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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prepping: Configure the oven to 325℉ and line an 8-inch square dish with parchment paper, creating overhanging edges for effortless extraction.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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