What are maple donut bars?

Maple donut bars are soft, sweet, rectangular donuts topped with a rich maple glaze. Homemade maple donut bars are easy to make and perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or special occasions. This baked maple bar recipe delivers a tender, flavorful treat every time.

Can I make baked maple donut bars instead of frying them?

Yes! Baking maple donut bars gives a healthier version without sacrificing softness or sweetness. Baked maple donut bars stay tender and are easier to make in large batches than fried maple bars.

How do I make the maple glaze for homemade maple donut bars?

Combine powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, milk, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. Adjust the thickness for a perfect coat over your maple donut bars.

Can I make these maple bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. Homemade maple donut bars can be baked a day ahead and glazed before serving. Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft, sweet, and fresh.

Where can I find the best maple bar recipe?

This homemade maple donut bars recipe is simple, family-friendly, and customizable, making it one of the best maple bar recipes you can make at home.

Maple Donut Bars – Soft, Sweet, Homemade Treat 2026

Name: Maple Donut Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12 bars
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 3–4 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Description

Soft, sweet, and perfectly glazed, these rectangular Maple Donut Bars are a homemade twist on the classic bakery favorite. Light, airy, and topped with a rich maple glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for 12 bars):

For the Donuts:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for classic flavor)
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Donut Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs, then vanilla.
Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing gently until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Bars
Pour batter evenly into prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan.

Step 4: Make the Maple Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more milk (for thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for thicker glaze).

Step 5: Glaze the Bars
Once bars are cooled, pour glaze evenly over the top. Let set for 20–30 minutes before slicing into 12 rectangular bars.

Notes

- Fried Version: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry donut-shaped rectangles for 2–3 minutes per side for a classic texture.
- Healthy Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and bake instead of frying.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert / Breakfast Treat
Method: Baked (or fried)
Cuisine: American