Description
Delight in these homemade Cinnamon Sugar Poptart Bars, featuring a creamy cream cheese pastry filled with a sweet cinnamon brown sugar filling, topped with a luscious cinnamon glaze. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these bars offer a nostalgic twist on a classic breakfast treat, ideal for sharing or savoring any time of day.
Ingredients
Pastry:
- 6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
Filling:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 325 ºF. Line a quarter sheet baking tray with parchment paper to ensure the poptart bars don’t stick during baking.
- Make the Pastry Dough: In a kitchen aid stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, softened butter, heavy cream, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth. Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead the dough 3 to 4 times until a solid dough ball comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Form each into a rectangle, wrap them separately in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll Out Dough Layer One: Remove one dough portion from the fridge and roll it out into a rectangle matching the size of your baking tray. Place this rolled dough onto the prepared parchment paper on the baking tray.
- Prepare and Spread Filling: In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, melted butter, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until well combined. Spread this filling evenly over the first dough layer, covering from edge to edge.
- Roll Out Dough Layer Two and Assemble: Roll out the second dough portion to the same size as the first. Carefully lay this second rolled dough over the filling. Using a fork, pinch the edges of the dough layers together to seal the poptart crust, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
- Bake the Poptart Bars: Place the assembled poptart bars into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the crust is golden and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: While the poptart bars are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze and Cool: Once baked, allow the poptart bars to cool slightly before spreading the cinnamon glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set before cutting into 12 mini bars and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the dough.
- Chilling the dough helps with easier rolling and prevents shrinking during baking.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Seal the edges well with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
- Let the bars cool enough before glazing to ensure the glaze adheres properly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American