Soft baked maple donut bars have become my go-to when I need a comforting treat that feels a little special but is incredibly easy to whip up. I remember the first time I tried making homemade baked maple donuts; I was aiming for that classic donut shop taste but wanted something a bit lighter. These maple cake donuts baked in a pan are so forgiving, and the aroma of real maple syrup and warm spices filling my kitchen always makes me feel cozy. If you’ve ever wondered how to make soft baked maple donuts that are tender and flavorful, you’re in for a treat. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Soft Baked Maple Donut
These aren’t your average donuts! They’re a delightful treat that brings smiles without a fuss.
- Incredible Taste: A perfect balance of sweet maple and warm spices that melts in your mouth.
- Quick Prep Time: You can have these ready in under an hour, making them perfect for busy mornings.
- Healthier Option: Enjoy a dessert with less oil and a more wholesome feel than traditional fried donuts.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making them an affordable indulgence.
- Family Favorite: These easy baked maple donuts are a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, brunch, or a simple afternoon pick-me-up.
- Simple to Make: These easy baked maple donuts require no special equipment, just basic baking skills.
- Cozy Comfort: The warm, inviting flavors are perfect for a comforting moment.
Ingredients for Maple Donut Bars Recipe
Gathering the right maple donut ingredients baked is the first step to creating these delightful bars. You’ll find most of these in your pantry already!
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour – sifted for a tender crumb
- ½ teaspoon (2g) baking soda – for leavening
- ½ teaspoon (2g) baking powder – also for lift and a soft texture
- ¼ teaspoon (1g) salt – enhances all the flavors
- ½ teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg – adds that classic warm spice
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar – for sweetness
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened – gives a rich, tender texture
- 1 large egg – at room temperature for better incorporation
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk – keeps the bars incredibly moist
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract – boosts the overall flavor
- For the Maple Glaze:
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar – the base for our sweet glaze
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup – the star flavor!
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) maple extract – intensifies the maple taste
- 1 – 2 tablespoons (15–30ml) milk – to reach the perfect drizzling consistency
How to Make Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars
Whipping up these delightful bars is a straightforward process, and I promise, the results are worth every step. Let’s get that oven preheated!
- Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready when your batter is. Then, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper. Doing this prevents any sticking, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring your beautiful bars come out perfectly.
- Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Sifting the flour is a small step that makes a big difference, leading to a more tender and airy texture. Make sure everything is well combined for an even distribution of leavening agents and flavor.
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar. In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together. I like to use an electric mixer for this, beating for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This creaming process incorporates air, which is crucial for a light and fluffy texture in our simple baked maple donut bars.
- Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients. Beat the large egg into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and the buttermilk. Mix until everything is smooth and looks glossy. The buttermilk is key here, adding moisture and a slight tang that really complements the maple flavor, making these bars incredibly tender.
- Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. I prefer to do this in about two additions, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain that lovely airiness. Overmixing can lead to tough baked goods, and we’re aiming for the most tender, delicious simple baked maple donut experience. The batter should be thick but pourable.
- Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Now, bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell amazing!
- Step 7: Make the Maple Glaze. While the bars are cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and maple extract in a small bowl. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, add another splash of milk; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. This glaze is what makes them truly special, giving that lovely maple finish to our simple baked maple donut bars.
- Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy. Once the bars have cooled enough to handle, generously drizzle the maple glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing into bars. The sweet, sticky glaze against the soft cake is pure bliss!
Pro Tips for the Best Soft Baked Maple Donuts
To guarantee your baked maple donuts are a hit every single time, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. These simple tips make all the difference!
- Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the most authentic and delicious flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients; this is key to avoiding tough donuts.
- Letting the bars cool completely before glazing ensures the glaze sticks perfectly.
- Ensure your leavening agents (baking soda and baking powder) are fresh for the best rise.
What’s the secret to perfect soft baked maple donuts?
The secret is in the buttermilk and not overmixing! Buttermilk creates an incredibly moist and tender crumb, while gentle folding keeps the batter airy, leading to the best soft baked maple donuts.
Can I make homemade baked maple donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just ensure it’s covered tightly. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time if the batter is cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with baked maple donuts?
The most common issue is dry donuts. To avoid this, don’t overbake them – check for doneness with a toothpick. Also, make sure you’re using buttermilk, as it’s crucial for moisture and prevents them from getting dry. For more baking tips, you can check out resources on ingredient properties.
Best Ways to Serve Maple Glazed Baked Donuts
These delightful maple glazed baked donuts are wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways! For a truly special breakfast or brunch, I love pairing them with a simple fruit salad, like fresh berries or sliced apples, to add a touch of crispness and color. They also make a fantastic dessert alongside a scoop of homemade ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re looking for a more substantial treat, consider serving these as part of a dessert platter or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, think of this maple donut bars recipe as a base for creative pairings – perhaps with a smear of cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of toasted pecans! You might also enjoy them with other breakfast treats.
Nutrition Facts for Soft Baked Maple Donuts
Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for these delightful bars. Remember, these are approximations!
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
How to Store and Reheat Maple Cake Donuts Baked
Keeping your delicious maple cake donuts baked fresh is super simple! Once they’ve cooled completely on a wire rack – this is important so they don’t get soggy – you can store them. For short-term enjoyment, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, pop them in the refrigerator; they’ll stay nice for about 4 days. For long-term savoring, you can freeze them! Individually wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their yummy flavor for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can gently warm them in the microwave on a low setting for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat, which can make them dry. For more storage tips, consider checking out guides on proper food storage techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Baked Maple Donuts
What are baked maple donuts and why are they popular?
Baked maple donuts are essentially cake donuts that are baked in a donut pan or a muffin/bar pan instead of being fried. This makes them a bit lighter and often easier to prepare at home. Their popularity stems from being a delicious, comforting treat that offers that classic donut flavor with a slightly more wholesome approach, making them a favorite for breakfast or dessert. They are a great alternative to traditional desserts.
Can I make these easy baked maple donuts with a different type of flour?
You certainly can experiment! For a gluten-free baked maple donuts version, you can try a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. I’ve found that blends with a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch work best for texture. Keep in mind that gluten-free baking can sometimes be a bit trickier, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly. For more ideas on baking with alternative flours, you can explore resources on different flour types.
Why are my baked maple donuts dry?
The most common reason for dry baked maple donuts is overbaking. It’s really important to keep an eye on them and pull them out as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Overmixing the batter can also contribute to a dry, tough texture, so be sure to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet. Using buttermilk also really helps keep them moist!
Can I make a vegan version of these soft baked maple donuts?
Yes, you can absolutely adapt this recipe to be vegan baked maple donuts! You’ll need to swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes), and the buttermilk for a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar added to it. The result is still wonderfully moist and flavorful!
Variations of Soft Baked Maple Donuts You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic soft baked maple donut bars, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many delicious ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
- Healthy Baked Maple Donuts: For a slightly healthier twist, you can swap out half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour. You can also reduce the granulated sugar slightly and rely more on the natural sweetness of the maple syrup.
- Gluten-Free Baked Maple Donuts: Creating gluten-free baked maple donuts is simple with the right flour blend. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that contains xanthan gum. Ensure you measure it accurately, as GF flours can absorb liquid differently.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warmth. You could also add a tablespoon of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch.
- Donut Holes: Instead of bars, you can bake these in a mini muffin tin or a donut hole pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly; they’ll likely take about 10-12 minutes.
Soft Baked Maple Donut: 1 Secret Revealed
- Total Time: 35–38 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these Soft Baked Maple Donut Bars, a simple and delicious treat perfect for any time of day. These bars combine real maple syrup and warm spices for a comforting flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon (2g) baking soda
- ½ teaspoon (2g) baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon (1g) salt
- ½ teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- For the Maple Glaze:
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) maple extract
- 1 – 2 tablespoons (15–30ml) milk, as needed for desired consistency
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Sift flour into a large bowl to remove lumps and create a smooth base. Whisk in baking soda, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and sugar until evenly combined.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat unsalted butter and sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. The mixture should look pale and airy.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, then stir in vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the buttermilk until the batter is smooth and glossy.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. The dough should be soft and slightly shiny.
- Pour and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour batter into a greased or lined baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare the Maple Glaze: While the bars cool, mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and maple extract. Add milk gradually until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle glaze over cooled bars and let set before slicing. Enjoy the rich, warm sweetness in every bite.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for even baking.
- Test baking soda and powder freshness for optimal rise.
- Gently fold ingredients to maintain air and ensure fluffiness.
- Sift flour to prevent lumps and ensure a tender crumb.
- Allow bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Store baked bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate bars to extend freshness, ensuring they are well-covered to prevent drying.
- Individually wrap bars in plastic and place in a freezer bag for longer storage. Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.
- Reheat bars gently in the microwave on a low setting to avoid drying them out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar