Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

$- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - ¾ cup brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup buttermilk - ½ cup maple syrup (plus more for drizzling) - ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze) These ingredients create a soft, sweet treat. Each one plays a key role. The flour gives structure, while baking powder and baking soda help the bars rise. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm spice notes, making these bars special. Unsalted butter brings richness, and brown sugar adds a deep flavor. Eggs bind everything together, giving a moist texture. Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness, while buttermilk gives a slight tang. The maple syrup is the star, bringing that delightful, sweet taste. Finally, powdered sugar makes a lovely glaze. This glaze adds a sweet finish. It is easy to make and brightens the bars. You can drizzle extra maple syrup on top for more flavor. Enjoy each bite of these delicious donut bars! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x5 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. - In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients. - Whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set this aside for later. - In a large bowl, cream ½ cup of softened butter with ¾ cup of brown sugar. - Use an electric mixer for 3-4 minutes until it's light and fluffy. - Add 2 large eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. - Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. - Gradually mix in the flour mixture, alternating with ½ cup of buttermilk and ½ cup of maple syrup. - Start and end with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix. - Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if it comes out clean. - Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. - After they cool completely, drizzle the glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup on top. To ensure a soft texture in your donut bars, follow these steps: - Use room temperature butter. It mixes better and gives a fluffy batter. - Be gentle when mixing. Overmixing can make the bars tough. - Use fresh ingredients. Old baking powder or flour can affect the rise. Common baking mistakes include: - Not preheating the oven. Always preheat to 350°F (175°C). - Measuring flour incorrectly. Spoon flour into the cup, then level it off. - Opening the oven door too often. This can cause uneven baking. For a lovely presentation, slice the donut bars into squares. Serve them on a rustic wooden board. Dust the tops with powdered sugar. Drizzle extra maple syrup on top for extra flair. Pair these bars with beverages like: - Fresh coffee for a classic combo. - Hot chocolate for a cozy treat. - Milk for a kid-friendly option. Making the perfect glaze is simple. Combine powdered sugar with maple syrup. Mix until smooth. Add more syrup for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker one. To achieve the right consistency for the glaze: - Start with less syrup and gradually add more. - Aim for a pourable texture that coats the back of a spoon. - Drizzle the glaze over the bars once they are cool to avoid melting. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh spices and high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor in your donut bars. Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep your bars soft and tender. Cool Before Glazing: Let the bars cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting and running off. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of your soft baked maple donut bars. A pumpkin spice version is great for fall. Just add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the dry mix. It gives a warm, cozy taste. If you love chocolate, try adding chocolate chips. Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter. This adds a rich, sweet touch. Both options let you enjoy the bars in new ways! Need gluten-free options? Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. This will keep the texture soft and tasty. For vegan substitutions, swap the eggs for flax eggs. Mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Replace the buttermilk with almond milk and vinegar. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious bars. Toppings can make these bars even better. Try adding nuts on top for crunch. Chopped pecans or walnuts work well. You can also experiment with flavored glazes. Instead of a maple glaze, try a chocolate or vanilla glaze. This adds a unique twist and lets you personalize each bite. To keep your soft baked maple donut bars fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place them in an airtight container. This helps to keep moisture in and prevents them from drying out. If you want to keep them even longer, consider using a freezer-safe bag. These donut bars last up to three days at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to avoid any fridge odors. To freeze your donut bars, first let them cool completely. Next, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes for a fresh-baked taste. To make soft baked donut bars, follow these steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch baking pan or line it with parchment. 2. In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set this aside. 3. In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter and ¾ cup brown sugar until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. 4. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients with ½ cup buttermilk and ½ cup maple syrup. Start and end with flour. Be careful not to overmix. 6. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. 7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. 8. Let cool for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack. 9. For glaze, mix ½ cup powdered sugar with maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars. Yes, you can use maple extract instead of syrup. This swap will change the taste and texture. Maple syrup adds moisture, while extract provides strong flavor. If you use extract, consider adding a bit more liquid to keep the bars soft. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Mix ½ cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will create a similar tangy flavor and texture. These bars stay fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for about 2-3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well. You now have a complete guide to making soft baked donut bars. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and important tips for success. From flavor variations to storage methods, you can make these bars just the way you like. Remember, baking is an art that improves with practice. Have fun experimenting with flavors and sharing these treats. Enjoy the sweet rewards of your hard work!$

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

Deliciously soft and sweet donut bars flavored with maple syrup and topped with a sweet glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 9

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 cup buttermilk
0.5 cup maple syrup (plus more for drizzling)
0.5 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk and maple syrup, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of maple syrup until smooth and desired consistency is reached.
Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Drizzle the glaze on top of the bars once they are cool and let it set for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

Slice the donut bars into squares and serve on a rustic wooden board, garnished with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup on top for an enticing finish.

Keyword dessert, donut bars, maple