Soft baked maple donut bars are the perfect answer when you want the comfort of a donut without the hassle of frying. These bars are tender, lightly sweet, and finished with a smooth maple glaze that melts into every bite. They feel cozy and indulgent, yet they’re surprisingly easy to make at home using simple ingredients.

What makes these donut bars special is their texture. Instead of being dense or dry, they bake up soft and fluffy, with a cake-like crumb that stays moist even the next day. The maple flavor is warm and gentle rather than overpowering, making these bars appealing to both kids and adults.

These donut bars are ideal for many occasions. They work beautifully for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a sweet snack with coffee or tea. Because they’re baked in a pan and sliced into bars, they’re much easier to serve than traditional donuts and perfect for sharing.

Another reason this recipe is so popular is consistency. Since there’s no frying involved, you don’t have to worry about oil temperature or uneven cooking. Every batch comes out evenly baked, soft in the center, and lightly golden on top.

Why You’ll Love These Maple Donut Bars

The baked method makes this recipe beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never made donuts before, you can handle this recipe with confidence. Mixing the batter takes just minutes, and the glaze comes together quickly on the stovetop or in a bowl.

Maple flavor adds warmth and depth that feels comforting and familiar. Using real maple syrup in the glaze gives these bars a richer taste than artificial flavoring, making them feel homemade and special.

These bars also store well, which makes them great for preparing ahead of time. They stay soft and flavorful for several days, making them perfect for busy weeks or special gatherings.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup milk

Maple Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and whisk until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool slightly in the pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth.
Drizzle the maple glaze over the warm donut bars.
Let the glaze set before slicing into bars and serving.

Baking Tips for Perfect Texture

Avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until everything comes together to keep the bars soft and tender.

Using melted butter instead of oil adds richness and flavor that mimics classic donut texture.

Pour the glaze while the bars are still slightly warm so it melts into the surface for better coverage.

Easy Variations

For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
For crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the glaze before it sets.
For extra sweetness, double the glaze and apply a second layer after the first sets.

Serving Ideas

Serve these maple donut bars warm with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast. They’re also great as part of a brunch spread or packaged individually for bake sales and gatherings.

Because they’re easy to slice and transport, they work well for picnics and potlucks.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days and warm slightly before serving.