Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars offer a delightful twist on traditional donuts with an irresistibly tender crumb and rich maple flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these bars combine warm spices and natural sweetness in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for vegan version)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan version)
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (or almond milk for vegan version)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is essential for achieving a soft texture in the bars.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and pure maple syrup.
4. Step 4: Gradually mix in the milk, combining gently until the batter is smooth. Take care not to overmix.
5. Step 5: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until incorporated to keep the bars tender.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. This helps them set and makes handling easier.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and almond milk.
• Adding chopped nuts or dried fruit can provide an extra layer of texture and flavor.
• Sprinkling a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before baking adds a crunchy, sweet crust.

Storage

Store the maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 for best results.

How do I make the recipe vegan?

Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, plant-based butter instead of dairy butter, and almond or other non-dairy milk in place of cow’s milk.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 98 reviews

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars offer a delightful twist on classic donuts with a soft, tender crumb infused with warm cinnamon and rich maple syrup. Perfectly moist and lightly sweetened, they are an easy-to-make treat ideal for breakfast or dessert. Adaptable for gluten-free and vegan diets, these bars promise a comforting, maple-flavored indulgence with a simple preparation.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 to 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 to 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for vegan version)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan version)
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (or almond milk for vegan version)

Instructions

1. Prep Your Pan and Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is essential for creating the bar’s soft texture.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and pure maple syrup. Gradually add the milk, stirring gently until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, which will make the bars dense rather than soft.
5. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the baked bars to cool completely before cutting into squares to maintain their soft texture.

Notes

• For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based butter and almond milk.
• To make the bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars light and tender.
• Allow bars to cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: maple donut bars, soft baked donuts, maple syrup dessert, gluten free donut recipe, vegan donut bars, cinnamon donut bars, breakfast bars