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