Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Recipe

Introduction

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars capture the warm, nostalgic flavors of the classic breakfast treat in an easy-to-make, shareable dessert. These bars are buttery, sweet, and spiced perfectly with cinnamon, topped with a smooth glaze that brightens every bite.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 3-4 Tbsp heavy cream or milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325℉. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy lifting. Lightly spray with baking spray.
2. Step 2: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar until smooth and creamy, about three minutes. Add the egg and mix to combine.
3. Step 3: Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until just combined, scraping down the sides as needed. Gradually mix in 2 1/2 cups flour until just incorporated.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough in half. Firmly press one half into the base of the prepared pan, forming an even layer. Shape the remaining dough into an 8×8 inch square on parchment paper and set aside.
5. Step 5: For the filling, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons flour in a small bowl. Stir in melted butter until well blended.
6. Step 6: Spread the filling evenly over the dough in the baking dish. Carefully place the reserved dough square on top of the filling, pressing gently to secure.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the bars are light golden brown and the dough feels set to the touch. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
8. Step 8: While cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk until smooth.
9. Step 9: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Drizzle the glaze over the bars and spread evenly with an offset spatula.
10. Step 10: Allow the glaze to set. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, sprinkle finely chopped nuts or oats into the cinnamon filling before spreading.
• Use almond extract instead of vanilla in the glaze for a different flavor profile.
• Make mini bars by baking in a muffin tin lined with parchment cups, reducing bake time to 20-25 minutes.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving for the best taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the glaze?

You can use whole milk or a plant-based milk alternative, though the glaze may be slightly thinner.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 91 reviews

These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars are a delicious homemade treat combining a tender buttery crust with a sweet cinnamon filling and a smooth cinnamon glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these bars mimic the flavors of classic pop tarts in an easy-to-make pan-baked form.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars (approximately 4×4 squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Crust and 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

Filling

• 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

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

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325℉ to prepare for baking the bars.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, letting the paper extend over two sides for easy removal later, and lightly spray with baking spray.
3. Make Dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and mix until combined. Then add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until just combined for approximately one minute. Scrape sides as needed. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just incorporated.
4. Divide Dough: Split the dough evenly in two. Firmly press one half into the base of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Take the other half and shape it into an 8×8 inch square on parchment paper; set aside for later layering.
5. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour. Mix in melted butter until the mixture is well blended and spreadable.
6. Assemble Bars: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough layer in the pan. Carefully place the reserved dough square on top of the filling and press gently to secure.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bars turn light golden brown and the dough feels set to the touch. Remove from oven and cool completely.
8. Prepare Glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream or milk in a bowl until smooth and pourable.
9. Glaze Bars: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cooled bars out of the pan. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the bars and spread with an offset spatula.
10. Serve: Allow the glaze to set fully, then cut the dessert into squares. Serve and enjoy your cinnamon pop tart bars!

Notes

• Make sure the butter for the dough is softened for easier creaming.
• You can adjust the amount of heavy cream or milk in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency.
• 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 gently reheated in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving for a fresh-baked feel.
• If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add an extra half teaspoon to the filling or glaze.

Keywords: Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Pop Tart Bars, Homemade, Baking, Dessert, Sweet Bars