Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Soft baked maple donut bars make a delightful breakfast treat that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. These bars are tender, subtly spiced, and glazed with a sweet maple-infused icing for the perfect morning indulgence.

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (freshly ground recommended)
• 2 large Eggs (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup (pure maple syrup recommended)
• 1/2 cup Milk (whole or non-dairy options allowed)
• 1/4 cup Butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for the glaze)
• 2 tablespoons Milk (to mix with powdered sugar)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with greased parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until smooth and well blended.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bars soft.
5. Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Step 7: To make the glaze, stir the powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the bars before baking.
• You can substitute almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
• Use fresh ground cinnamon for a more aromatic and vibrant spice note.
• Make mini versions by baking the batter in a muffin tin for individual servings.

Storage

Store leftover maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds to warm before serving, which restores their soft texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents for best results.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Give it a gentle stir before spreading it in the pan.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 102 reviews

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars offer a delightful breakfast treat combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon and pure maple syrup in a tender, cakey bar. Perfectly soft and topped with a sweet glaze, these bars are easy to prepare and bake, making them an ideal morning indulgence or snack.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars (cut from 8×8 inch pan) 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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For the Batter

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (freshly ground for best flavor)
• 2 large Eggs (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup (pure maple syrup recommended)
• 1/2 cup Milk (whole or non-dairy options allowed)
• 1/4 cup Butter (melted and slightly cooled)

For the Glaze

• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Milk

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with greased parchment paper to ensure easy removal 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 evenly combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature eggs, pure maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
4. Fold Wet into Dry: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bars soft and tender.
5. Bake the Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the cooled bars for a delightful finish.

Notes

• Optional: Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before serving for added flavor and texture.
• Use freshly ground cinnamon for the best aromatic flavor.
• Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature to help the batter mix smoothly.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, maple syrup breakfast, soft donut bars, cinnamon baked bars, breakfast bars, easy breakfast recipe