Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked goods wafting through the house, and my Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars have a way of taking me back to cozy mornings with my family. I remember my mom whipping up something sweet before we even rolled out of bed, and those maple-infused treats always made our sleepy faces light up. It’s a simple pleasure that brings everyone together, and these bars are no exception.

Perfect for fall when the leaves are turning and the air is crisp, or for a cozy breakfast treat any time of year, these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are a delightful way to indulge. The soft, pillowy texture and sweet glaze are just what you need to brighten up your day—or to make any gathering feel special. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to share them with everyone you know!

Why You’ll Love "Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars"

• Quick and easy to make, with just 15 minutes of prep time.
• Soft, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Perfectly sweetened with maple flavor that’s sure to please everyone.
• Family-friendly recipe that’s great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
• Freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy them any time you want!
• Minimal ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup butter, softened (I prefer using unsalted for better control over the sweetness)
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple extract (for that extra maple goodness)
• ½ cup sour cream (can substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)
• ½ cup milk (whole milk gives the best texture, but any kind will work)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted (for glaze)
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon maple extract (for glaze)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (for glaze, adjust for desired thickness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and toasty by the time your batter is ready. Trust me, you want that warm hug of an oven waiting for those delicious bars.

Make the Batter

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry ingredients: whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. This aromatic mix is going to be the foundation of your bars!
2. In a separate large bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter (I love unsalted for better sweetness control), ¾ cup of packed brown sugar, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush it! It’s all about that perfect texture.
3. Add in 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of maple extract into the butter mixture. Mix it all together until everything is well combined. You’ll want to see that lovely creamy consistency!
4. Now, stir in ½ cup of sour cream and ½ cup of milk. This is the secret to the moistness of your bars! Mix until everything is just combined—don’t worry if it looks a little lumpy; that’s normal!
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until it’s just combined. Remember, we don’t want to overmix here! A few lumps are perfectly fine.

Pour and Bake

1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper—easy cleanup, yay!
2. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. It should look all smooth and inviting.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it around the 25-minute mark; we want soft bars, not dry ones!
4. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to dig in just yet!

Prepare the Glaze

1. Once the bars are completely cool, it’s time to whip up that dreamy glaze! In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of maple extract, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk.
2. Mix it all together until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. You want it pourable but not too runny!

Glaze the Bars

1. Now for the fun part! Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled donut bars, letting it cascade down the sides like a delicious waterfall. You can use a spatula or a spoon—whatever floats your boat!
2. Let the glaze set for a few minutes, and then slice those beauties into bars. They’re ready to be devoured!

Variations

• For a chocolate twist, add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
• Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
• Fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spicy kick.
• Use flavored extracts like almond or coconut for a unique twist.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are perfect for serving at breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert! Cut them into generous squares, about 3 inches each, and serve them warm or at room temperature. You can pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For an extra touch, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkling of chopped nuts on top!

Storage

To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last in the freezer for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Enjoy the deliciousness anytime!

Helpful Notes

• For a lighter version, you can reduce the butter by half and use applesauce as a substitute for sour cream.
• If you're out of maple extract, vanilla extract can work in a pinch, but you'll miss that maple flavor.
• Feel free to add in some chopped apples or crushed walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
• These bars are vegetarian-friendly, but make sure to check your powdered sugar for any non-vegetarian ingredients.
• Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less powdered sugar based on your taste preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze these delicious bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream, no worries! You can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor. You can also use plain yogurt or even buttermilk if that’s what you have on hand. Each option will give your bars a delightful moistness.

How can I make the glaze thinner?

To achieve a thinner glaze, simply add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, you want it to be pourable but not too watery! Just keep mixing until it’s silky smooth.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars as I am to share them with you! They’re a delightful treat that brings back those warm, cozy memories of home. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, sharing with friends, or just indulging on a lazy afternoon, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Remember, it’s all about the joy of cooking and creating memories in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and let’s make some magic happen! You’ve got this, and I can’t wait to hear how they turn out!

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