I adore these homemade maple donut bars—they’re like a soft, cake-like donut baked into a convenient bar, topped with a rich maple glaze that perks up any morning or mid-afternoon treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m always on the hunt for a breakfast treat that’s easy to make but feels indulgent, and these bars hit the sweet spot. They’re baked, not fried, so I get that lovely tender crumb without the mess. Plus, the maple glaze adds a cozy, warm sweetness that pairs perfectly with coffee or milk.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Milk
Eggs
Butter, melted
Pure maple syrup
Vanilla extract

Directions

I preheat the oven and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
I whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt—in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, I combine the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth.
I fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined—overmixing would make the texture dense.
I pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
I bake until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
After allowing the bars to cool slightly, I whisk together extra powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk (or cream), and a pinch of salt to make the glaze.
I spread the glaze over the warm bars, letting it drip slightly over the edges.
Finally, I let everything set before cutting the bars into squares or rectangles.

Servings and Timing

Makes: 9 to 12 bars, depending on the size of each piece
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Cooling & Glazing Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 50–55 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Glaze: I stir cocoa powder into the glaze for a chocolatey twist.
Nut Crunch: I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for extra texture.
Spiced: I mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon (or pumpkin spice) into the batter for a cozy flavor boost.
Maple Butter: I add a swirl of softened maple butter into the batter before baking for a richer taste.

Storage/Reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days (letting them come to room temperature before eating). To reheat, I microwave a bar for about 10–15 seconds or warm it in a 300 °F oven for 5 minutes to revive that soft, fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

What kind of maple syrup should I use?

I always go for pure, grade A maple syrup—it has the best flavor. Pancake syrup just doesn’t give the same sweetness or depth.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, I’ve used a 9×9-inch pan, which makes for shorter bars. Just watch the baking time—it might need a couple minutes less.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. I substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and they turn out just as soft and tasty.

What if my glaze is too thick or too thin?

If it’s too thick, I add a little more milk or cream. If it’s too thin, I stir in a bit more powdered sugar until it reaches that perfect drizzle consistency.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes! I flash-freeze individual bars on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 2 months. I thaw one at room temperature or microwave for about 20 seconds when I want a quick treat.

Conclusion

Making these homemade maple donut bars is one of those moments that brings a little celebration into ordinary days. I love how soft and sweet they are, and the maple glaze melts into every crumb. They stay fresh for days, and the easy variations mean I can keep things fresh in my kitchen. I always feel a sense of pride when I whip these up—simple ingredients, warm baking, and that irresistible flavor.

Homemade Maple Donut Bars – Sweet, Soft & Glazed to Perfection

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 9 to 12 bars
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These homemade maple donut bars are soft, cake-like treats baked in bar form and topped with a rich maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, they offer all the indulgence of a donut with none of the frying.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the bars cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk or cream, and a pinch of salt to make the glaze.
Spread the glaze over the warm bars, allowing it to drip slightly over the edges.
Let the glaze set before cutting the bars into squares or rectangles.

Notes

Use pure grade A maple syrup for the best flavor.
Bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for 5 days.
Microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh.
Optional add-ins: cinnamon, pumpkin spice, chopped nuts, or maple butter swirl.
To freeze, flash-freeze bars, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.