Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Recipe

If you’re craving a nostalgic treat that brings your favorite pastry into bar form, these Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine a thick, buttery shortbread layered with gooey cinnamon-brown sugar filling and crowned with creamy, spiced glaze. Each bite channels childhood Saturday mornings, but in a delightfully shareable (and easy to make!) pan. This recipe packs all the charm and comfort of the classic toaster pastry, giving you the perfect excuse to bake a batch for snacks, brunches, or whenever your sweet tooth calls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars lies in a handful of simple but impactful pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role in building that iconic flavor, texture, and golden color we love. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Delivers rich, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness to the crust and helps the bars hold together beautifully.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup & 1 cup, divided): Infuses warm caramel notes and keeps both crust and filling perfectly sweet and chewy.
• Confectioners’ sugar (3/4 cup & 1 cup, divided): Provides a smooth, delicate sweetness in the dough and makes the glaze extra velvety.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 tsp & ½ tsp, divided): Enhances all the bakery-style flavors with its deep, aromatic notes.
• Pinch of salt (for both dough and glaze): Balances sweetness and sharpens every other flavor—don’t skip it!
• Egg (1): Gives the bars a little lift and binds the dough together for that classic Pop Tart texture.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups for dough, 2 Tbsp for filling): Forms the sturdy base of the bars and helps thicken the cinnamon-sugar filling.
• Ground cinnamon (1 Tbsp for filling, 1 ½ tsp for glaze): The star spice! Brings coziness, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia to every bite.
• Unsalted butter, melted (3 Tbsp for filling): Helps the brown sugar-cinnamon layer set up gorgeously gooey.
• Heavy cream or milk (3-4 Tbsp): Ensures your glaze is dreamy and thick, but still spreadable—use milk for a lighter finish, cream for rich decadence.

How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Set the stage for baking success by preheating your oven to 325°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the paper extends over two sides—this handy trick creates “handles” so you can lift the finished bars out effortlessly. Give it a light spritz of baking spray, too, for perfect release every time.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), cream together the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and light—usually about three minutes. Add the egg, then blend in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Give the bowl a quick scrape to catch any sneaky bits at the bottom, then gradually add all-purpose flour just until a thick dough forms. Don’t overmix; you want it just combined for maximum tenderness!

Step 3: Layer and Shape the Dough

Divide the dough in half. Press one half firmly and evenly into the base of your prepared pan. For the top layer, shape the remaining dough into an 8×8-inch square on a separate piece of parchment. This will be your “lid” after adding the cinnamon filling, so set it aside for now.

Step 4: Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Filling Magic

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Stir in the melted butter until everything is deliciously crumbly and aromatic. This layer will ooze with gooey cinnamon warmth as the bars bake—spreading it over the bottom dough is when you know you’re heading toward pop tart perfection.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Sprinkle and gently pat the cinnamon-sugar filling over the dough in the pan, making sure you reach all the corners. With the help of the parchment, carefully flip or slide your reserved dough square on top of the filling. Press it down lightly so the layers snuggle together.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the dish in your preheated oven. Let the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the dough feels set to the touch—don’t overbake, as you want to keep the bars soft. Once baked, place the pan on a rack and let them cool completely (the hardest part, I promise!).

Step 7: Glaze Like a Classic

While the bars cool, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, another pinch of salt, and heavy cream or milk in a bowl until the glaze is silky and just thick enough to spread. Lift the bars out of the pan using your parchment “handles.” Drizzle that irresistible glaze over the bars, then smooth it out with an offset spatula for that glossy pop tart look.

Step 8: Slice and Savor

Let the glaze set for 15 to 30 minutes for perfectly neat slices. Cut into squares, serve up, and watch friends and family swoon over the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars of their dreams!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add that extra special touch to your bars. For a true nod to old-school pop tarts, scatter a few rainbow sprinkles across the glaze before it sets—nostalgia and whimsy in every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars with fresh fruit (like apple or pear slices) for a refreshing contrast, or pair with a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt for a delightfully creamy side. Of course, they’re absolutely perfect with a cup of hot coffee, spicy chai, or a cold glass of milk.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into small, bite-size squares and stack them on a tiered dessert stand for a brunch spread centerpiece. Or wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for a sweet homemade gift. If you’re feeling fun, top each square with a little scoop of cinnamon ice cream for a dreamy, decadent dessert plate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any uneaten Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The bars stay deliciously soft and flavorful, and the glaze keeps them from drying out.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Cut them into squares, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their taste and texture for up to two months—perfect for baking ahead or holding onto a secret stash for pop tart emergencies.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-baked flavor, let frozen bars thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a slightly crisp edge and warm filling, reheat bars in a 300°F oven for 5-6 minutes. Just be careful not to overdo it so you don’t melt the glaze.

FAQs

Can I make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A hand mixer or even a sturdy wooden spoon and a little elbow grease will get your dough just right, though a mixer provides the fluffiest result.

What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?

For perfect edges, wait until the bars and glaze are completely cooled and set. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices, or run your knife under hot water for crisp, bakery-style cuts!

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

You can substitute dark brown sugar if you’d like a deeper, molasses-rich note. The filling will taste a bit more robust but every bit as delicious.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few more minutes, but you’ll have enough Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars to feed a crowd.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten free?

You can swap in your favorite measure-for-measure gluten free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to give you that classic, sturdy Pop Tart texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as soul-satisfying as a pan of fresh Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars cooling on your countertop. Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself, joy is guaranteed with every soft, cinnamon-swirled bite. Give these a try—you’re just a few simple steps away from sweet, homemade nostalgia!

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