Maple Donut Bars

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If you love the warm, comforting sweetness of maple syrup, these Maple Donut Bars will quickly become your new favorite dessert. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery bar infused with rich maple flavor, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, topped with a glossy, sweet maple glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. This recipe brings the classic bakery donut experience into a simple, one-pan baked dessert, making it a perfect addition to easy dessert recipes, simple family treats, and budget-friendly meals. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, a quick snack, or an indulgent dessert, these bars are guaranteed to delight.

Perfect for busy families or anyone seeking quick weeknight recipes that deliver both flavor and ease, this recipe combines everyday pantry ingredients into a decadent baked treat. You don’t need frying oil, fancy equipment, or hours of prep — just a few simple steps, and you have a homemade, bakery-quality dessert that tastes like it took hours to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Simple Prep: Ready in less than an hour from start to finish — an ideal easy dessert idea for beginners.

• Rich Maple Flavor: Real maple syrup and maple extract infuse every bite with deep, sweet flavor that everyone loves.

• Soft, Moist Texture: Tender crumb that melts in your mouth, perfect for family comfort food moments.

• Affordable Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for a budget-friendly dessert anyone can make.

• One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup makes this a stress-free dessert recipe.

• Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve for breakfast, brunch, holiday treats, or casual snacks — excellent for easy party food ideas.

Ingredient Breakdown – What Makes These Bars Perfect

Unsalted Butter (½ cup / 115g, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base and tender texture while balancing the sweetness of the maple glaze. Soft butter ensures even mixing and a fluffy crumb.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup / 200g): Sweetens the bars and helps create a light, airy texture when creamed with butter.
Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together while adding moisture and structure for soft, cake-like bars.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances all flavors, blending perfectly with the maple notes.
Maple Extract (1 tsp): Intensifies the maple flavor for an authentic, sweet finish.
Buttermilk (½ cup / 120ml): Adds tangy moisture to the batter, resulting in soft, tender bars.
All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups / 180g): Forms the base of the bars, creating a light yet sturdy structure.
Baking Powder (1 tsp) & Baking Soda (½ tsp): Leavening agents ensure the bars rise perfectly while staying tender.
Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Powdered Sugar (1 cup / 120g) – Glaze: Forms a smooth, sweet coating that perfectly complements the maple flavor.
Maple Syrup (2 tbsp) or Maple Extract (1 tsp) – Glaze: Gives a glossy, authentic maple taste to the topping.
Milk (1–2 tbsp) & Pinch of Salt – Glaze: Adjust consistency and enhance the sweetness for a smooth drizzle.

Pro Tips – Secrets to Perfect Maple Donut Bars

• Use Real Maple Syrup: For the most authentic flavor, choose 100% pure maple syrup instead of artificial extracts.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Combine dry and wet ingredients gently to maintain a light, airy texture.

• Check Doneness Early: Oven temperatures vary, so start testing with a toothpick at 25 minutes.

• Cool Slightly Before Glazing: Let bars rest for 10 minutes to prevent the glaze from soaking in too quickly.

• Upgrade with Toppings: Add chopped nuts, cinnamon, or even a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for extra texture and flavor.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for gluten-free dessert recipes.

• Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for a healthy recipe alternative.

• Spiced Maple Bars: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for a cozy, fall-inspired twist.

• Mini Bars: Bake in a smaller pan for bite-sized treats perfect for party-friendly desserts.

• Maple Bacon Bars: Top with crumbled cooked bacon for a sweet-and-savory twist that elevates flavor.

Serving Suggestions – How to Enjoy Your Maple Donut Bars

Serve these bars warm for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack with tea. Drizzle extra maple glaze or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt to enhance the natural maple sweetness. Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, or whipped cream for an elegant brunch presentation. Perfect for easy party food ideas or as a sweet addition to holiday dessert tables, these bars are versatile enough to impress any crowd.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigeration extends freshness up to a week. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months, then thaw and glaze before serving. Prepare the glaze in advance for quicker assembly on busy mornings. These bars also make meal prep-friendly dessert ideas for school lunches or weekend brunches.

Cultural or Historical Notes – A Classic Twist on Donuts

Baked maple desserts have long been a staple in North American kitchens, offering a sweet, cozy alternative to traditional fried donuts. This recipe captures the essence of maple donuts while simplifying the process for modern home cooks. Using a one-pan bake and simple glaze, it transforms classic comfort food into an accessible, family-friendly dessert that combines nostalgia with convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes — bake the bars and store them for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze for longer storage. Glaze just before serving.
Can I use bottled maple-flavored syrup instead of real maple syrup? Real maple syrup delivers a deeper, more authentic flavor, but bottled syrup works in a pinch.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely — use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time to 30–35 minutes.
Can I make these bars dairy-free? Yes, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free dessert.
Can I add nuts or toppings? Chopped pecans, walnuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar elevate these bars for easy party food ideas.

Emily

Maple Donut Bars

Soft, buttery maple donut bars topped with a silky maple glaze. These baked treats bring together the cozy sweetness of maple syrup with the light texture of a donut — no frying required!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 9 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons real maple syrup or 1 tsp maple extract (for glaze)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency (for glaze)
• 1 pinch salt (for glaze)

Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Wire cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add eggs, vanilla, and maple extract. Mix well until smooth and combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and salt until smooth. Spread or drizzle over cooled bars.

Notes

For an extra maple kick, drizzle with additional pure maple syrup before serving or sprinkle with crushed pecans. Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

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