Introduction

Baked Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on classic donuts, offering a soft, cake-like texture with warm cinnamon and pure maple syrup flavor. They’re easy to make and perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack any time of day.

A white plate with several square-shaped pastries on a wooden table with a white marbled texture background. Each pastry has two layers: a golden-brown baked base and a thick, smooth light brown frosting on top. In the background, there is a white cup and a white teapot on a lace cloth, and a cooling rack holding more pastries. The scene feels warm, cozy, and inviting. 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
2 tbsp milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the maple syrup, milk, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: While the bars bake, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar and milk together until smooth and pourable.
Step 8: Once the bars are cool, drizzle or spread the glaze evenly over the top. Cut into bars and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
Swap maple syrup with honey or agave if desired, but maple gives the most authentic taste.
For a richer glaze, add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.

Storage

Store the baked bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

How to Serve

A white ceramic plate with a detailed pattern holds five rectangular glazed cake slices arranged close together, each slice showing a smooth, light brown icing layer on top with a soft, cake-like texture beneath. In the background, there is a white marbled surface with a white ceramic cup filled with a light brown beverage, a white teapot, and a black wire cooling rack holding more cake slices. A woman's hand is reaching from the left side towards the plate. The scene has warm natural lighting. 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 baking blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or add a small amount to help with texture.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

For best texture, it’s recommended to bake the bars right after mixing. However, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours before baking. Give it a gentle stir before pouring into the pan.

Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 85 reviews

These Baked Maple Donut Bars offer a delicious twist on classic donuts with a moist, tender crumb flavored by pure maple syrup and cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they are baked instead of fried for a lighter, easy-to-make treat topped with a smooth maple glaze.

Author: Matteo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

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)

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, pure maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until smooth and fully incorporated.
Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare Glaze: While the bars bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency by adding more milk for thinner glaze or powdered sugar for thicker glaze.
Glaze Bars: Once the bars have cooled completely in the pan, remove them and drizzle or spread the maple glaze evenly over the top.
Slice and Serve: Cut into bars or squares. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

You can substitute whole milk with your preferred non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense bars.
The glaze can be flavored by adding a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra taste.
Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

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