Soft Sweet Maple Bars

Soft and sweet with a gentle maple aroma, these maple donut bars bring a cozy touch to mornings or afternoon breaks. They combine the tender crumb of a cake with the nostalgic flavor of maple donuts, making every bite a comforting little escape.

I first baked these for a casual weekend brunch and since then they have become a requested treat whenever friends visit.

Ingredients List

• All-purpose flour: for the perfect tender texture choose a fresh bag for best rising
• Granulated sugar: balances sweetness without overpowering
• Baking powder and baking soda: to give the bars a light and airy crumb
• Salt: enhances all the flavors especially in baked treats
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: bring warmth and autumnal spice select fresh spices for maximum aroma
• Whole milk: adds moisture and richness opt for full fat for best results
• Large eggs: bind the batter and add structure use room temperature for even mixing
• Unsalted butter melted: for buttery flavor and tender crumb unsalted lets you control saltiness
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor profile choose pure vanilla for depth
• Maple syrup: in both batter and glaze creates that iconic sweet maple character opt for real maple syrup over artificial
• Powdered sugar: for the glaze provides smooth sweetness and easy mixing

Cooking Steps

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9 by 9 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray so the bars won&t stick.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of spices infuses the bars with cozy warmth.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the maple syrup until smooth. The maple syrup adds unique sweetness and rich flavor.

Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter is smooth but avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.

Pour the Batter into the Pan:

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared dish using a spatula to help ensure an even bake.

Bake the Donut Bars:

Place in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bars will be lightly golden and soft.

Make the Maple Glaze:

While baking, mix powdered sugar and maple syrup together until smooth and pourable. Add more maple syrup if the glaze is too thick.

Cool the Donut Bars:

Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan to make glazing easier.

Glaze the Bars:

Drizzle the maple glaze generously on top of the bars. Let it set for a few minutes to form a sweet sticky layer.

Serve and Enjoy:

Cut into squares and enjoy with your favorite coffee or tea for the perfect sweet treat.

These bars fill the kitchen with one of my favorite comforting aromas. The first time I shared them with family everyone agreed they were a new classic in our house.

Best Storage Practices

Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer keeping, refrigerate for up to a week but bring them to room temperature before serving to restore softness. If you want to freeze, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before glazing.

Ingredient Swaps

You can use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk for dairy-free options. Brown sugar can replace granulated sugar for a deeper caramel note. Coconut oil melted makes a tasty swap for butter adding a slight nutty flavor.

Serving Pairings

These bars pair wonderfully with a hot black coffee or a creamy chai latte. Fresh fruit on the side like sliced apples or pears balances sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream makes an indulgent addition for special occasions.

These little tips have helped me get the bars just right every time.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What gives these bars their maple flavor?

The maple flavor comes from both the maple syrup incorporated into the batter and the glaze, lending a natural sweetness and characteristic richness.

→ How can I tell when the bars are done baking?

Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the bars have a light golden top, typically 25-30 minutes.

→ Can I use a different type of sweetener?

While granulated sugar works best for texture, you can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor if desired, keeping in mind slight changes in moisture.

→ What is the purpose of the spices in this dish?

The cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and complexity, complementing the maple syrup for a cozy, comforting flavor profile.

→ How should I store leftover bars?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.

→ Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the glaze can be mixed a few hours ahead and kept covered at room temperature. Stir well before drizzling over the bars.