Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars offer a delightful twist on traditional donuts with a tender, cake-like texture and a sweet maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, they combine the comforting flavors of maple and butter in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and maple syrup until combined.
- Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the melted butter until the batter is smooth and well mixed.
- Step 4: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it out.
- Step 5: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before drizzling with additional maple syrup or maple glaze for extra sweetness.
- Step 7: Cut into bars and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of melted butter.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice note.
- Top bars with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- Use pure maple syrup for the best authentic flavor, not pancake syrup.
Storage
Store the donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these donut bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
While you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately in advance, it’s best to combine and bake the batter fresh for optimal rise and texture.
PrintSoft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe
Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a delightful twist on traditional donuts, featuring tender, moist bars infused with rich maple syrup and baked to perfection. Topped with a luscious maple glaze, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them an ideal treat for breakfast or dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Maple Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (optional, to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a rectangular baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour to ensure it’s light and free of lumps.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, and eggs until well blended and smooth.
- Make the batter: Gradually add the dry flour to the wet ingredients, stirring carefully until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and tender.
- Bake the bars: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the maple glaze: While the bars are baking, mix the powdered sugar and maple syrup in a small bowl. Add milk one teaspoon at a time if needed to achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
- Cool and glaze: Once the bars are baked and slightly cooled (about 10 minutes), drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Cut into rectangular bars and serve warm or at room temperature for the best soft, sweet experience.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.
- Use pure maple syrup for the best authentic flavor; flavored syrups may alter the taste.
- Ensure not to overbake; the bars should remain soft and moist.
- Allow glaze to set completely before slicing to avoid sticky edges.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, soft donut recipe, maple dessert, sweet breakfast bars
