Irresistible Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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If you love the cozy aroma of maple syrup paired with soft, spiced baked goods, these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are your new go-to treat. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, these bars combine rich maple flavor with a tender, moist texture that melts in your mouth. They are easy to make, versatile, and ideal for sharing with friends and family. Follow this ultimate guide to create these delectable bars and make every bite a moment of joy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Slowly fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a soft, tender texture.
5. Pour Batter: Spread batter evenly in prepared pan using a spatula.
6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow bars to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Slice and Serve: Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy.

Pro Tips

• Use Pure Maple Syrup: Choose Grade A maple syrup for the richest flavor.
• Accurate Measurements: A kitchen scale ensures perfect results, especially for flour.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid dense bars.
• Toppings: Add chopped nuts, chocolate drizzle, or extra cinnamon for extra flair.

Why This Recipe Works

• Soft & Moist: Perfectly tender with every bite.
• Balanced Sweetness: Maple syrup gives natural, rich sweetness.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples create a gourmet flavor without fuss.
• Versatile: Enjoy plain, glazed, or topped with your favorite extras.

Substitutions & Variations

• Maple Pecan Bars: Fold in chopped pecans for crunch.
• Chocolate Chip Bars: Add chocolate chips for a melty twist.
• Pumpkin Spice Bars: Replace 1 cup buttermilk with pumpkin puree and extra spices.
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle with powdered sugar mixed with maple syrup for added sweetness.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic and freeze up to 3 months.
• Thaw & Reheat: Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly before serving.

Serving Ideas

• Classic: Serve plain with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Dessert Upgrade: Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Festive: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle maple glaze for special occasions.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 27g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice and let sit 5 minutes.

Q: Should I cool before slicing?
A: Absolutely. Cooling helps the bars set and slice neatly.

Q: Can I use flavored maple syrup?
A: Yes! Vanilla or cinnamon-flavored syrup adds a unique twist.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars bring the perfect balance of sweet maple flavor and soft, moist texture to your kitchen. They are simple, versatile, and crowd-pleasing, making them an ideal treat for any time of day. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or with a glaze or topping, these bars are guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking collection. Try this recipe today and delight everyone with the comforting taste of maple!

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Easy, Moist, and Delicious Spiced Treats Perfect for Breakfast, Snacks, or Desserts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Cooling Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 bars

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Combine Mixtures: Slowly fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a soft, tender texture.
• Pour Batter: Spread batter evenly in prepared pan using a spatula.
• Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool: Allow bars to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
• Slice and Serve: Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy.

Notes

• Pan Prep: Greasing the pan or lining it with parchment ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Baking Time: Ovens may vary. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out mostly clean with a few crumbs.
• Cooling: Allow bars to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Cutting too early can cause the bars to crumble.

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