Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love the combination of brown sugar and cinnamon, these bars will transport you straight to your childhood. They’re easy to make, no fancy techniques required, and the flavors are absolutely delicious. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, these bars are simple, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Egg
- All-purpose flour
- Heavy cream (or milk)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal, and lightly spray with baking spray.
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, and mix well. Stir in confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt until combined.
- Gradually add flour and mix until just incorporated. Divide the dough in half.
- Press one half of the dough into the prepared baking pan evenly. Roll out the second half into an 8×8-inch square on parchment paper.
- Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl, then incorporate melted butter to form a filling.
- Spread the cinnamon-brown sugar filling over the dough in the pan. Place the second layer of dough over the filling and press down gently.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until golden. Allow to cool, then slice into bars.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 12 and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare.
Variations
- Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans can be added for extra crunch.
- Frosting: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: For a warm treat, pop the bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can, but be sure to adjust the added salt to taste.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars should be golden brown on top and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
While brown sugar is key for the flavor, you can experiment with coconut sugar for a different twist.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
You can add fruit like chopped apples or raisins to the cinnamon filling for a fruity twist.
Do I need a stand mixer?
No, a hand mixer will work just as well for mixing the dough.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser.
What’s the best way to serve these?
These bars are delicious on their own, but they can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars are a delightful treat that combines the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar into an easy-to-make dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are a must-try. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a delicious result – what’s not to love?
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars are a nostalgic, homemade treat that brings the comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar into a simple, easy-to-make dessert. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to family gatherings. With a buttery crust and cinnamon-brown sugar filling, they capture the essence of your childhood Pop-Tart favorites with a homemade twist. Whether for dessert or a cozy snack, these bars will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Egg
- All-purpose flour
- Heavy cream (or milk)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly spray with baking spray.
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and mix well. Stir in confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt until combined.
- Gradually add flour and mix until just incorporated. Divide the dough in half.
- Press one half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Roll out the second half of the dough into an 8×8-inch square on parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Add melted butter to form the filling.
- Spread the cinnamon-brown sugar filling over the dough in the pan. Place the second layer of dough over the filling and press down gently.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Add Nuts: Walnuts or pecans can be added for a crunchy texture.
- Frosting: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
