If you have a sweet tooth and love that warm, comforting flavor combo of cinnamon and brown sugar, you’re going to adore this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Recipe. These bars capture the nostalgic taste of classic pop tarts but with a homemade touch—flaky buttery layers, a luscious cinnamon-sugar filling, and a sweet glaze that finishes each bite perfectly. They’re simple to make yet impressively delicious, making them an irresistible treat any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in bringing out that perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the creamy butter that makes the crust tender to the cinnamon-spiced sugar filling that’s pure comfort, each component is essential and easy to find.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb for the dough.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds moist sweetness and depth to the crust.
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar: Keeps the dough smooth and sweet.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm vanilla notes.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies flavors.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the dough for the perfect texture.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that forms the structure of the bars.
- 1 cup brown sugar (lightly packed): The star of the filling, delivering that signature caramel flavor.
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with that classic warm spice sensation.
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling for a perfect consistency.
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps bind the filling.
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for glaze): Sweetens the drizzle finish beautifully.
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for glaze): Sprinkles a hint of spice on top for that extra wow factor.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Brings everything together in the glaze’s flavor profile.
- Pinch of salt (for glaze): Balances the sweetness of the glaze.
- 3-4 Tbsp heavy cream or milk: Creates the perfect glaze consistency for drizzling.
How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 325℉ to get it nice and ready. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, making sure two sides have an overhang so you can easily lift the bars out later. Give the pan a light spray with baking spray to keep things nonstick.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together softened butter and brown sugar for about three minutes until fluffy and smooth. Add the egg and mix to combine, then add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat for roughly one minute, scraping down the sides as you go. Slowly incorporate the flour until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 3: Form the Base Layer
Divide your dough in half. Press one half firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making an even layer. Shape the other half into an 8×8 inch square on parchment paper and set it aside—this will become the top crust.
Step 4: Make and Spread the Filling
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and the flour. Mix in the melted butter until everything is well blended. Spread this gooey, cinnamon-kissed filling evenly over the dough layer in your pan—it’s the flavor bomb of this recipe.
Step 5: Add the Top Crust and Bake
Carefully place the reserved dough square over the filling, pressing gently to seal. Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’re aiming for a light golden brown crust that’s set to the touch. Once baked, remove the bars and let them cool completely before glazing.
Step 6: Whip Up the Glaze and Finish
While cooling, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until smooth and pourable. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan, then drizzle the glaze over the top. Spread with an offset spatula for even coverage, then allow the glaze to set before slicing into squares.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the glaze adds a beautiful finishing touch. For a bit of texture, try adding chopped nuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate. These little accents bring another layer of flavor and make the bars look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
These bars are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns them into a decadent dessert. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai latte for that cozy vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters, or stack mini versions for a charming dessert tower. Wrapping individual bars in parchment tied with twine makes for adorable homemade gifts or party favors. The possibilities are endless and so much fun to personalize!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen gets warm, storing them in the fridge will help maintain their structure without drying them out.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months—perfect for enjoying your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Recipe anytime you need a sweet treat on hand.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or refrigerated bars, warm them in the oven at 300℉ for about 10 minutes until soft and fragrant again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that delightful flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes! If you use salted butter, simply reduce or omit the added salt in the dough and glaze. This helps balance the overall flavor without making the bars too salty.
Is it necessary to use parchment paper when baking?
Using parchment paper with an overhang makes it much easier to lift the bars out for glazing and cutting, preserving their shape. It’s definitely worth the extra prep step.
Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?
While you can, brown sugar offers a deeper, caramel-like flavor that’s essential to the character of these pop tart bars. White sugar will make the filling less rich, but the bars will still be tasty.
How thick should the dough layers be?
Press the dough into an even layer about 1/2 inch thick for the bottom and carefully shape the top layer to match. This thickness ensures a tender crust with enough structure to hold the filling without being too doughy.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend might work, but results can vary. Choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for better texture, and expect slight differences in crumb and bake time.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of homemade goodness wrapped up in a simple dessert, and this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Recipe delivers that in spades. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself during a cozy evening. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try, and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!
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Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Recipe
Indulge in these delicious Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars featuring a buttery, tender crust layered with a sweet cinnamon brown sugar filling and topped with a smooth cinnamon glaze. Perfectly baked and easy to lift out of the pan, these bars combine the nostalgic taste of pop tarts in a convenient bar form, ideal for breakfast or dessert.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
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 reaches the perfect baking temperature as you prepare the dough and filling.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend over two sides for easy lifting after baking. Lightly spray the dish with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about three minutes. This step ensures a tender, flavorful crust.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and mix to combine. Then incorporate the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until just combined, approximately one minute. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed for even mixing.
- Mix in Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just incorporated to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen the texture.
- Divide and Shape Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Firmly press one half into the base of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Shape the other half into an 8×8 inch square on a separate piece of parchment paper and set aside for later.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour. Stir in the melted butter thoroughly, creating a smooth filling mixture.
- Assemble Bars: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough in the pan. Carefully lift and place the reserved dough square on top of the filling, gently pressing down to seal and secure the layers together.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the bars turn a light golden brown and the dough feels set to the touch, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the dish to ensure the filling sets properly before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and heavy cream or milk until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Bars: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top and spread with an offset spatula for full coverage.
- Set and Serve: Allow the glaze to set before cutting the bars into squares. Serve these sweet, cinnamon-infused bars and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with milk for a lighter glaze.
- Ensure the dough is not overmixed to maintain a tender texture.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars after glazing before cutting.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before glazing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
