Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Ever dreamed of a dessert that combines the comforting flavors of a donut with the ease of a bar? These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are your answer! Imagine tender, cake-like bars infused with warm maple notes, topped with a luscious maple glaze. Perfect for a cozy brunch or a sweet afternoon treat. Inspired by classic bakery flavors, this recipe brings a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen. Let’s bake some happiness!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

• Effortless Baking: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy bakers.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, sweet, and utterly satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The irresistible combination of maple and donut.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients required, just pantry staples.
• Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the glaze to your preferred level of sweetness.
• Less Mess: Easier to make and clean up than traditional donuts.
• Aroma Therapy: The delightful scent of maple filling your kitchen.
• Nostalgic Taste: Rekindles memories of cozy bakery visits.

Ingredients Needed for Maple Donut Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious donut bars. Don’t worry, most of these are probably already in your pantry! We’ll also give you some tips for selecting the best ingredients.

For the Soft Donut Bars:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (113g)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180g)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (7.5ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.25ml)
• 1/2 cup milk (120ml)

Selection Tip: Ensure your butter is truly softened for a smooth, creamy batter. Room temperature eggs will also incorporate better.

For the Luscious Maple Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar (240g)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (60ml)
• 2-4 tablespoons milk (30-60ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5ml)

Sourcing Tip: Use pure maple syrup for the best, most authentic maple flavor. Trust us, it makes a difference!

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes baking a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful donut bars.

• • Essential: 9×13 inch baking pan for that perfect bar shape.
  • Essential: Large bowl and medium bowl for mixing wet and dry ingredients.
  • Essential: Electric mixer or whisk for creaming butter and sugar to perfection.
  • Essential: Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Essential: Spatula for spreading batter evenly.
  • Optional: Parchment paper for easy cleanup.

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Why it matters: A good baking pan ensures even heat distribution, while accurate measurements are key to baking success.

Recipe Details

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect. These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are as easy as they are delicious!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Difficulty: Easy

Add value: Scale up for a larger gathering or halve the recipe for a smaller treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of irresistible maple donut bars. We’ve included plenty of tips to ensure success!

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents the bars from sticking and ensures easy removal. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a whisk works too. Continue mixing until the mixture is pale and airy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

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. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the bars.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps the bars rise properly. This prevents any clumps of baking powder in the final product.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, 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. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be golden brown on top and spring back lightly when touched.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the donut bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the glaze from melting and ensures a neat finish. Place the pan on a wire rack to speed up the cooling process.

Step 8: Prepare Maple Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the bars but thin enough to spread easily. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more gradually.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Once the donut bars are cooled, spread the maple glaze evenly over the top. Cut into bars and serve. For an extra touch, sprinkle with chopped nuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Enjoy!

CHECK OUT: Pumpkin Coffee Cake – For an extra dose of fall sweetness.

Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to ensure your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars turn out perfectly every time!

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
• Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is properly softened for a smooth batter.
• Even Baking: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
• Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely before glazing to prevent melting.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add milk gradually to the glaze until you reach your desired consistency.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations and substitutions to try with your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars!

• Cinnamon Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Goodness: Sprinkle chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) on top of the glaze.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas to make them even better!

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea is the perfect complement to these sweet bars.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Fresh Fruit: Pair with fresh berries or sliced apples for a balanced treat.
• Brunch Spread: Add them to your brunch spread alongside eggs, bacon, and fruit salad.

Health Benefits

While these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits!

• Energy Boost: The carbohydrates provide a quick source of energy.
• Calcium: Milk contributes to calcium intake, which is essential for bone health.
• Vanilla Extract: Contains antioxidants that can help protect the body against damage from free radicals.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to store and reheat your Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars to keep them fresh and delicious!

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the bars from being dry?

Make sure you measure the flour accurately and don’t overbake the bars. Also, using softened butter and not overmixing the batter will help retain moisture.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute coconut sugar or another granulated sweetener. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the bars.

Can I add nuts to the batter?

Absolutely! Feel free to add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for added flavor and texture.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

Add more powdered sugar to the glaze until you reach your desired consistency. Start with 1 tablespoon at a time and mix well.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the bars ahead of time and store them unglazed. Glaze them just before serving for the best results.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Total Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 3g

Disclaimer: Exact stats may vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more sweet treats? Dive into these delectable recipes!

• Pumpkin Coffee Cake – A delightful fall treat with a moist crumb and warm spices.
• Apple Pie Crisp – A comforting dessert featuring tender apples and a buttery crisp topping.
• Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars – Another incredible bars recipes, perfect to impress your friends!

Conclusion

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a quick, easy, and utterly delicious treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whip them up for brunch, dessert, or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up! Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

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