Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These baked donut bars deliver all the nostalgia of a classic donut, without the fuss of frying. They’re soft, moist, and perfectly sweet with that signature maple aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. The smooth glaze sets just enough to create that perfect crackly finish, making these bars ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. They’re easy to make, store beautifully, and pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Print
Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars for Breakfast Bliss
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars for the ultimate breakfast bliss — tender, cake-like bars with the cozy flavors of maple and vanilla, topped with a rich maple glaze that melts in your mouth. They’re comforting, bakery-worthy, and irresistibly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
- 1/4 tsp maple extract (optional, for stronger flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla, sour cream, milk, and maple syrup. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined — do not overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and maple extract (if using) until smooth and pourable.
- Spread glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Let set for 15 minutes before slicing into bars.
- Enjoy with your morning coffee or as a sweet afternoon treat.
Notes
- Use real maple syrup for authentic flavor — not pancake syrup.
- Top with chopped pecans or a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Warm slightly before serving for a fresh-from-the-bakery feel.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Breakfast or Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-Purpose Flour
Forms the structure of the bars while keeping them tender.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
Leavening agents that ensure a soft, airy texture.
Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the maple flavor.
Unsalted Butter (Melted)
Adds richness and moisture for that soft, donut-like crumb.
Brown Sugar
Infuses the bars with a deep, caramelized sweetness that complements the maple glaze.
Pure Maple Syrup
The star of the recipe—its warm, rich flavor shines through in every bite.
Eggs
Bind the batter and add lightness.
Vanilla Extract
Adds depth and rounds out the maple flavor beautifully.
Buttermilk (or Milk with a Dash of Lemon Juice)
Keeps the bars tender and moist while adding a slight tang.
For the Maple Glaze
Powdered Sugar
Creates a smooth, glossy glaze.
Pure Maple Syrup
Provides that authentic maple flavor and lovely amber hue.
Milk or Cream
Adjusts the consistency to your liking.
Maple Extract (Optional)
For an extra punch of maple aroma.
Chopped Pecans or Crumbled Bacon (Optional Topping)
Adds crunch or a sweet-savory twist that complements the glaze.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Heat to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy. - Combine and Mix:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—do not overmix. The batter should be thick but smooth. - Bake:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before glazing. - Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency with more sugar (for thicker) or milk (for thinner). Add maple extract for a stronger flavor. - Glaze the Bars:
Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled bars, spreading gently with a spatula. Let it set for 10–15 minutes, then slice into bars. Top with pecans or bacon if desired. - Serve:
Enjoy them warm, room temperature, or chilled—they’re delicious any way you slice them.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 9–12 bars and takes about 40 minutes total—15 minutes prep time, 25 minutes baking, plus cooling and glazing time.
Storage/reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze (unglazed) for up to 2 months, then thaw and glaze before serving. To reheat, warm slightly in the microwave for a just-baked texture.
Variations and Customizations
Maple Bacon Bliss Bars
Sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon on top of the glaze for a sweet-and-savory finish.
Pecan Streusel Crunch
Add a brown sugar and pecan streusel on top before baking for texture and flavor.
Cinnamon Maple Donut Bars
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for cozy fall spice.
Brown Butter Upgrade
Use browned butter instead of regular melted butter for deeper, nutty richness.
Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
Blend cream cheese into the glaze for extra creaminess.
Apple Maple Bars
Fold in finely diced apples to the batter for a fruity twist.
Vegan Option
Use plant-based butter, maple syrup, and almond milk with a flax egg for a vegan-friendly treat.
Mini Donut Bites
Scoop the batter into a mini muffin tin and bake for 10–12 minutes for bite-sized versions.
Espresso Maple Bars
Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a maple latte-inspired flavor.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for easy substitution.
FAQs
Can I use pancake syrup instead of pure maple syrup?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich or complex—pure maple syrup gives the best result.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They taste even better the next day once the glaze sets.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, replace half of the all-purpose flour for a heartier flavor and texture.
Can I use maple extract in the batter too?
Definitely—add ½ teaspoon for a stronger maple kick.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
They should be golden and spring back lightly when touched in the center.
Can I add nuts to the batter?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts are delicious mixed right in.
Can I skip the glaze?
You can, but it’s what gives these bars their signature donut flavor.
What’s the best drink to pair with these bars?
Coffee, chai latte, or hot apple cider—all complement the maple perfectly.
Conclusion
Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are the definition of breakfast bliss—soft, moist, and bursting with maple sweetness. Whether you serve them as a morning treat, brunch showstopper, or cozy afternoon snack, their tender crumb and creamy glaze make every bite pure comfort. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these bars bring the flavor of a bakery-fresh maple donut right to your kitchen. Once you try them, you’ll never look at breakfast the same way again.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share