Dessert

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

ByAndria Russo October 25, 2025October 25, 2025

Introduction

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars bring the nostalgic flavor of classic maple donuts into an easy-to-make, shareable treat. These bars are fluffy, moist, and topped with a sweet maple glaze that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Enjoy the taste of autumn anytime in just a few simple steps.

The image shows a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, filled with six square pastries arranged closely together. Each pastry has three visible layers: a golden-brown base that looks soft and chewy, a thick white creamy layer in the middle, and a smooth, light-brown icing layer covering the top, which appears slightly shiny and firm. In the background, there are pastries cooling on a round rack and a white cup and teapot with a cozy cloth, all softly blurred to keep focus on the plate of pastries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)
For glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
For glaze: 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat the eggs, maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
Step 4: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Mix the powdered sugar with milk to create the glaze and drizzle it over the cooled bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use whole milk or your favorite non-dairy milk to keep the bars moist and flavorful.
For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist.
Make ahead and store in the fridge; bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Storage

Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave or oven to restore their soft texture. The glaze is best added fresh or can be stored separately.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with a blue floral pattern filled with five rectangular small cakes with smooth, light brown icing spread evenly over the top of each piece. The cakes have a soft, spongy texture with a light golden brown color inside, and the icing adds a glossy finish. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a white cup and teapot, along with a black cooling rack holding more of the same cakes. A woman's hand is reaching towards the plate, creating a warm and inviting scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute honey or agave nectar for the maple syrup, but the flavor will change slightly. Maple syrup offers a unique depth that complements the cinnamon and buttery flavors.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add some for structure to keep the texture soft and tender.