Name: Irresistible Maple Donut Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 240g plain flour; 150g caster sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda; ½ tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 180ml whole milk; 80ml vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 200g icing sugar; Pure maple syrup

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These irresistible maple donut bars are soft, tender, and baked rather than fried, with all the flavour of a classic bakery donut. They have a light crumb, a gentle sweetness, and are finished with a smooth maple glaze that sets beautifully on top. This is an easy, beginner-friendly bake that feels special without being complicated. From start to finish, you can have these ready in about 45 minutes.

Ingredients

For the donut bars

240g plain flour
150g caster sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
½ tsp fine salt
2 large eggs
180ml whole milk
80ml vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the maple glaze

200g icing sugar, sifted
3 to 4 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 to 2 tbsp milk, as needed
Pinch of salt

How to Make Irresistible Maple Donut Bars

Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan. Grease and line a rectangular tray bake tin, about 23 x 30cm, with baking parchment so the bars lift out easily.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt until evenly combined.
Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate jug or bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Make the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a spoon or spatula until just combined and no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars light.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and level the surface. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until lightly golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Cool: Leave the bake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then lift out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Prepare the glaze: In a bowl, mix the icing sugar, maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and enough milk to make a thick but pourable glaze.
Glaze and set: Spread the maple glaze evenly over the cooled sponge. Leave to set for about 15 minutes, then slice into neat bars and serve.

Tips for Perfect Maple Donut Bars

Why are my donut bars dry?

This usually means they were baked too long. Check them a few minutes early and remove as soon as a skewer comes out clean.

How do I get a smooth glaze?

Sift the icing sugar and add the liquid gradually. The glaze should be thick enough to sit on top without running off the sides.

Can I make the flavour stronger?

Use a dark, robust maple syrup rather than pancake syrup. This gives a deeper, more authentic maple taste.

How do I cut clean slices?

Let the glaze fully set, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat edges.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat
Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans over the glaze for texture
Warm slightly and serve with vanilla ice cream for dessert

Storage

Room temperature

Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them in a cool spot away from direct heat.

Refrigerator

They will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Freeze unglazed bars for up to 3 months. Defrost fully, then glaze fresh before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated fat: 2g
Sodium: 220mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I bake this as a loaf instead?

Yes, pour the batter into a lined loaf tin and bake for slightly longer. Start checking at 35 minutes with a skewer.

What size tray bake tin works best?

A tin around 23 x 30cm gives the right depth and ensures even baking throughout.

Can I use wholemeal flour?

You can replace up to half of the plain flour with wholemeal flour, but the texture will be a little denser.

Are maple donut bars suitable for children?

Yes, they are lightly sweetened and baked rather than fried, making them suitable for all ages.