it over the bars.
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I let the glaze set before slicing—though a warm piece is always tempting!
Servings and timing
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Servings: About 9–12 bars (depending on how large you cut them).
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Prep time: ~10 minutes to mix and prep (guess estimate).
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Bake time: 20–25 minutes.
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Total time: Roughly 30–35 minutes (plus cooling and glazing).
Variations
I like to mix things up by stirring in chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or mini chocolate chips for added texture. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the glaze brings a sophisticated contrast, and I’ve even swapped vanilla extract for a touch of almond for a nutty twist.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container, at room temperature for up to 3 days—or refrigerate briefly if my kitchen is particularly warm. I enjoy them warmed slightly in the microwave (about 10–15 seconds) to revive that just-baked softness.
FAQs
Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes—I’ve tried almond and oat milk before, and both work beautifully without compromising texture.
Can I make them ahead of time?
I can bake them the night before and warm them up gently in the morning. They still taste freshly baked!
What if I don’t have pure maple syrup?
A mix of honey or even golden syrup can work—but pure maple syrup gives the bar its signature warmth and aroma.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely—I’ve enjoyed them dusted with powdered sugar or plain, and they’re still delicious.
Can I bake in a different size pan?
Yes—just keep an eye on the baking time if you use a larger or smaller pan; thinner batter bakes faster and vice versa.
Conclusion
These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are my go-to when I want something cozy, flavorful, and effortless. The gentle spice, tender crumb, and sweet maple drizzle make me feel warm inside. Whether I share them or savor one solo with coffee, they’re always a little moment of joy. Want ideas for fun toppings or ways to make them gluten-free? I’d be happy to help—just ask!
Print
Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars
- Total Time: ~30–35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 bars
Description
A tender, cake‑style bar infused with warm maple sweetness—soft, fluffy, and baked (not fried), these bars make indulgent breakfast bites or cozy dessert treats.
Ingredients
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for the donut bars)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup all‑purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar (likely included above)
1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
Preheat your oven (use 350 °F / 175 °C as a common bake temperature for soft-baked bars).
Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together all‑purpose flour and baking powder.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Spread the batter into a prepared baking pan (lightly greased or lined).
Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: ~20–25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
