Description
These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars combine the comforting flavors of maple syrup and warm cinnamon in a tender, cake-like bar. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these bars boast a soft texture and subtle sweetness, baked to golden perfection in an easy 8-inch square pan.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined to ensure an even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Take care not to overmix to keep the bars soft and tender.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula for uniform thickness and even baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the pan from oven and allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars from the pan and let them cool completely to set properly.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, cut the bars into desired sizes. Serve as a delicious breakfast treat or snack and enjoy the soft maple-infused flavor.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars soft and cakey.
- Using parchment paper with overhang makes removal and slicing easier.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond milk or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter.
- Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: maple donut bars, soft baked bars, breakfast bars, maple syrup dessert, cinnamon bars, baked donut bars
