Description
These soft-baked maple donut bars are a no-fry, bakery-style treat featuring a tender, cakey texture and a rich maple glaze. Perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon snacks, they bring warm, comforting flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon milk (as needed for consistency)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined without overmixing.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 22–26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled bars and let it set before slicing.
Notes
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
A pinch of nutmeg or clove can deepen the spice flavor.
Reduce powdered sugar or add more milk for a lighter glaze.
A splash of maple extract boosts the maple flavor.
A 9×9 pan can be used for thinner bars—adjust baking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
