Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat combining the rich flavor of maple syrup with a tender, cake-like texture. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, they’re easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• ½ cup (120ml) maple syrup
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp (30ml) maple syrup (for glaze)
• 1-2 tbsp (15-30ml) milk (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Step 7: To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar with maple syrup and 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
8. Step 8: Spread or drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Let it set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor and avoid imitation syrups.
• For a nutty twist, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
• To keep bars extra moist, avoid overbaking and check doneness a few minutes early.
• Glaze can be flavored with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the maple taste.

Storage

Store the donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy a soft, warm treat. The glaze may soften slightly when refrigerated but will still be delicious.

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 the right texture, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a denser result. Adjust the liquid slightly if needed.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are ready. Avoid waiting until the toothpick is completely dry or the bars might be overbaked and dry.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 135 reviews

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat combining the rich flavors of maple syrup and brown sugar into a tender, cake-like bar. These easy-to-make bars are topped with a smooth maple glaze, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) maple syrup
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Glaze

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp (30ml) maple syrup
• 1–2 tbsp (15-30ml) milk

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender texture.
4. Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and tender.
6. Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare Glaze: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with maple syrup and 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve desired consistency.
9. Glaze Bars: Spread or drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing into bars.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for best creaming results.
• Do not overmix the batter to maintain a soft texture in the bars.
• Adjust milk quantity in the glaze to get your preferred drizzle consistency.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• For a more intense maple flavor, use pure maple syrup instead of maple-flavored syrup.

Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, maple glaze bars, soft dessert bars, maple syrup dessert