How to Make Quick Maple Bars
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a small baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Blend Together
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars light and fluffy.
5. Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Maple Glaze
While the bars cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
7. Glaze the Bars
Once the bars are slightly cooled but still warm, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top. Optional: sprinkle with nuts or cinnamon for extra texture and flavor.
8. Serve
Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy warm, or allow to cool completely for a firmer, sliceable bar.
Tips for the Perfect Maple Bars
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the bars dense.
- Use real maple syrup: It enhances the flavor more than artificial syrup.
- Cool slightly before glazing: Glaze will run if the bars are too hot.
- Experiment with add-ins: Chocolate chips, walnuts, or dried fruit make delicious variations.
Final Thoughts
These quick maple bars are proof that you don’t need a complicated recipe to create a truly delightful treat. Soft, sweet, and infused with the rich flavor of maple, they’re ideal for family breakfasts, coffee breaks, or dessert.
With minimal ingredients, a fast prep time, and maximum flavor, these bars are a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.
