Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There is something undeniably comforting about maple-flavored desserts, and these irresistibly soft maple donut bars deliver that warmth in every bite. I love this recipe because it combines the nostalgic flavor of a bakery-style donut with the ease of a homemade baked treat. Unlike deep-fried donuts, these bars are baked, which makes them lighter and far less messy to prepare. The crumb is tender and cake-like, while the maple glaze adds a rich, buttery sweetness that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. I tested this recipe several times to achieve a balance between softness and structure, and the result is a donut bar that stays moist even the next day. Whether you are serving them for a weekend breakfast, a brunch spread, or an afternoon treat with coffee, these maple donut bars feel special yet approachable. They are simple enough for everyday baking but elegant enough to impress guests.
Print
Irresistibly Soft Maple Donut Bars With Classic Maple Glaze
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy baked donut bars infused with warm maple flavor and topped with a rich maple glaze, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (55 g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk (120 ml)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (60 ml)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (60 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a rectangular baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix milk, maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool slightly, then cut into bar shapes.
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over the warm donut bars.
- Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- For extra maple flavor, use dark amber maple syrup.
- These bars are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored airtight for up to 2 days.
- Add chopped nuts on top for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
This forms the base of the donut bars and provides the structure needed to hold the soft crumb while still remaining tender.
Baking powder
Baking powder gives the donut bars their lift, helping them rise evenly and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
Salt
A small amount of salt enhances the maple flavor and balances the sweetness of both the batter and the glaze.
Ground nutmeg
Nutmeg is a classic donut spice and adds subtle warmth that complements the maple beautifully.
Unsalted butter
Melted butter adds richness and moisture. Using unsalted butter allows better control over the overall salt level.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar brings a deeper sweetness and a hint of molasses that pairs perfectly with maple syrup.
Pure maple syrup
This is the star ingredient, providing authentic maple flavor. I recommend using real maple syrup rather than pancake syrup.
Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the soft, cake-like texture.
Milk
Milk adds moisture and helps create a smooth, pourable batter. I tested this with almond milk, and it worked very well.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla rounds out the flavors and enhances the sweetness without overpowering the maple.
Powdered sugar
Used for the glaze, powdered sugar dissolves easily and creates a smooth, glossy finish.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly greasing a rectangular baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth, then whisk in the maple syrup, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the donut bars dense. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool slightly in the pan before preparing the glaze. To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with maple syrup and a small amount of milk until smooth and pourable. Spread the glaze evenly over the warm bars and let it set before slicing.
Equipment needed
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.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 donut bars.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, baking time is 25 minutes, and cooling plus glazing takes an additional 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore their softness.
Variations and Customizations
These maple donut bars are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a stronger maple flavor, you can replace part of the milk in the batter with additional maple syrup, adjusting the sweetness slightly. If you enjoy a bit of texture, chopped toasted pecans or walnuts can be folded into the batter before baking.
For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based butter and milk alternatives such as almond or oat milk. I tested almond milk, and it produced a very soft crumb without affecting flavor. You can also experiment with spices by adding cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the liquid slightly and spread it generously for a bakery-style finish. For a lighter touch, drizzle the glaze instead. These small adjustments make it easy to customize the bars for any occasion.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein (g) | 4 |
| Carbs (g) | 42 |
| Fat (g) | 11 |
| Saturated fat (g) | 6 |
| Fiber (g) | 1 |
| Sugar (g) | 24 |
| Sodium (mg) | 180 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Perfect texture
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the donut bars soft and tender.
Maple quality
Use high-quality pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
Glazing technique
Apply the glaze while the bars are still slightly warm for better absorption.
Pan size matters
Using the correct pan size ensures even thickness and baking.
FAQs
Can I make these donut bars ahead of time?
Yes, they can be baked a day in advance and glazed before serving.
Are these donut bars fried?
No, they are baked, making them lighter than traditional donuts.
Can I freeze maple donut bars?
Yes, freeze unglazed bars for up to two months and glaze after thawing.
What can I use instead of nutmeg?
Cinnamon or allspice works well as a substitute.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the brown sugar, but the texture may change.
Do I need real maple syrup?
For best flavor, real maple syrup is highly recommended.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can replace half the flour with whole wheat, but the bars will be denser.
Why are my donut bars dry?
Overbaking or overmixing can lead to dryness.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
How thick should the glaze be?
It should be pourable but not runny, similar to honey.
Conclusion
These irresistibly soft maple donut bars are a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence. With their tender crumb, warm maple flavor, and smooth glaze, they are a joy to bake and even better to eat. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a make-ahead treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!