SOFT BAKED MAPLE DONUT HEAVEN

Craving that warm, melt-in-your-mouth donut experience without the fuss of deep frying? Say no more! We’re diving headfirst into a batch of Easy Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars, and trust me, they’re about to become your new go-to treat. Forget complicated recipes and sticky messes – these bars are simple, satisfying, and bursting with authentic maple flavor. Get ready to wow yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share!) with this absolutely irresistible baked good.

Gathering Your Golden Ingredients

Before we embark on this delicious adventure, let’s make sure we have all the essential ingredients. Nothing’s worse than getting halfway through and realizing you’re missing something, right? So, let’s get organized!

For the Donut Bars:

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The base for our soft and tender bars.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: For that perfect lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps with browning and texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened: Essential for moisture and richness.
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars just right.
• 1/2 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar: Adds a depth of flavor and moisture.
• 2 Large Eggs: Binds everything together.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 cup Buttermilk: Creates a tender and moist crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

For the Maple Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: For a smooth and luscious glaze.
• 2 cups Powdered Sugar: Creates a perfectly sweet base for the glaze.
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup: The star of the show! Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Complements the maple flavor.

Step-by-Step to Donut Bar Bliss

Alright, friend, let’s get baking! I’m going to walk you through each step to ensure you achieve donut bar perfection. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

Making the Donut Bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make them easy to remove.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
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.
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 the batter, as this can result in tough bars.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting and running off.

Making the Maple Glaze:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Stir in the maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the glaze is smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Glazing the Donut Bars:

1. Once the donut bars are completely cool, pour the maple glaze over the top, spreading it evenly.
2. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

The Secret Weapon: Buttermilk!

Okay, let’s talk about buttermilk. I know, I know, it might seem like a specialty ingredient, but trust me, it’s the secret to these donut bars’ incredible tenderness! Buttermilk’s acidity helps to break down gluten in the flour, resulting in a softer, more delicate crumb. Don’t skip it! And if you don’t have any on hand, remember that easy substitute: lemon juice or vinegar plus milk!

Tips for Donut Bar Perfection

Want to elevate your donut bars from good to absolutely *amazing*? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips:

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend together evenly and creates a smoother batter.
• Measure accurately: Baking is a science, so accurate measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for baking.
• Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly bars. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
• Let the bars cool completely before glazing: This will prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
• Get Creative: Once you master this recipe, feel free to get creative! Add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate to the glaze.

Variations to Spice Things Up

These maple donut bars are fantastic as is, but why not experiment? Here are a few variations to try:

• Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bars: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients and sprinkle the finished bars with cinnamon sugar.
• Chocolate Chip Donut Bars: Fold 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• Lemon Glazed Donut Bars: Substitute lemon juice for the milk in the glaze and add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.

Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Snack

These donut bars are delicious any time of day, but here are a few ideas for serving them:

• Breakfast: Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet start to the day.
• Brunch: Add them to your brunch spread alongside savory dishes like eggs and bacon.
• Dessert: Enjoy them as a simple and satisfying dessert after dinner.
• Party Treat: Cut them into smaller squares and serve them as a party snack.

Why These Beat Store-Bought, Hands Down

Let’s be honest – those pre-packaged donuts at the store just can’t compare to the real deal, especially when it’s fresh from your own oven! The homemade flavor is undeniable, plus you get to control the ingredients and skip all those artificial additives. These Easy Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are all about pure, unadulterated deliciousness, crafted with love (and a little bit of maple syrup!). Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is worth the effort alone!

Beyond Donut Bars: Other Baked Delights

If you’re on a baking kick, why stop with donut bars? The world of homemade treats is vast and exciting! Consider trying your hand at CINNAMON ROLL CUPCAKE PERFECTION for a delightful twist on a classic. Or, for a taste of fall, why not try Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls? And for another donut-inspired treat, check out the Baked Apple Cider Donuts. Looking for something a bit different? The Cinnamon Cheesecake Cookies are always a hit! Don’t forget the joy of Funnel Cake. And for a fruity twist, how about Apple Fritter Bites?

Get Ready to Devour!

And there you have it – your guide to making Easy Indulge in Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars that will knock your socks off! I know you’re going to love this recipe as much as I do. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for a baking experience that’s both simple and incredibly rewarding. Happy baking, my friend!

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Amelia Chen-Morrison

Indulge in the comforting flavors of maple with these soft baked donut bars. This easy recipe delivers a delicious donut experience without any deep frying, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. These bars are simple to make and bursting with authentic maple flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• saucepan
• Wooden skewer or toothpick
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
• ½ cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 2 cups Powdered Sugar
• ¼ cup Maple Syrup
• 2 tablespoons Milk
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer).
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
• 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 the batter.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the bars cool completely in the pan before glazing.
• In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
• Stir in the maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until the glaze is smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
• Once the donut bars are completely cool, pour the maple glaze over the top, spreading it evenly.
• Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients. To prevent the glaze from melting, ensure the donut bars are completely cool before applying. Store leftover donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a richer maple flavor, consider using maple extract in addition to maple syrup in the glaze. You can also top the glaze with chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.