Delight in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Made Easy at Home

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are fluffy and rich in maple flavor, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: breakfast, Brunch, cinnamon, dessert, easy recipe, Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 25

Cooling Time: 10

Total Time: 50

Servings: bars

Calories: 200kcal

2 cups all-purpose flour Ensure it's spooned and leveled for the perfect texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder This is crucial for that fluffy rise!
½ teaspoon baking soda Balances the acidity from buttermilk for a tender crumb.
¼ teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds a warm, cozy spice that complements maple perfectly.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg A touch of nutmeg brings depth to the flavor profile.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened Gives richness and a tender bite.
1 cup light brown sugar, packed Sweetens the bars while keeping them moist.
1 large egg Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive texture.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract A dash of vanilla enhances the sweetness.
¾ cup buttermilk Contributes to the softness and flavor of the bars.
½ cup pure maple syrup Make sure it’s real maple syrup to capture authentic flavor!

1 cup powdered sugar Sweetens the glaze and adds a delightful finish.
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup Infuses the glaze with that irresistible maple flavor.
1-2 tablespoons milk or water Adjust to achieve your desired glaze consistency.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients with the buttermilk until just combined.
Gently fold in the maple syrup until fully incorporated into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the bars bake, prepare the maple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk or water.
Once baked, let bars cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Drizzle the maple glaze over the cooled bars, slice, and serve.

Measure carefully to ensure the perfect texture and avoid overmixing for tender bars.