Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are like enjoying your favorite donut in a handy, sliceable form. They’re soft and fluffy with a sweet maple flavor throughout, and a smooth glaze on top that adds just the right touch of sugary goodness. These bars give you the classic donut taste but in a way you can easily share and enjoy anytime.
I love making these bars for a weekend treat or when friends stop by because they’re easy to slice up and everyone loves their soft, cakey texture. These bars aren’t too sweet, so you can enjoy them without feeling overpowered—just a gentle maple warmth in every bite. Plus, baking them is pretty straightforward, which is always a win in my kitchen!
One of my favorite ways to serve them is slightly warmed with a cup of coffee or tea. They feel like a cozy little pick-me-up, perfect for slow mornings or casual get-togethers. If you’re a maple lover or just want a homemade treat that’s a bit different from ordinary bars, these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars definitely hit the spot.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This is the base for a soft texture. For a gluten-free version, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but the texture may be a bit different.
Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup gives the bars their distinct flavor. If you can’t find it, pure maple-flavored syrup works, but avoid pancake syrup to keep the taste authentic.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: These add moisture and a slight tang to the bars. I prefer Greek yogurt for its protein content and tanginess, but sour cream works just as well.
Butter: Use unsalted and softened butter for even mixing and a tender crumb. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but it may change flavor slightly.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for a smooth, sweet glaze. If you want a lighter glaze, reduce the powdered sugar or add a little more milk to thin it out.
How Can I Make Soft and Fluffy Maple Donut Bars Every Time?
The secret to soft bars is not overmixing and carefully balancing wet and dry ingredients.
- Mix Butter and Sugar Well: Beat them until light and fluffy to create air pockets for a tender crumb.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gently: Add dry ingredients gradually and mix just until moistened—overmixing can make bars dense.
- Measure Flour Carefully: Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly; too much flour makes bars dry.
- Bake Properly: Check at 25 minutes—bars should be set but still moist. Overbaking dries them out.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Warm bars can melt the glaze and make it runny.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 inch baking pan – I like this size because it’s ideal for even baking and easy to slice into bars.
- Parchment paper – helps lift the bars out easily and keeps them from sticking.
- Medium mixing bowls – for whisking dry ingredients and mixing wet ingredients separately.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes creaming butter and sugar simple and quick.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy to get the right batter consistency.
- Spatula – great for spreading the batter evenly in the pan.
- Small bowl or whisk – for mixing the glaze smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch and nutty flavor, perfect for autumn.
- Mix in cinnamon or pumpkin pie spices into the batter for a cozy, spiced version during fall.
- Swirl in some cream cheese or caramel sauce before baking for extra richness and a marbled look.
- Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple for a different, yet still sweet, floral flavor.
Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bars:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream (adjust for consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 20-30 minutes for the bars to cool completely before glazing. In total, plan for around 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides to help lift the bars out easily after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly combined.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Then, mix in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – be careful not to overmix to keep the bars soft and tender.
6. Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it out smoothly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done.
7. Cool Before Glazing:
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling fully helps the glaze set nicely.
8. Make and Add the Maple Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk or cream until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or milk to thin. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars.
9. Serve and Store:
Once glazed, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy! Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt works great as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It adds moisture and a slight tang, making the bars tender and delicious.
How Should I Store Leftover Maple Donut Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them covered well to maintain their softness. You can also refrigerate them to extend freshness, but let them come to room temperature before serving.
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture might be a little different but still soft and tasty.
Is It Possible to Freeze These Bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars—glaze them after thawing for the best results. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container; they’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
