Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars

Craving that classic brown sugar and cinnamon combo? These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars just may be the answer! Classic flavors, simple steps, and a touch of nostalgia make these dessert bars a winning combination. Perfect for family gatherings, bake sales, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe brings delightful flavors to every occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delicious bars in no time.
• Nostalgic Flavor: The classic combination of brown sugar and cinnamon will transport you back to your childhood.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast on the go; they fit any time of day.
• Customizable Glaze: The glaze can easily be adjusted with different flavorings to suit your taste.
• Make Ahead Option: These bars store well, making them perfect for meal prep or indulgent weeknight treats.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars successfully, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• 8-inch square baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Baking spray
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar easy and helps achieve a smooth dough without much effort.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and allows for easy removal of the bars from the pan.
• Baking dish: An 8-inch square dish is ideal for achieving perfectly sized dessert bars.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 325℉. This step ensures that your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends over two sides for easy lifting later. Lightly spray with baking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy (about three minutes).
2. Add the egg and mix to combine.
3. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until just combined (about one minute). Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Gradually add in flour, mixing until just incorporated.

Step 4: Forming the Dough Layers

Divide the dough in half:
1. Firmly press one half into the base of your prepared pan for an even layer.
2. Shape the remaining dough into an 8×8 inch square on a separate piece of parchment paper and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare Filling Mixture

For the filling:
1. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour.
2. Incorporate melted butter into this mixture until well blended.

Step 6: Assemble Bars

Evenly spread this filling mixture over the dough in the pan. Carefully place the reserved dough square over the filling, pressing down gently to secure it in place.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown

Transfer the dish to your preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until bars are light golden brown and feel set when touched.
2. Once done, remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: Prepare Glaze While Cooling

While cooling:
1. Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream until smooth.

Step 9: Glaze Your Bars

Once cooled:
1. Lift out of pan using parchment paper overhang.
2. Drizzle glaze over bars; use an offset spatula to spread evenly.

Step 10: Cut and Serve

Allow glaze to set before cutting into squares. Serve these delightful Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars at gatherings or enjoy them yourself!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars

These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them solo, there are plenty of creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly. The rich flavors harmonize and enhance your dessert experience.

Top with Fresh Fruit

• Adding sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries brings a refreshing contrast to the sweet bars. This also adds a touch of color and nutrition to your plate.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream adds creaminess and lightens up the dessert. Consider using flavored whipped cream for an extra twist!

Add Ice Cream

• Serving the bars warm with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. It’s a classic combination you won’t want to miss!

Drizzle with Additional Glaze

• For those who crave more sweetness, drizzle an extra layer of glaze on top before serving. This enhances the flavor and makes the presentation even more appealing.

How to Perfect Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars

Creating the perfect Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars come out just right.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing, resulting in a smoother dough.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow your bars to cool completely before adding the glaze. This prevents it from melting into the bars and ensures a beautiful finish.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that this will change the overall taste profile.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars

Enhancing your dessert experience can be fun by pairing these Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars with complementary side dishes. Here are some suggestions that will work well together.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness alongside the sweet bars.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit provides a creamy contrast that balances out the dessert.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of the bars into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat that enhances every bite.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can create an interesting savory contrast to the sweetness.
5. Cinnamon Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts with cinnamon seasoning make for a crunchy snack that pairs well.
6. Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea complements the flavors without overpowering them, perfect for a cozy evening.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

• Using cold butter – Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugar, leading to dense bars. Always use softened butter for a light and fluffy texture.
• Skipping the parchment paper – Not lining the baking dish with parchment can make it hard to remove the bars. Always use parchment paper for easy lifting and serving.
• Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined to keep them tender and flaky.
• Not measuring flour properly – Too much flour can make the bars dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Underbaking or overbaking – Baking for too long or too short affects texture. Bake until golden brown, and check for firmness before removing from the oven.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm bars for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual bars on low power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about making Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars? Here are some answers!

Can I customize the filling of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars?

Yes! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the filling for extra flavor.

How do I know when my Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars are done?

They should be light golden brown on top and feel set when touched.

Can I use different types of sugar in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or a granulated sugar blend if you prefer.

What should I serve with my Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars?

These bars pair well with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!

Final Thoughts

These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. Their sweet and comforting flavors make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings to suit your taste preferences!