Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Recipe

Sweet nostalgia meets homemade decadence in these irresistible brown sugar cinnamon pop tart bars that blend childhood memories with grown-up baking skills.

Memories of classic breakfast pastries dance through every buttery, flaky bite of this reimagined treat.

Each layer promises a perfect balance of tender crust and warm, gooey filling that melts in your mouth.

Crisp edges and a delicate sprinkle of cinnamon sugar create a texture that rivals any store-bought pastry.

The simple ingredients transform an ordinary dessert into something extraordinary, with rich brown sugar bringing depth and warmth to every single square.

Baking these bars fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the counter.

Get ready to indulge in a nostalgic dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 13

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure for the bars with soft, tender texture.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, delicate sweetness and helps bind the dough together.
• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent, adding moisture and helping ingredients stick together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, comforting aromatic notes.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other ingredient flavors.

• Brown Sugar: Offers deep, caramel-like sweetness with subtle molasses undertones.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, spicy complexity and classic pop tart flavor profile.
• Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the filling, preventing excess liquid.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind filling ingredients smoothly.

• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates silky, glossy finishing layer with perfect sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, creamy consistency for smooth glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle depth and complements other sweet flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: Introduces warm spice accent to complete the topping.
• Salt: Cuts through sweetness, balancing overall glaze flavor.

Tools You’ll Need for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars

• Stand mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar smoothly and mixing dough ingredients efficiently.
• 8-inch square baking dish: Perfect for creating evenly sized bars with consistent thickness.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for easy removal of bars and preventing sticking.
• Baking spray: Helps ensure smooth release of bars from parchment paper.
• Small mixing bowl: Used for preparing cinnamon filling mixture.
• Offset spatula: Ideal for spreading glaze evenly over cooled bars.
• Whisk: Necessary for combining glaze ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars at Home

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars

• Cozy Baking Prep

Get your kitchen ready by warming the oven to 325℉. Grab an 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper, creating little handles on two sides. A quick spray of baking spray helps everything slide out smoothly.

• Butter and Sugar Magic

Grab your mixer and transform butter and brown sugar into a dreamy, creamy mixture. Toss in an egg and let the mixer work its charm until everything looks smooth and silky.

• Flour Power

Slowly introduce confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt to your creamy base. Sprinkle in flour until the dough comes together, looking soft and tender.

• Dough Distribution

Split the dough into two parts. Press one half firmly into the pan, creating a perfect base. Roll out the second half into a neat square on another piece of parchment paper.

• Cinnamon Dream Filling

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl. Drizzle in melted butter and stir until the filling looks irresistible.

• Layer and Bake

Spread the cinnamon filling over the first dough layer. Gently place the second dough square on top and press down softly. Slide into the oven and bake until golden and fragrant, about 30-40 minutes.

• Glaze and Serve

Once cooled, whip up a quick glaze with confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and cream. Drizzle over the bars, let it set, then slice into delightful squares ready to enjoy.

Tips to Improve Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bar Layers

• Replace cinnamon with nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice for a unique flavor twist that transforms the classic recipe.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers to add delightful crunch and depth to the bar's texture.
• Blend in a thin layer of raspberry or apple preserves alongside the cinnamon filling for a fruity surprise in every bite.
• Reduce confectioners' sugar in the glaze for a less sweet finish, or use maple syrup as an alternative drizzle for rich complexity.
• Keep bars fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Serving Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars at Brunch or Dessert

• Breakfast Bliss Pairing: Start your morning with these bars alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea. The warm cinnamon notes complement the rich, sweet flavors perfectly.
• Dessert Transformation: Serve these bars as a delightful after-dinner treat. Garnish with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Party Platter Potential: Cut the bars into smaller bite-sized pieces for gatherings or potlucks. These portable treats work wonderfully on dessert platters or as part of a sweet buffet spread.
• Gift-Worthy Goodness: Package these bars in clear cellophane with a ribbon for a homemade gift. They're an impressive treat that shows thoughtfulness and baking skill.

Storing Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store these delightful bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delectable texture.
• Counter Comfort: Keep bars at room temperature for 2-3 days if you prefer a softer, more immediate treat. Place them in a sealed container away from direct sunlight to maintain their delicious flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire batch and freeze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for maximum 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to ensure optimal taste and consistency.
• Portion Power: Cut bars into individual servings before storing, which makes grabbing a quick snack super convenient. This method helps control portions and keeps the remaining bars fresher longer.

Gooey Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Nostalgic brown sugar cinnamon pop tart bars merge childhood memories with gourmet baking techniques. Layered pastry and rich filling create a delightful dessert sure to spark joy among sweet treat enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• ¾ cup (85 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, lightly packed
• 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp (7 g) ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsps (42 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (115 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 ½ tsp (4 g) ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• 3–4 tbsps (45–60 ml) heavy cream or milk

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Instructions

1. Prepping: Configure the oven to 325℉ and line an 8-inch square dish with parchment paper, creating overhanging edges for effortless extraction.
2. Creaming: Utilize a stand mixer to blend butter and brown sugar until achieving a silky, uniform texture, approximately 3 minutes, then seamlessly incorporate the egg.
3. Mixing Dry Components: Gradually introduce confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until just combined while meticulously scraping the bowl’s sides, then gently fold in flour until the dough reaches a consistent texture.
4. Layering Base: Divide the dough into two equal portions, pressing one half firmly and evenly into the prepared pan’s base, and on a separate parchment paper, shape the remaining dough into an 8×8 inch square.
5. Filling Creation: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl, integrating melted butter until well mixed, then distribute the filling uniformly across the dough layer in the pan.
6. Assembly: Gently position the reserved dough square over the filling, applying light pressure to ensure even coverage, and bake for 30-40 minutes until the bars develop a light golden brown color and feel set when touched.
7. Cooling and Glazing: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until smooth, creating a glaze.
8. Finishing: Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang, drizzle the glaze over the bars, spreading evenly with an offset spatula, and permit the glaze to set before slicing into squares and serving.

Notes

• Optimize Ingredient Temperature: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for smoother blending and consistent dough texture.
• Master Mixing Technique: Mix ingredients just until combined to prevent overworking the dough, which can lead to tough bars.
• Perfect Baking Precision: Use an accurate oven thermometer to confirm precise 325℉ temperature for even browning and consistent results.
• Glaze Application Strategy: Wait until bars are completely cooled before adding glaze to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg