Introduction

Start your morning with these soft baked maple donut bars that bring sweet, comforting flavors to your breakfast table. Moist and tender with a subtle cinnamon touch, they’re perfect for a quick treat or weekend brunch.

Four rectangular light brown cake bars are stacked in a pyramid on a white plate with blue floral patterns. Each bar has a smooth, shiny, pale beige icing layer on top that drips slightly over the edges. In the background, there is another similar plate with more bars and a white cup of coffee, all set on a surface with a white marbled texture. The focus is on the front plate with soft natural lighting creating a warm and inviting feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)
1/4 cup Butter (melted and slightly cooled)
For the glaze:
1 cup Powdered Sugar
2 tablespoons Milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with greased parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
Step 5: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Mix the powdered sugar with milk to make a smooth glaze, then drizzle it over the cooled bars for a sweet finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking or after glazing.
Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a tender texture.
Substitute non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to make the recipe dairy-free.
Try adding chopped nuts or a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for added texture.

Storage

Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften before serving, if desired.

How to Serve

Four rectangular cake bars are stacked on a white plate with dark blue floral patterns. Each bar has a thick, light brown icing layer on top, which drips slightly down the sides. The cake underneath is a golden brown with a moist texture. In the background, there is a blurred white cup with a light brown drink and another similar plate with more cake bars. The surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup similarly. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results.

Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

While maple-flavored syrup can be used, pure maple syrup is recommended for the best natural flavor and a rich, authentic taste in these bars.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 54 reviews

Enjoy a delightful breakfast treat with these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars that combine the warm flavors of cinnamon and pure maple syrup in a moist, tender bar topped with a sweet glaze.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

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

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with greased parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and freshly ground cinnamon until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, maple syrup, milk, and melted butter together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Combine Batter: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring just until combined without over-mixing to maintain a soft texture.
Bake: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Glaze and Drizzle: Mix the powdered sugar with milk until smooth to form a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars to add a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

Optional: Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and a lovely crunch.
Ensure all ingredients, especially baking powder, and cinnamon, are fresh for the best flavor and rise.
For easier serving, allow bars to cool completely before slicing.
If desired, substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a non-dairy version.
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, soft baked breakfast bars, cinnamon maple bars, maple syrup dessert, easy baked breakfast