Brown Sugar PopTart Bars

Craving that warm, comforting taste of childhood? These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Poptart Bars are the answer! Imagine biting into a buttery, flaky crust, layered with a gooey, caramelized brown sugar cinnamon filling, all topped with a sweet glaze. This recipe takes everything you love about classic Poptarts and transforms it into an easy-to-make, shareable bar form. With the holidays approaching, and cozy baking season officially underway, these bars are the perfect treat to whip up for potlucks, bake sales, or simply a delightful afternoon indulgence. The irresistible aroma alone is enough to bring everyone to the kitchen!

As a passionate baker and recipe developer with over a decade of experience, I’ve always been drawn to nostalgic flavors and reinventing classic treats. I’ve spent countless hours perfecting baking techniques to ensure that every recipe I share is not only delicious but also achievable for bakers of all skill levels. These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Poptart Bars are a testament to that dedication, offering a simplified approach to a beloved breakfast pastry. The current trend of nostalgic baking and comfort food makes these bars especially appealing right now.

Let’s dive into creating these delightful bars, bringing a touch of sweetness and cinnamon-spiced warmth to your home!

Ingredients

Let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to create these irresistible bars. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our crust. Opt for unbleached all-purpose flour for the best results. It provides structure and tenderness.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors. Don’t skip it!
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust and helps with browning.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: The key to a flaky crust. Make sure it’s very cold and cut into small cubes. Butter provides richness and creates those desirable layers.
• Cold Shortening: Using shortening along with butter gives the crust a more tender texture and also increases flakiness.
• Ice Water: Binds the dough together without over-developing the gluten. Keep it as cold as possible.
• Brown Sugar: The star of the filling, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor. Light or dark brown sugar works, but dark brown sugar will give a more intense flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides that classic warm spice. Freshly ground cinnamon has the best aroma and flavor, if available.
• All-Purpose Flour (for filling): Helps to thicken the filling and prevent it from becoming too runny.
• Melted Butter (for filling): Adds richness and moisture to the filling.
• Powdered Sugar: For the glaze, creating a smooth and sweet finish.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Used to thin the glaze to the desired consistency. Heavy cream will result in a richer glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the glaze.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for binding.
• Butter Alternative: Substitute vegan butter sticks for regular butter.
• Sugar-Free: Use a brown sugar substitute and powdered sugar substitute, noting that the texture might be slightly different.
• Spice Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon filling for a more complex flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bake? Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Poptart Bars.

1. Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial for developing gluten and preventing shrinkage during baking.
4. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter. Mix well until a thick paste forms.
5. Assemble the Bars: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a rectangle about 9×13 inches. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Add Filling: Spread the brown sugar cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Top with Crust: Roll out the second disc of dough to the same size as the first. Carefully place it over the filling. Press the edges together to seal and crimp with a fork.
8. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
9. Cool and Glaze: Let the bars cool completely before making the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Glaze and Cut: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Let the glaze set before cutting into squares or rectangles.

Expert Tips for Perfect Poptart Bars

Through extensive testing, I’ve discovered some insider tips to elevate your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Poptart Bars to the next level.

• Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and ice water are essential for a flaky crust. Don’t skip this step! I even chill my flour sometimes during hot summer months.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Even Filling: Ensure the filling is spread evenly for a consistent flavor in every bite.
• Crimp Edges Well: Properly crimping the edges will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
• Optional Toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts, cinnamon sugar, or sprinkles over the glaze for added flair.

Storage & Substitutions

Here’s how to properly store your bars, plus some extra substitution ideas.

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked (unglazed) bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
• Nut Allergy: Omit any nut toppings.
• Vegan Variation: Use vegan butter and milk alternatives. Check the label on your powdered sugar to ensure it is vegan-friendly.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you master this recipe:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

Can I use pre-made pie crust?

While homemade crust provides the best flavor and texture, you can use store-bought pie crust in a pinch. Make sure to use two crusts for the top and bottom layers.

Why is my crust tough?

A tough crust is usually caused by overmixing the dough. Be gentle when mixing and avoid working the dough too much.

Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fillings like jam, chocolate, or peanut butter. Adjust baking time as needed.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Ensure that the edges of the crust are well-sealed and crimped. Also, avoid overfilling the bars.

Can I make these bars without shortening?

Yes, you can use all butter for the crust. However, using shortening contributes to a more tender and flaky texture. If using all butter, ensure it is very cold.

How do I get a shiny glaze?

Using heavy cream instead of milk in the glaze will give it a richer, shinier appearance.

Bake, Share, and Enjoy!

These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Poptart Bars are more than just a recipe; they’re a delightful trip down memory lane, combined with the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. With their flaky crust, gooey filling, and sweet glaze, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of pure comfort. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family – and be sure to tag me in your photos! Happy baking!

Looking for more nostalgic treats? Try my Homemade Oatmeal Cookies, Peanut Butter Blossoms.

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