Name: Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a scrumptious treat that feels like a cozy hug wrapped in sweetness, you absolutely must try these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars. They bring together the comforting flavors of maple syrup and warm cinnamon in a soft, cake-like bar that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. The texture is tender and moist, yet sturdy enough to hold its shape, making these bars irresistibly satisfying with every bite.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a delightful balance of flavor and texture. Each addition plays a crucial role, whether it’s the richness from the butter, the subtle warmth of cinnamon, or the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup that defines the bars.

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness that make these bars so tender.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light crumb texture.
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a subtle molasses flavor and extra moisture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise and maintain a gentle crumb.
1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for a soft, airy texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and warm flavors together.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, spiced undertone that pairs beautifully with maple.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Contributes richness and moisture without heaviness.
1/4 cup pure maple syrup: The star ingredient for that unmistakable sweet and earthy note.
1/4 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds a tender lift.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the bars out once they’re baked. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking and ensure perfect bars every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until everything is evenly combined. This blend of dry ingredients sets the base for those Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars’ incredible texture and warm flavor.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, pure maple syrup, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and glossy—this helps to ensure that the bars turn out tender and packed with flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together with a spatula just until you see no streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to stay delicate so your bars pop with softness after baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are ready when the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once baked, place the pan on a wire rack and let the bars cool for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Allow them to cool completely before slicing—it helps maintain their soft texture and prevents crumbling. Cut as you like and get ready to indulge!

How to Serve Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Garnishes

Enhance your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars by dusting a little powdered sugar over the top, or drizzle with additional pure maple syrup for extra sweetness. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light glaze made from maple syrup and cream cheese can bring delightful texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

These bars are wonderfully versatile. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning. They also pair delightfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt if you want a sweeter or tangier contrast for dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, arrange Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars on a tiered dessert stand alongside fresh berries and whipped cream. Alternatively, cut them into small bite-sized squares and serve with skewers as fun, hand-held treats perfect for sharing and snacking throughout the day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and moist, ready for whenever you want a quick sweet bite without any fuss.

Freezing

If you want to save these bars for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness, warm your bars in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This little step revives their tender texture and amplifies the comforting aroma of maple.

FAQs

Can I use alternative sweeteners for these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars?

Absolutely! While the pure maple syrup is key for flavor, you can substitute honey or agave nectar if needed. Just keep in mind these will slightly change the flavor profile and moisture level.

Are these bars gluten-free?

The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, try swapping with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips is a fantastic way to customize your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars. Fold them in with the batter before baking to distribute evenly.

What’s the best way to keep these bars moist?

Don’t overbake and be gentle when mixing the batter. Also, storing them in an airtight container is key to maintaining moisture. The melted butter and maple syrup also help keep the texture wonderfully tender.

Can I make these bars vegan?

With a few tweaks, yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, use a flax or chia egg instead of a chicken egg, and swap milk for any non-dairy milk. The flavor will still shine beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the warm, comforting flavor of Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars to brighten up your day. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these bars are sure to become a beloved favorite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and fall as hard for them as I have!

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 24 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 9–12 bars depending on size 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of maple syrup and warm cinnamon in a soft, cake-like texture. Perfect as a breakfast snack or a sweet indulgence any time of the day, these bars are easy to make and bake in just one pan.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal and lightly grease the parchment.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Blend Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender and soft.
Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with the spatula for uniform thickness.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Bars: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment overhang and let them cool completely before slicing.
Serve: Cut into desired bar sizes, serve fresh, and enjoy the soft, maple-flavored goodness.

Notes

Use pure maple syrup for the best authentic flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to maintain the soft texture.
Make sure to line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and butter with a plant-based alternative.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American