MAPLE DONUT BAR HEAVEN

I can almost taste the crisp autumn air just thinking about these! Every year, when the leaves begin to turn, I find myself craving the warm, comforting flavors of maple. It always reminds me of weekend trips to Vermont, searching for the perfect maple syrup. Now, I capture that cozy feeling in a delicious treat. I’m so excited to share my recipe and help you Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars! These are ridiculously easy to make, and I promise, the melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich maple glaze will have everyone begging for more!

The Secret to Soft, Delicious Maple Donut Bars

Forget everything you think you know about donuts! We’re not frying today. We’re baking, which means these Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars! are easier, healthier, and just as satisfying as their fried counterparts. The key is creating a light and airy batter and not overbaking them. Let’s dive in!

What Makes These Donut Bars So Special?

These aren’t just any baked donuts; they’re bars! This means no fussy shaping or dealing with hot oil. We’re using a simple rectangular baking pan, making this recipe perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend brunch. Plus, that luscious maple glaze? It’s truly the star of the show, adding the perfect touch of sweetness and that signature maple flavor that everyone loves.

The Ultimate Maple Donut Bar Recipe

Ready to get baking? Here’s my foolproof recipe for Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars! I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps, so even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll achieve donut perfection. Don’t worry, I’m here to guide you every step of the way!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Donut Bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Maple Glaze:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and makes for easy removal of the bars.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat the butter and sugars together on high speed until pale and creamy, about 2 full minutes. This incorporates air into the batter, which is crucial for a tender crumb.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough donut bars. The batter will be slightly thick.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Use a spatula to ensure the batter reaches all corners of the pan.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t overbake them! Pull them from the oven when they still look slightly moist in the center. They will continue to bake as they cool.
8. Let the donut bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the glaze from melting and running off.
9. While the donut bars are cooling, prepare the maple glaze. In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want it thick enough to coat the bars but thin enough to spread easily.
10. Once the donut bars are completely cool, spread the maple glaze evenly over the top. Get creative with your glazing! You can drizzle it, spread it with a spatula, or even dip the bars individually.
11. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the glaze to harden slightly, making the bars easier to handle.
12. Enjoy your Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars! Prepare for rave reviews!

Success Tips for Perfect Maple Donut Bars

Want to guarantee donut bar perfection? Here are my top tips for ensuring your Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars! turn out soft, moist, and utterly irresistible:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This is crucial! Room temperature butter and eggs emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more tender crumb. Take your butter and eggs out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you start baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough donut bars. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few lumps.
• Measure Flour Accurately: The best way to measure flour is using a kitchen scale. If you don’t have one, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in too much flour in your recipe.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a wooden skewer into the center of the bars to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, they’re ready! Remember, it’s better to slightly underbake them than to overbake them.
• Let the Bars Cool Completely Before Glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting and running off. Be patient! It’s worth the wait.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to customize your Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars!? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter will add a warm and cozy flavor.
• Include Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
• Sprinkle with Nuts: Top the glazed bars with chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
• Make a Brown Butter Glaze: Brown the butter for the glaze to add a nutty and complex flavor. This takes the glaze to a whole new level!
• Add a Streusel Topping: Create a simple streusel topping with flour, butter, and sugar and sprinkle it over the bars before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars! are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving them:

• Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea. The warm maple flavor pairs perfectly with a hot beverage.
• Serve them as part of a brunch spread. They’re a great addition to any weekend brunch.
• Serve them as a dessert. They’re a sweet and satisfying way to end a meal.
• Cut them into smaller squares and serve them as bite-sized treats. This is perfect for parties or gatherings.

More Delicious Donut-Inspired Treats

If you love donuts as much as I do, you’re going to adore these other donut-inspired recipes! They all capture that same delicious flavor and comforting texture, but with a unique twist. You can try the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts for a fun breakfast mashup, or perhaps the AIR FRYER CHURRO BITES! for a quick and easy dessert. The Baked Apple Fritters are also a great option when you are craving apple fritters but want to bake instead of fry!

And if you’re in the mood for some incredible baked goods, be sure to check out my recipes for CINNAMON ROLL COOKIE MAGIC and Dollywood Cinnamon Bread. These are guaranteed to become family favorites!

I also encourage you to try the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe as it provides a similar flavor profile to today’s recipe!

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

Want to get ahead of the game? Here’s how to make these Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars! in advance:

• Donut Bars: The baked donut bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Maple Glaze: The maple glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring it to room temperature before using.
• Freezing: The baked donut bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them completely before glazing. I recommend glazing them fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting Tips

Having trouble with your Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars!? Here are a few common problems and their solutions:

• Donut bars are dry: This is usually caused by overbaking. Be sure to check for doneness early and remove them from the oven as soon as a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Donut bars are tough: This is usually caused by overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few lumps.
• Glaze is too thick: Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Glaze is too thin: Add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this recipe for Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars! They are truly a special treat, perfect for any occasion. Remember to follow my success tips for guaranteed deliciousness! Happy baking!