These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars deliver the cozy essence of classic maple donuts but in an easy-to-slice bar form. Tender, warmly spiced, and infused with pure maple syrup, they make a comforting treat for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These donut bars offer all the flavor of a bakery-style maple donut without frying. They’re soft, fluffy, and lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. The batter comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients, and the bars bake evenly in a standard pan, making them perfect for sharing. Their maple aroma fills the kitchen while baking, creating a nostalgic, irresistible treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined to keep the texture soft and tender.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture.
Drizzle the cooled bars with a maple glaze made from maple syrup and powdered sugar.
Mix in mini chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
Add a pinch of cloves or ginger for deeper spiced flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap each bar individually and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm, soft texture.
FAQs
Can I make these bars without buttermilk?
Yes. Substitute with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I use a different size baking pan?
You can use a smaller pan, but the bars will be thicker and may need extra baking time.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You may reduce the granulated sugar by up to 1/4 cup, but the texture and moisture may change slightly.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter provides the best flavor, but margarine can work if needed.
Can I add a glaze on top?
Yes. A simple glaze of powdered sugar and maple syrup complements the bars beautifully.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Why are my bars dense?
Overmixing the batter can create dense bars. Mix only until just combined.
Can I substitute honey for the maple syrup?
Maple syrup is preferred for flavor, but honey can be used with a slight change in taste.
Do these bars taste like real donuts?
They deliver the same soft, spiced, maple-forward flavor of baked donuts but in bar form.
How should I slice them cleanly?
Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.
Conclusion
Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars bring together warm spices, maple sweetness, and a tender crumb in an easy, no-fuss recipe. Whether served for breakfast, a cozy afternoon treat, or shared at gatherings, these bars offer comforting flavors that feel homemade and heartwarming. Enjoy their simplicity and sweetness in every bite.
Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are tender, warmly spiced bars with the classic flavor of maple donuts, made simple in sliceable form. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:12–16 bars
Category:Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice into bars and serve. Optionally, drizzle with a maple glaze.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter to keep bars soft and fluffy.
A maple glaze made with powdered sugar and maple syrup enhances flavor.
