Description

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars offer the comforting flavor of maple-glazed donuts in an easy bake-and-slice format. Moist, tender cake-like bars infused with maple syrup and topped with a sweet maple glaze—perfect for brunch, snacks, or cozy mornings.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour (or part whole‑wheat)

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

2 large eggs

1/2 cup milk or buttermilk

1/3 cup pure maple syrup (plus 2–3 tbsp for glaze)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus 1–2 tbsp for glaze)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2–3 tbsp powdered sugar (or granulated sugar dissolved, for glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease or line an 8×8″ or 9×9″ baking pan.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk or buttermilk, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Fold wet ingredients into dry just until combined; do not overmix.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted returns clean.
While bars bake and cool slightly, whisk together additional maple syrup, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla to make a pourable glaze.
When bars are warm and slightly cracked on top, drizzle or spread the maple glaze evenly.
Allow glaze to set for a few minutes, then slice into approximately 9 bars and serve.

Notes

Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a crunchy texture.

Fold in diced apple or blueberries for extra fruit flavor.

Use half whole‑wheat flour for added fiber and texture.

For deeper spice notes, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dry mix.

Sprinkle sea salt flakes or cinnamon sugar over the glaze for a finishing touch.

Bake ahead and glaze just before serving for maximum freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 190
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg