Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon and maple in a tender, cake-like treat. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they offer all the joy of a donut in easy-to-cut bar form.

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)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and even.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with buttermilk or add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
• Try topping the bars with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking for added texture.
• Use dairy-free milk and plant-based butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Storage

Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to refresh softness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

While pure maple syrup provides a natural and robust flavor, you can use maple-flavored syrup if needed. Just keep in mind it may alter the taste slightly and add extra sweetness.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum for best texture, or add it separately according to package instructions.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 104 reviews

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat featuring a moist, tender crumb flavored with warm cinnamon and pure maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these bars combine the classic taste of donuts into an easy-to-make baked square that can be drizzled with a sweet glaze for extra indulgence.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish thoroughly and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined, ensuring even distribution of raising agents and spices.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature eggs with pure maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, which will help create a tender texture in the bars.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.
5. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Glaze: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes on a cooling rack. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bars before cutting into squares to serve.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture.
• The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use non-dairy milk and butter alternatives.
• Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bars soft and tender.
• The glaze sweetness can be adjusted by adding more or less powdered sugar based on your preference.

Keywords: maple donut bars, soft baked donut bars, maple syrup dessert, cinnamon dessert bars, breakfast bars