Dessert

Maple Donut Bars Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

Introduction

Maple Donut Bars offer a delightful twist on classic donuts with the ease of baking in a pan. These bars are soft, lightly spiced, and finished with a sweet maple glaze, making them perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.

The image shows several square pastries stacked on a white plate, each with a golden-brown crispy outer layer and a soft, light inside. Some pastries are covered with a light sugar coating, while others have a smooth white icing drizzled over the top in thin wavy lines. The pastries have a slightly rough texture on the outside from the sugar. In the background, a white cup filled with black coffee sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 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.

Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.

Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 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.
Step 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.

Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 10: Once the glaze is smooth, stir in an additional 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for extra flavor.

Step 11: Once the donut bars are completely cooled, place them on a serving platter or cutting board.
Step 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.
Step 13: If desired, drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the glazed bars for an added touch of sweetness and presentation.

Step 14: Allow the glaze to set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk with buttermilk or add a pinch of ground cloves for extra spice.
Use parchment paper to line the pan for effortless removal and cleaner edges.

Try topping with chopped nuts or crispy bacon bits before glazing for a savory crunch.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly or chill the glaze before drizzling.

Storage

Store leftover maple donut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, warm briefly in the microwave to soften the glaze. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of three square, golden-brown donuts stacked on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each donut has a thick, crispy exterior with a slightly uneven texture, coated in a sparkling layer of granulated sugar. White icing is drizzled generously across the top surfaces in smooth, thick lines, adding a creamy contrast to the golden donuts. The donuts are fluffy inside with a soft, light yellow color visible at the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with any milk of your preference, such as almond, oat, or skim milk. Note that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to choose one that contains xanthan gum for best texture.