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
- 3–4 tablespoons (45–60 ml) heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- 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.
- Utilize a stand mixer to blend butter and brown sugar until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency, approximately 3 minutes.
- Incorporate the egg into the mixture, ensuring thorough integration.
- Gradually introduce confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until just combined while scraping down the bowl’s sides.
- Slowly fold in flour, mixing until the dough reaches a uniform texture.
- Carefully divide the dough into two equal portions, pressing one half firmly and evenly into the prepared pan’s base.
- On a separate parchment paper, shape the remaining dough into an 8×8 inch square and set aside.
- Create the filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl, then integrate melted butter until well mixed.
- Distribute the filling uniformly across the dough layer in the pan.
- Gently position the reserved dough square over the filling, applying light pressure to ensure even coverage.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until the bars develop a light golden brown color and feel set when touched.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Once cooled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Drizzle the glaze over the bars, using an offset spatula to spread evenly.
- 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