I remember the first time these bars came out of the oven. My kitchen smelled like a cozy autumn morning—warm, sweet maple syrup, rich brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. I wanted the soft, cakey comfort of a fresh donut without the fuss of frying or shaping. These bars are the perfect solution: a tender, buttery cake with the unmistakably soft, springy texture of a bakery donut, all glazed with a sweet, pure maple icing. They’re a hug in dessert form and have become my favorite treat for lazy weekend breakfasts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will absolutely love this recipe because it captures everything wonderful about a maple donut in an easy, bake-in-a-pan form. There’s no yeast, no rolling, and no hot oil. You get that iconic soft, pillowy texture and deep maple flavor without any of the mess or hassle. They come together in one bowl, bake in one pan, and are perfect for sharing. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for brunch, potlucks, or when you just need a little homemade sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Maple Glaze: 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup pure maple syrup, 2-3 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Now, let’s talk about these ingredients. The combination of granulated and brown sugar is crucial. The brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like depth that mimics the flavor of a fried donut. Don’t use all of one kind. The spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—are what give it that classic “donut shop” aroma; don’t skip them. For the maple glaze, you must use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. The flavor difference is night and day. Pancake syrup will give you a cloyingly sweet, artificial taste. Pure maple syrup makes a rich, complex glaze that’s worth every penny.(See the next page below to continue…)