Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars: Easy Sheet Pan Donuts
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 18 minutes | Makes 12 bars | Bakery-Style
Why You’ll Love These Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars
These incredibly soft and fluffy Maple Donut Bars bring all the delicious flavors of your favorite bakery donuts in an easy-to-make sheet pan format! No need for a donut pan or deep frying – these bars are baked to perfection and topped with a rich maple glaze that will have you coming back for seconds. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and comforting.
Ingredients
For the Donut Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Coarse sea salt flakes
- Extra cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Prep pan: Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or cooking spray.
Make the Donut Bar Batter:
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are okay.
- Transfer to pan: Pour batter into prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
Bake the Bars:
- Bake: Place in preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool slightly: Let bars cool in pan for 10 minutes before glazing.
Make the Maple Glaze:
- Whisk glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, 3 tablespoons cream, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Adjust consistency: Add more cream 1 tablespoon at a time if glaze is too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Finish the Bars:
- Glaze while warm: Pour maple glaze evenly over the warm donut bars, spreading gently with a spatula.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with chopped pecans, chocolate chips, or sea salt flakes if desired while glaze is still wet.
- Set glaze: Let bars sit for 15-20 minutes until glaze sets before cutting.
- Cut and serve: Use parchment overhang to lift bars from pan, then cut into 12 squares.
Storage and Serving Tips
Room temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days Refrigerator: Keep fresh for up to 1 week in airtight container Freezing: Wrap individual bars and freeze for up to 3 months Serving: Best served at room temperature for optimal softness
Baking Tips for Success
Don’t overbake: Bars should be just set – they’ll continue cooking from residual heat Room temperature ingredients: Ensure milk and eggs are at room temperature for best mixing Pure maple syrup: Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for authentic flavor Glaze timing: Apply glaze while bars are still slightly warm for best absorption Even spreading: Use offset spatula for smooth, even glaze application
Recipe Variations
Brown Butter Maple: Brown the butter before adding for nutty depth Maple Bacon: Top with crumbled crispy bacon before glaze sets Apple Cinnamon: Add 1/2 cup diced apples and extra cinnamon Pumpkin Spice: Replace 1/4 cup milk with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice Lemon Maple: Add lemon zest to batter and lemon juice to glaze Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Serving Suggestions
These versatile donut bars are perfect for:
- Weekend brunch with coffee and fresh fruit
- Office treats cut into smaller squares
- Kids’ lunchboxes as a special dessert
- Holiday breakfast alongside other sweet treats
- Bake sale items that transport easily
- Gift giving wrapped in cellophane bags
Nutritional Information (Per Bar)
- Calories: 285
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 38g
- Protein: 4g
Make-Ahead Options
Batter: Prepare batter the night before and refrigerate, bring to room temperature before baking Bars: Bake bars up to 2 days ahead, store covered and glaze before serving Glaze: Make glaze up to 3 days ahead, whisk before using Freezer-friendly: Bake and freeze unglazed bars, thaw and glaze when ready to serve
Perfect for These Occasions
- Weekend family breakfasts
- School bake sales and fundraisers
- Office potluck contributions
- Holiday morning treats
- Birthday breakfast celebrations
- Coffee shop-style home treats
