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–+ servings

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars

Soft, buttery shortbread bars with a rich cinnamon-sugar center and a spiced vanilla glaze.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 1
Course: Bars, Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

The Dough
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
The Filling
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
The Icing
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Gradually fold in the flour and cinnamon, mixing just until a stiff dough forms.
  4. Press exactly half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the filling ingredients: brown sugar, melted butter, flour, and cinnamon. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom dough layer, leaving a tiny gap around the edges.
  6. Place the remaining dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll or press into a square slightly smaller than the pan. Peel off the top paper, then flip the dough onto the filling. Gently press the edges to seal.
  7. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
  8. Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the icing ingredients until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the warm bars.
  9. Allow the icing to set completely before slicing into 16 squares. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22g

Notes

For the dough, use softened butter (not melted) to avoid greasy bars.
To ensure the layers fuse, leave a small border around the filling when spreading.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For a deeper flavor, toast the cinnamon briefly in a dry pan before adding to the filling.
Substitute whole wheat pastry flour for half the all-purpose flour for a nuttier taste.
These bars freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

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