Description
Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars: Easy & Delicious Treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for bars)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (for bars)
- 1/4 cup milk (for bars)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for bars)
- 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (for glaze)
- 3–4 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
- Pinch of salt (for glaze)
- Optional: chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
- Optional: dusting of powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (for bars), 1/4 cup milk (for bars), large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for bars) until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or whisk just until combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Use parchment overhangs to lift the bars onto a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial before glazing.
- While bars cool, in a medium bowl, whisk together sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (for glaze), 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze), and a pinch of salt. Start with 3 tablespoons of milk (for glaze) and whisk until smooth. Add more milk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, to reach desired pourable consistency.
- Once bars are completely cool, pour and spread the maple glaze evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts immediately.
- Allow the glaze to set for 30-60 minutes at room temperature (or 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator) until firm. Cut into 12-16 bars with a sharp knife and serve. Optionally, dust with extra powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container.
- For a richer flavor, use dark maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg