Name: Sweet Baked Maple Donut Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: Ingredients You’ll Need:; All-Purpose Flour; Regular all-purpose flour works best here (giving the donut bars a soft structure without making them heavy.); Granulated Sugar; This adds just the right level of sweetness and pairs beautifully with the maple flavor.; Baking Powder; The key to a light (fluffy bake. Make sure it’s fresh so your bars rise properly.); Salt; A small amount sharpens the flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.; Ground Cinnamon; Adds gentle warmth and depth that complements the maple notes perfectly.; Eggs; Two large eggs help bind everything together while keeping the bars moist. Room-temperature eggs mix more smoothly.; Pure Maple Syrup; Always go for real maple syrup for a rich (authentic taste—skip the artificial stuff.); Milk; Whole milk gives the best richness (but any milk (including non-dairy) works just fine.); Butter; Melted butter brings moisture and flavor. Let it cool slightly before adding it in.; Powdered Sugar (for the glaze); Mixed with a little milk (it creates a smooth, sweet topping that finishes the bars beautifully.)

There’s something about fall mornings that begs for a little indulgence. Cool air, cozy sweaters, and the smell of maple drifting through the kitchen? Absolute perfection. That’s where Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars step in—warm, fluffy, and unapologetically comforting. One bite and suddenly your to-do list can wait. Priorities, right?

These maple bar donut beauties are inspired by the classic West Coast “Long John.” Instead of round, they’re baked into soft, rectangular bars with a pillowy yeast-raised texture. The real showstopper? That glossy maple glaze. Sweet, buttery, and kissed with maple syrup, it melts right into the dough. FYI, this is peak cozy baking energy.

Fall baking should feel fun, not fussy. That’s why this recipe fits perfectly into your rotation of Food Recipes Fall and Easy Fall Recipes Breakfast ideas. Everything bakes together in one pan, making it ideal for fans of Donut Tray Recipes and stress-free mornings. Less mess, more joy—IMO, that’s the dream.

Wondering when to serve them? Anytime. These bars shine as Sweet Breakfast Pastries, casual brunch stars, or sneaky afternoon snacks. Pair one with coffee, tea, or a lazy Sunday playlist and you’re set. They even slide nicely into your list of Easy Homemade Dessert Recipes without feeling over-the-top sugary.

Pro tip: Baking instead of frying keeps things lighter while still delivering that soft donut bite, making them a smart pick for Recipes For Breakfast Healthy without sacrificing flavor. They’re also fantastic Morning Treats when you want something homemade but manageable.

Whether you’re craving Easy Bake Ideas or looking for cozy Things To Bake From Scratch, these maple donut bars totally get the assignment. Fall comfort food? Nailed it.

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars – Cozy Morning Treats for Fall Thumbnail

Sweet Baked Maple Donut Bars

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are the perfect cozy treat for fall mornings and relaxed weekends. Inspired by classic West Coast maple bars, these baked donut bars are fluffy, lightly spiced, and topped with a smooth maple glaze that melts into every bite. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re easier than frying and just as satisfying. Whether served warm for breakfast, enjoyed with coffee, or shared as a sweet snack, these donut bars deliver comforting homemade flavor without extra fuss. Ideal for brunch spreads, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something soft, sweet, and baked from scratch.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need:
All-Purpose Flour
Regular all-purpose flour works best here giving the donut bars a soft structure without making them heavy.
Granulated Sugar
This adds just the right level of sweetness and pairs beautifully with the maple flavor.
Baking Powder
The key to a light fluffy bake. Make sure it’s fresh so your bars rise properly.
Salt
A small amount sharpens the flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
Ground Cinnamon
Adds gentle warmth and depth that complements the maple notes perfectly.
Eggs
Two large eggs help bind everything together while keeping the bars moist. Room-temperature eggs mix more smoothly.
Pure Maple Syrup
Always go for real maple syrup for a rich authentic taste—skip the artificial stuff.
Milk
Whole milk gives the best richness but any milk (including non-dairy) works just fine.
Butter
Melted butter brings moisture and flavor. Let it cool slightly before adding it in.
Powdered Sugar for the glaze
Mixed with a little milk it creates a smooth, sweet topping that finishes the bars beautifully.

Method

Get the Oven Ready

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper so the bars lift out easily later.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the flavors are evenly spread throughout the batter.

Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, maple syrup, milk, and melted butter until smooth and glossy.

Combine Everything

Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined—overmixing can make the bars dense.

Fill the Pan

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top turns lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Glaze

Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then move them to a wire rack. Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and drizzle over the cooled bars.

Notes

Tips for Best Results

Preheat the oven fully before baking. Always mix dry ingredients first, then add wet ingredients gradually for a smooth, even batter. Bake just until done for that signature soft texture.

Make It Your Own

Swap maple syrup with honey or agave if you want a different sweetness. You can also fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Keep leftover donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature. To enjoy them warm, microwave briefly for that fresh-baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, but expect a slightly denser texture. You may need a bit more liquid.

How long will these donut bars stay fresh?
They stay good for up to four days when stored properly.

Can they be frozen?
Yes! Freeze individual bars with parchment paper between layers for easy thawing.

Final Thoughts

Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars are the kind of recipe that feels cozy, nostalgic, and effortless all at once. They’re perfect for slow mornings, casual brunches, or anytime you’re craving something warm and homemade. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and big maple flavor—this is comfort baking done right.