Introduction

Maple Donut Bars are a delightful treat that combines the soft, cakey texture of a donut with the convenience of a bar. Infused with warm spices and topped with a rich maple glaze, these bars are perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well mixed.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. A few lumps are fine—do not overmix.
Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it out with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven and cool the bars in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: While the bars cool, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth.
Step 9: Add more milk, a little at a time, until the glaze is thick but pourable, able to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 10: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the glaze for extra flavor.
Step 11: Once the bars are completely cooled, place them on a serving platter.
Step 12: Drizzle the maple glaze generously over the bars for a sweet finish.
Step 13: Optionally, drizzle extra maple syrup over the glazed bars for added sweetness and presentation.
Step 14: Let the glaze set for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles.

Tips & Variations

Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges on your bars.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
If you prefer a stronger maple flavor, increase the maple syrup in the glaze or drizzle more on top.

Storage

Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze the unglazed bars for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before glazing if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with any milk you prefer, including almond, soy, or oat milk. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done. The edges should also be lightly golden.

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 136 reviews

These Maple Donut Bars are a deliciously soft and moist treat with warm spices and a rich maple glaze. Baked in a single pan, they combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pure maple syrup, finished with a smooth maple icing that makes them perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons maple syrup

Optional

Extra maple syrup for drizzling

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well blended.
Combine Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and gently fold together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined with a few lumps remaining to keep the batter tender.
Pour Batter into Pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the donut bars to cool for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Maple Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Add more milk gradually to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
Add Maple Flavor: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup into the glaze for extra depth of flavor.
Glaze the Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top using a spoon or small spatula.
Optional Drizzle: For added sweetness and a decorative touch, drizzle extra maple syrup over the glazed bars.
Set the Glaze: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles for serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep the donut bars tender and moist.
Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan cleanly.
Adjust the glaze thickness by adding milk a little at a time; it should be thick but still easily pourable.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

Keywords: Maple Donut Bars, maple syrup dessert, baked donut bars, cinnamon nutmeg bars, maple glaze, breakfast bars, sweet baked treat