These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars are a delightful twist on the classic Pop Tarts, blending the nostalgia of childhood treats with the warmth of autumnal spices. The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a rich, comforting flavor profile that is both familiar and inviting. These bars are perfect for cozying up with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a staple for any fall gathering or family dessert night.
Ingredients:
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For the Shortbread:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
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For the Filling:
- 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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For the Glaze:
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1 cup confectioners’ sugar
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
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3-4 Tbsp heavy cream or milk
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, extending the paper over the edges to facilitate easy removal.
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Prepare the Shortbread: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough forms. Press half of the dough into the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
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Roll Out the Top Layer: On a piece of parchment paper, roll out the remaining dough into a square that is just larger than the baking dish. Set this aside for a moment.
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Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
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Assemble the Bars: Spread the brown sugar mixture evenly over the shortbread layer in the baking dish. Carefully place the rolled-out dough on top of the filling, pressing down gently to secure.
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Bake the Bars: Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the bars are golden brown on the edges and the top appears set. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and heavy cream or milk until smooth. Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled bars and spread into an even layer. Allow the glaze to set completely before cutting into squares.
Top Tips:
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Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking can help ensure that the bars bake up nicely and prevent them from spreading too much.
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Even Layering: Ensure that the shortbread and filling layers are evenly distributed to maintain the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
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Press Down Gently: When placing the top layer of dough over the filling, press down gently to avoid creating air pockets that can affect the texture.
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Cool Completely: Letting the bars cool completely in the pan helps them set properly and makes them easier to handle when glazing and cutting.
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Adjust Glaze Consistency: If the glaze becomes too thick, add a little more heavy cream or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
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Store Properly: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations:
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Coconut Sugar Filling: Replace the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly healthier and more flavorful twist.
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Apple Butter Filling: Mix in some apple butter with the brown sugar and cinnamon for an added layer of flavor.
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Gluten-Free Shortbread: Use gluten-free flour to make the shortbread layer suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
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Cinnamon Swirl: Create a cinnamon swirl by sprinkling cinnamon on top of the shortbread layer before adding the filling.
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Maple Syrup Glaze: Replace the heavy cream or milk in the glaze with maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor.
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Nutty Filling: Add some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the filling mixture for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Guide:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (16 bars) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Protein | 2g |
Additional Nutritional Notes:
These bars are relatively low in calories and fat, making them a satisfying yet guilt-free dessert option. The brown sugar and cinnamon provide natural sweetness and flavor, while the confectioners’ sugar adds a touch of elegance to the glaze. For those looking to make the recipe more health-conscious, consider using coconut sugar or reducing the amount of confectioners’ sugar in the glaze.
