Maple Donut Bars: A Delicious, Quick and Easy Recipe for Sweet Treats

Introduction

These maple donut bars are fast, forgiving, and perfect when you need a sweet fix without fuss. The batter mixes in minutes and bakes into a tender sheet you can slice for coffee runs or after-school snacks. Glazing is quick and adds that classic maple shine. For more speedy ideas and simple hacks, visit the Quick30Recipes welcome page.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe focuses on speed and reliability. Baking in a 9×13 pan means even heat and a short bake time so you get bars instead of individual fried donuts. The leavening and a gentle fold keep the crumb light without complicated mixing tools. Melting the butter before adding it to the wet mix saves time and ensures a smooth batter. Using maple syrup in both batter and glaze layers the maple flavor without extra steps. The glaze sets quickly, so you can slice and serve the same day. If you want more quick recipe inspiration, check the Quick30Recipes recipe hub.

Flavor and Texture

Expect a soft, cake-like bar with a lightly golden edge and a moist center. Warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg are subtle partners to the maple, not overpowering. The glaze adds a sweet, slightly sticky finish and a glossy look that makes these feel special. These bars hold their shape well, so they travel and stack easily. A drizzle of extra maple syrup brightens each bite without extra effort.

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

Step by Step Instructions

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.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden.
7. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the donut bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the donut bars are cooling, prepare the maple glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk. Whisk until smooth.
9. Add more milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired glaze consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
10. Once the glaze is smooth, stir in an additional 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for extra flavor.
11. Once the donut bars are completely cooled, place them on a serving platter or cutting board.
12. Using a spoon or a small spatula, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top of the bars. Make sure to cover them evenly for that delicious sweet finish.
13. If desired, drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the glazed bars for an added touch of sweetness and presentation.
14. Allow the glaze to set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Work with room temperature eggs to help the batter come together faster and bake more evenly. Melt the butter in the microwave in short bursts to save time. If you want a thinner glaze, add milk a drop at a time until it pours easily. Line the pan with parchment for no-fuss removal and faster cleanup. For a quicker maple punch, use a high-quality pure maple syrup instead of imitation.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. If glazed, separate layers with parchment so the glaze does not stick. These bars freeze well before glazing; thaw completely and then glaze for a fresh finish. Make a double batch and freeze portions for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Short Closing Note

These maple donut bars are a speedy way to get bakery-style flavor at home without frying or fuss. They are ideal for weeknight baking and last-minute hosting.

Conclusion

For a classic maple bar inspiration and variations, see the detailed writeup at Maple Bar Donut | The Food Charlatan.

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Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Quick and easy maple donut bars, perfect for a sweet treat. Soft, cake-like bars topped with a sweet maple glaze.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined.
5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and edges are golden.
7. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For glaze, mix powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth, adding more milk as needed.
9. Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for flavor.
10. Drizzle glaze over cooled bars and let set for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature or up to five days in the refrigerator. Freeze before glazing for quick snacks later.

• Author: Chef Hanna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg