Description
These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars combine the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar in a delightful bar form. Featuring a buttery, tender crust filled with a rich cinnamon filling and topped with a smooth cinnamon glaze, these bars are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 3-4 Tbsp heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325℉ to ensure it’s ready for baking your bars.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend over two sides for easy lifting. Lightly spray with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy, about three minutes. Then add the egg and mix until combined. Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, blending for roughly one minute, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing until just incorporated to form the dough.
- Divide and Press Dough: Divide the dough in half. Firmly press one half evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Shape the other half into an 8×8 inch square on parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Stir in the melted butter until fully blended into a thick filling mixture.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough layer in the pan. Carefully place the reserved dough square on top, gently pressing it down to secure the filling inside.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the bars are light golden brown and the dough feels set to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Make Glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Lift the cooled bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Drizzle the glaze over the bars and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Use parchment paper with an overhang to easily remove bars from the pan.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream in the glaze to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These bars can also be refrigerated for longer freshness; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
