Craving the classic flavor of brown sugar and cinnamon? These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars might just be your new favorite dessert! With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a nostalgic twist, these bars deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the comforting flavors of brown sugar and cinnamon—it’s like a warm hug from childhood. These bars capture that nostalgic charm and turn it into a modern treat. Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just yourself, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Bonus? Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip them up anytime the craving strikes!
Ingredients
- For the Bars:
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Egg
- All-purpose flour
- For the Filling:
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Flour
- Melted butter
- For the Glaze:
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Salt
- Heavy cream (or milk)
How to Make It
- Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease with baking spray.
- Make the Dough:
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter and brown sugar until smooth (about 3 minutes). Add the egg, vanilla, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Beat until combined.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until just incorporated. Divide the dough into two portions.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Press half the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Roll the other half into an 8×8-inch square on parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine the filling ingredients (brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter) and spread over the dough in the pan. Carefully place the reserved dough square on top, pressing lightly to seal.
- Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, until lightly golden. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Add the Glaze:
- Mix the glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars and spread evenly. Allow the glaze to set before slicing.
Recipe Variations
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch.
- Spiced Twist: Mix in nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice for a cozy fall flavor.
- Fruit Layer: Add a layer of thinly sliced apples or pears between the dough and filling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Finish with melted chocolate for extra decadence.
- Coffee Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the glaze for a grown-up twist.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Refrigerate: Extend shelf life by refrigerating for up to a week.
- Freeze: Once the glaze sets, freeze bars in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a hand mixer? Yes, it works just as well—just a little slower!
- Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time.
- How do I fix the glaze if it’s too thick or thin? Add a splash of cream for thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker one.
Whether it’s fall or summer, these Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars are the ultimate treat to satisfy your sweet tooth and rekindle your favorite childhood flavors. Enjoy!
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars
12
servings15
minutes40
minutes443
kcalSatisfy your cravings for the classic brown sugar and cinnamon combination with these Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars! With simple steps, rich flavors, and a nostalgic twist, these dessert bars are a must-try treat.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
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 Brown Sugar Filling:
1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Glaze:
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
3-4 Tbsp heavy cream or milk
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325℉. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly coat with baking spray.
- Prepare the Dough
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the egg and mix until fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, then scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Slowly add the flour and mix until just incorporated.
- Assemble the Base
- Divide the dough in half. Press one portion evenly into the base of the prepared pan.
- Roll the remaining dough into an 8×8-inch square on a separate piece of parchment paper and set it aside.
- Make the Filling
- Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is smooth.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough in the pan. Gently place the rolled-out dough square on top of the filling, pressing lightly to secure.
- Bake
- Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden and set to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Once the bars are cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang.
- Glaze and Serve
- Drizzle the glaze over the bars and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly.
- Allow the glaze to set before slicing into squares.
- Serve and enjoy your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars! Perfect for dessert, snacks, or sharing at gatherings.