Love donuts but don’t feel like frying? These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are your new go-to. They’re tender, moist, and glazed with a silky maple topping that melts in your mouth. No need for hot oil or fancy equipment—just simple ingredients and a baking pan.
The best part? They taste like something straight out of your favorite bakery. Each bite is soft, sweet, and full of cozy maple flavor. Serve them for breakfast, as a coffee-time treat, or even as a dessert at family gatherings.
What Makes These Donut Bars Special?
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No frying involved – less mess, less effort.
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Beautifully soft texture – moist and fluffy inside.
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Pure maple goodness – real maple syrup gives them a rich, warm flavor.
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Perfect for sharing – slice into squares or bars for easy serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Donut Bars
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 cup whole milk
Maple Glaze
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
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2 tablespoons milk (add more for a thinner glaze)
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1/2 teaspoon maple extract (optional, for bolder flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk sour cream, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
4. Combine Batter
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir gently until just blended. Don’t overmix—this keeps the bars light and fluffy.
5. Bake
Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before glazing.
6. Make the Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and maple extract (if using) until smooth. Adjust thickness with more milk if needed.
7. Glaze and Enjoy
Spread glaze over cooled bars. Let it set for about 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Tips for the Best Donut Bars
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Boost the flavor: Add a drop of maple extract to the batter.
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Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts on the glaze before it sets.
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Storing: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
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Make ahead: Bake the bars the night before, then glaze them fresh the next morning.
How to Serve
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can dress them up by:
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Serving with hot coffee, chai, or cappuccino.
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Adding a drizzle of caramel or melted chocolate.
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Pairing with fresh fruit for brunch.
Final Bite
These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars bring the comforting taste of donuts into an easy, oven-baked recipe. With their soft crumb and maple glaze, they feel indulgent yet simple enough to make anytime. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, a sweet snack, or a shareable treat for guests, these bars are sure to become a favorite.
So grab your mixing bowl, warm up the oven, and let the sweet smell of maple fill your kitchen.
