Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Soft baked maple donut bars came into my kitchen one lazy Sunday morning when I was craving the flavor of fresh maple donuts but didn’t want to deal with frying anything so I turned that craving into a simple baked version. I started with a soft cake-like base that mimicked the inside of a classic donut then I topped it with a thick maple glaze that set perfectly and filled the kitchen with the sweetest aroma.

That one batch turned into a new weekend ritual because they were so easy and so good. Now I make them for brunches and family gatherings or just when I want that nostalgic donut shop flavor without the mess. They’re fluffy, warmly spiced and perfectly sweet so they’re everything I love about donuts in a soft easy-to-slice bar.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• All-purpose flour – Creates a tender but structured base for the bars.
• Baking powder – Gives the bars a light and fluffy lift.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the warm flavors.
• Ground nutmeg – Adds that classic old-fashioned donut flavor.
• Butter – Makes the bars rich and moist.
• Brown sugar – Deepens the flavor with caramel-like sweetness.
• Eggs – Add structure and help bind the batter.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the maple and nutmeg notes.
• Whole milk – Keeps the batter moist and smooth.
• Pure maple syrup – Infuses rich maple flavor throughout the bars and glaze.
• Powdered sugar – Creates the base for the smooth maple glaze.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing Bowls – Needed to combine the dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Whisk – Helps evenly distribute dry ingredients and smooth out the glaze.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – Makes blending butter and sugar easy and smooth.
• Spatula – Great for folding and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
• 8×8 or 9×9 Baking Pan – Just the right size for thick, square bars.
• Parchment Paper – For easy removal and clean edges when slicing.
• Cooling Rack – Helps the bars cool evenly before glazing.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I preheat the oven to 350°F and line my baking pan with parchment paper so I can lift the bars out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl I whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until well blended and set it aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl I beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy then I add the eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

I add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches alternating with the milk and maple syrup so I begin and end with the flour mixture. I mix just until everything is combined and smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

I pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula then I bake for about 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Make the Maple Glaze

While the bars are baking I whisk together the powdered sugar and maple syrup until smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick I add a tiny splash of milk.

Step 7: Glaze and Cool

As soon as the bars come out of the oven I pour the maple glaze over the warm surface and spread it out gently so it melts into the top. I let the bars cool completely before slicing into perfect squares.

Tips

For extra flavor I sometimes add a splash of maple extract to the glaze or even mix in a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. If you like a thicker glaze layer you can double the glaze recipe. I also recommend letting the bars cool fully before slicing to get clean, beautiful edges.

Ways to Serve

These bars are perfect for brunch tables, coffee breaks, or after-dinner treats. I love pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or a maple latte. You can also wrap them individually for a sweet homemade snack on the go or stack them on a dessert platter for any autumn gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars ahead of time?

Yes! I often make them the day before and they stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars?

Absolutely. Freeze them unglazed and add the maple topping after thawing for best texture and flavor.

What kind of maple syrup should I use in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars?

I always use pure maple syrup not pancake syrup the real stuff makes all the difference in flavor.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these soft baked maple donut bars a try! They bring all the cozy flavors of a maple donut into a super easy-to-make format and they always disappear fast at my house. Let me know how they turn out for you and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next brunch or baking day.

Happy Cooking!

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