Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Recipe

Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Recipe: Nostalgic Bliss

Brown sugar cinnamon pop tart bars blend nostalgic childhood flavors with grown-up dessert sophistication.

Sweet memories of breakfast treats enhance into a delectable handheld experience that sparks joy and excitement.

These bars capture the essence of a beloved classic, reimagining familiar comfort in a fresh, innovative form.

Rich, warm spices mingle with caramelized sugar, creating a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.

Crisp pastry edges contrast with a luscious, gooey center that melts in your mouth.

Home bakers will adore how simple ingredients come together to craft something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through layers of sweet, spicy indulgence.

Pro Tips for Pop Tart Bar Baking

  • Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes before pressing into the pan to prevent sticking and create a more manageable texture.
  • Even Layer Technique: Use the back of a measuring cup or flat-bottomed glass to press the dough evenly into the pan, ensuring uniform baking.
  • Prevent Overbrowning: If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
  • Precise Cutting Trick: Allow the glaze to set completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, crisp bar edges.
  • Storage Secret: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Storing Pop Tart Bars for Later

  • Refrigerate: Seal Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer bars between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Store frozen bars for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm bars briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature. Avoid overheating to maintain the delicate texture and prevent the glaze from melting.

What to Serve with Pop Tart Bars

  • Craft Sweet Cinnamon Beverage Companions: Pair these delightful bars with a warm chai latte or creamy hot chocolate to enhance the rich brown sugar and cinnamon flavors, creating a cozy comfort drink experience.
  • Elevate Dessert Drink Matching: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk or a vanilla bean frappuccino to balance the sweet, buttery notes and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.
  • Design Complementary Flavor Unions: Enjoy with a spiced apple cider or caramel macchiato to amplify the warm cinnamon undertones and create a harmonious taste sensation that celebrates the bars' sweet, rich profile.

Flavor Combinations to Try in Pop Tart Bars

  • Maple Pecan Pop Tart Bars: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup in the filling and sprinkle chopped pecans over the top before baking for a nutty, rich flavor profile.
  • Apple Spice Pop Tart Bars: Incorporate finely diced apples into the filling and add ground nutmeg and allspice to enhance the warm, autumnal taste.
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Pop Tart Bars: Swap half the flour with cocoa powder and add a layer of chocolate-hazelnut spread between the dough layers for an indulgent treat.
  • Berry Cream Cheese Pop Tart Bars: Mix cream cheese into the base dough and fold in fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity, tangy variation.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars You’ll Want to Make

  • Bake Nostalgic Comfort: These bars capture the beloved childhood pop tart flavor with a sophisticated homemade twist, transforming a classic breakfast treat into a delightful dessert experience.
  • Craft Effortless Elegance: The recipe offers a simple yet impressive method that requires minimal technical skills, allowing home bakers to create bakery-quality bars with straightforward mixing and layering techniques.
  • Savor Irresistible Texture Harmony: Combining a buttery, crumbly crust with a gooey cinnamon-brown sugar filling and smooth vanilla glaze, these bars provide a perfect balance of crisp edges and tender center that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients List for Pop Tart Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the bar base.
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, tender texture.
  • Butter: Delivers rich flavor and creates a tender, crumbly base.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Egg: Helps bind ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Offers deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
  • Cinnamon: Provides warm, classic spice flavor characteristic of pop tart filling.
  • Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the filling.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze with perfect drizzling consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps achieve smooth, spreadable glaze texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides subtle depth and aromatic flavor to the glaze.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm spice note to complement the overall pop tart flavor.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors in the glaze.

Steps to Assemble Pop Tart Bars Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper extending over two sides. Lightly spray with baking spray.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

In stand mixer, cream butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add egg and mix thoroughly. Gradually incorporate:
  • Confectioners' sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Beat until combined. Mix in flour until just incorporated.

Step 3: Shape Dough Layers

Divide dough into two equal portions. Press first half firmly into pan bottom, creating even layer. Roll second half into 8×8 inch square on separate parchment paper.

Step 4: Prepare Filling

In small bowl, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Flour

Add melted butter and mix well.

Step 5: Assemble Bar Layers

Spread filling evenly over bottom dough layer. Carefully place reserved dough square on top, gently pressing down.

Step 6: Bake Bars

Bake for 30-40 minutes until light golden brown and set. Cool completely in pan.

Step 7: Create Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Confectioners' sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla
  • Salt
  • Heavy cream

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Lift bars from pan using parchment paper. Drizzle glaze over top, spreading evenly with offset spatula. Allow glaze to set. Cut into squares and serve.

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Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Recipe

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade brown sugar cinnamon pop tart bars bring nostalgic childhood memories to life with a delightful twist. Buttery pastry and warm spices create an irresistible treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Bars:

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar

Sweeteners and Binding:

  • ¾ cup (85 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 egg

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt

Brown Sugar Filling:

  • 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon (7 g) ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon Glaze:

  • 1 cup (115 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons (4 g) ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 34 tablespoons (4560 ml) heavy cream or milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 325℉ and lining an 8-inch square dish with parchment paper, creating overhanging edges for easy removal.
  2. Utilize a stand mixer to blend butter and brown sugar until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency, approximately 3 minutes.
  3. Incorporate the egg into the mixture, ensuring thorough integration.
  4. Gradually introduce confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until just combined while scraping down the bowl’s sides.
  5. Slowly fold in flour, mixing until the dough reaches a uniform texture.
  6. Carefully divide the dough into two equal portions, pressing one half firmly and evenly into the prepared pan’s base.
  7. On a separate parchment paper, shape the remaining dough into an 8×8 inch square and set aside.
  8. Create the filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl, then integrate melted butter until well mixed.
  9. Distribute the filling uniformly across the dough layer in the pan.
  10. Gently position the reserved dough square over the filling, applying light pressure to ensure even coverage.
  11. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the bars develop a light golden brown color and feel set when touched.
  12. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.
  13. Prepare the glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until smooth.
  14. Once cooled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
  15. Drizzle the glaze over the bars, using an offset spatula to spread evenly.
  16. Permit the glaze to set, then slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Prep ahead by bringing butter and egg to room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for a more robust and aromatic filling that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Ensure even dough distribution by pressing gently and using a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass to create a uniform layer.
  • Cool bars completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting and maintain a clean, professional look.
  • For clean, precise cuts, use a sharp knife wiped with a warm, damp cloth between slices.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 313
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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