Introduction

Maple Donut Bars offer the perfect blend of soft, cake-like texture and warm, cozy flavors. These bars combine classic donut spices with a rich maple glaze for a delightful treat that’s easy to make and share.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients until well mixed.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; some lumps are okay.
Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges turn lightly golden.
Step 7: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: While cooling, prepare the maple glaze by whisking powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk in a medium bowl until smooth.
Step 9: Add more milk gradually to reach a glaze that thickly coats the back of a spoon but can still pour.
Step 10: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for extra flavor.
Step 11: Place the cooled bars on a serving platter or board.
Step 12: Drizzle the maple glaze generously over the bars, covering them evenly.
Step 13: Optionally, drizzle additional maple syrup on top for added sweetness and presentation.
Step 14: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with buttermilk or add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients.
You can swap maple syrup for honey in the glaze for a different but equally delicious sweetness.
Use parchment paper with overhang to easily lift the bars out of the pan for cleaner slicing.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds to soften before serving. The glaze sets best at room temperature; if refrigerated, let bars sit out briefly to soften the glaze.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for texture, but you can substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed. Adjust baking time as needed and ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance. Store them without glaze to keep them fresh and add the glaze just before serving to maintain its shine and texture.

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 56 reviews

Delight in these moist and flavorful Maple Donut Bars, combining warm spices and rich maple syrup in a soft, cake-like texture. Topped with a sweet maple glaze, these bars make for an irresistible breakfast treat or snack that’s easy to bake and serve.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons maple syrup

Optional

Extra maple syrup for drizzling

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well blended.
Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, taking care not to overmix; small lumps are fine.
Pour Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges turn lightly golden.
Cool Bars: Remove from oven and let the donut bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Maple Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth.
Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add additional milk gradually until the glaze coats the back of a spoon but remains pourable.
Add Maple Flavor: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup into the smooth glaze for extra sweetness and maple flavor.
Glaze the Bars: Once the bars are fully cooled, place them on a serving platter or cutting board and drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top with a spoon or spatula.
Optional Maple Drizzle: For an added touch, drizzle extra maple syrup atop the glazed bars for presentation and sweetness.
Set the Glaze: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles for serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
Using parchment paper helps in easy removal and cleanup.
The glaze should be thick but pourable; add milk little by little.
Extra maple syrup drizzle enhances flavor but is optional.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Maple Donut Bars, Donut Bars, Maple Syrup Desserts, Baked Donut Bars, Easy Breakfast Bars