These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars combine the tender crumb of a cake-style donut with the sweet, rich flavor of maple glaze—all in a convenient bar form. They’re perfect for cozy fall mornings, brunch spreads, or an anytime snack with a cup of coffee or tea. No frying required—just soft, fluffy goodness baked to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No frying hassle – all the donut flavor, none of the oil splatter.
- Perfectly soft and fluffy – with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Rich maple flavor – in both the batter and the glaze.
- Great for sharing – cut into bars and serve for gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream (adjust for consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prep the oven & pan – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream butter & sugars – In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients – Mix in eggs one at a time, then sour cream, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Combine – Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Bake – Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 22–26 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make glaze – Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Spread over cooled bars.
- Slice & enjoy – Cut into bars and savor the soft maple goodness.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a comforting twist on a classic fall favorite—easy to make, packed with warm flavor, and perfect for sharing. 🍁🍩