Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars: A Nostalgic and Delicious Treat

These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars are a delicious twist on the classic pop tarts many of us loved as kids. With a buttery, cinnamon-infused dough and a rich brown sugar-cinnamon filling, these bars are simple yet incredibly satisfying. Topped with a sweet cinnamon icing, these bars bring back all the nostalgia of your favorite childhood treat, but in a soft, buttery bar form. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these bars are sure to be a hit for both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This:

You’ll love these pop-tart bars for their soft, buttery texture and delicious cinnamon-sugar filling. The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet, creamy icing. These bars are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, but they taste like a special indulgence. Plus, they’re a fun and nostalgic twist on the classic pop tart, making them perfect for anyone who loved pop tarts growing up.

Perfect Occasion:

These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars are perfect for any occasion where you want a comforting, sweet treat. They’re great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a dessert for a gathering. They also make a fun treat to bake with kids, bringing a sense of nostalgia to your baking routine. These bars are perfect for sharing at family gatherings, bake sales, or as a sweet snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

Decoration Tips:

To make these bars extra special, drizzle the icing generously over the top and add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a decorative touch. You can also top the bars with cinnamon sugar or crushed graham crackers before baking for added texture. If you want to get creative, cut the bars into fun shapes or decorate with a dusting of powdered sugar for a more elegant presentation.

Ingredients for the Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup soft butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Make the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the soft butter, brown sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth and well combined. You can mix by hand or use a stand mixer for ease. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until incorporated.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
   Mix in the flour and cinnamon, stirring until a dough forms. It may seem a bit dry at first, but keep mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Prepare the Base Layer:
   Split the dough in half. Press one half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared 8×8 baking dish, making sure it’s evenly pressed flat. Set the other half of the dough aside.
5. Make the Filling:
   In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, flour, and cinnamon to make the filling. Spread this brown sugar cinnamon filling evenly over the dough layer in the baking dish.
6. Top with Dough:
   Take the remaining dough and press it into an 8×8-inch square on a piece of parchment paper. Carefully place this dough layer over the filling in the baking dish, pressing it gently to fit.
7. Bake the Bars:
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and fully set.
8. Cool and Ice:
   Allow the bars to cool for about 15 minutes before icing. While they cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and milk to make the icing.
9. Finish and Serve:
   Drizzle the cinnamon icing over the cooled pop-tart bars. Once the icing sets, slice into bars and enjoy!

Enjoy!