Introduction

These Maple Donut Bars combine the comforting flavors of a classic donut with the ease of a sheet pan treat. Soft, spiced, and topped with a sweet maple glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup (for batter)
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk together until well mixed.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup maple syrup until the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently fold together using a spatula until just combined. A few lumps are fine; do not overmix.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Step 9: Add more milk as needed, a little at a time, until the glaze is thick but pourable.
Step 10: Stir in 2 tablespoons maple syrup for extra flavor.
Step 11: Once bars are fully cooled, place them on a serving surface.
Step 12: Drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the bars using a spoon or small spatula.
Step 13: Optionally, drizzle extra maple syrup over the glaze for added sweetness and presentation.
Step 14: Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles and serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try using half-and-half or heavy cream instead of whole milk.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for crunch.
Swap ground nutmeg for a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a different spice profile.
Use pure maple syrup for the best depth of flavor in both the batter and glaze.

Storage

Store cooled maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired. The glaze may soften slightly when refrigerated, but will still be delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe to achieve the right texture, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a denser, nuttier bar. Adjust liquid slightly if needed.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are done. The edges should also be lightly golden.

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 631 reviews

Deliciously moist and fluffy Maple Donut Bars baked to golden perfection and topped with a sweet maple glaze. These bars combine warm spices and real maple syrup for a comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12–15 bars 1x
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup

Glaze Ingredients

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons maple syrup (for glaze)
Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Gently fold together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, leaving some lumps to avoid overmixing.
Pour Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula for a smooth surface.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and edges turn lightly golden.
Cool Bars: Remove from oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make Glaze: While bars cool, whisk powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk in a medium bowl. Add more milk gradually until the glaze is thick yet pourable.
Add Maple Syrup to Glaze: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup into the glaze for enhanced flavor.
Glaze Bars: Once bars are completely cooled, place on a serving platter and generously drizzle the maple glaze evenly on top using a spoon or small spatula.
Optional Extra Drizzle: For added sweetness and decoration, drizzle extra maple syrup over the glazed bars.
Set Glaze: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before cutting the bars into squares or rectangles for serving.

Notes

For best results, do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
You can substitute whole milk with a dairy-free alternative if desired.
Use pure maple syrup for authentic flavor; imitation syrups will alter the taste.
Storing leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature will keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate if not consumed within 2 days, and bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Keywords: maple donut bars, baked donut bars, maple glazed bars, breakfast bars, sweet snack