Brown Sugar Poptart Bars with Freshly Milled Flour
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As the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisp during this fall season, I always find myself turning to nostalgic recipes to cozy up with! One of those nostalgic treats that many of us grew up with is the classic Poptart. Classic flavor means something different to everyone, but to me it’s the Poptarts with the delicious cinnamon frosting! Today, I’m excited to share a homemade version. These bars capture the essence of that beloved childhood favorite treat while incorporating whole ingredients that you can actually feel good about. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a classic with a healthier twist!
The Benefits of Freshly Milled Flour
If you’re not familiar with my journey, I’ve been advocating for the benefits of freshly milled flour for years, highlighting how it’s transformed my nutrition and overall lifestyle. When it comes to baking, the type of flour you use can really elevate both the flavor and nutritional value of your recipes. Freshly milled flour is a powerhouse, packed with nutrients and boasting a rich, nutty taste that store-bought options just can’t compete with. Milling your own flour helps preserve the oils and vitamins that can fade in pre-packaged varieties. For these Brown Sugar Poptart Bars, soft white wheat flour is the star, delivering a tender, flaky texture that perfectly complements the delicious filling.
The Irresistible Filling
The brown sugar cinnamon filling is truly the star of the show. Using coconut sugar gives the filling a rich caramel-like flavor, while the almond butter adds a unique, nutty element. Ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt round out the flavors. This filling is not just sweet; it has depth and complexity that elevates the bars beyond its store-bought counterparts.
Glazing for Perfection
Once your bars are baked to a golden brown, it’s time for the glaze—a final touch that takes them from great to absolutely irresistible. The combination of powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a sweet topping that balances beautifully with the rich filling and flaky crust. Drizzling the glaze over the tops of your pop tarts not only adds visual appeal but also a delightful sweetness in every bite.
Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars Vs. Store-bought: Which is Better?
When it comes to those colorful, convenient store-bought Pop Tarts that many of us grew up with, it’s easy to overlook what’s actually on the inside. Let’s break down some of the ingredients that make these treats less appealing, especially when compared to our homemade pop tarts made with freshly milled flour.
Refined Flour: The Empty Carbs
Store-bought Pop Tarts rely on refined purpose flour, which is stripped of its bran and germ, leaving mostly empty carbs. This means no fiber to help slow digestion and a lack of nutrients that whole grains offer. In contrast, our recipe uses freshly milled soft white wheat, which retains all the fiber and nutrients, making each bite not only tastier but also more nourishing for longer.
Sneaky Added Sugars
Store-bought varieties can pack over 30 grams of sugar in a single Pop Tart, thanks to added sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup and dextrose. Our Brown Sugar Pop Tart Bars strike the perfect balance with a wholesome filling made from coconut sugar and satisfying almond butter, keeping the sweetness natural and just right—so you can enjoy a treat without the intense sugar crash!
Partially Hydrogenated Oils
Many commercial Pop Tarts contain partially hydrogenated oils, this is where those pesky trans fats lurk. Even small amounts can negatively impact cholesterol levels. Our recipe? It calls for melted coconut oil, a healthier fat option that not only adds flavor but is also better for your heart.
Artificial Colors, Flavors, and Preservatives
Store-bought treats are notorious for artificial ingredients. Those neon colors are not from real fruit! The “strawberry” flavor? It’s just pesky chemicals mimicking the taste. Our freshly milled Brown Sugar Pop Tart Bars, however, are made from real, wholesome ingredients—no fake colors or flavors here! From the brown sugar filling to the cinnamon glaze, we try to make a focus on rich, natural tastes that come from simple, quality ingredients. Our shortbread crust has no weird aftertaste, and a lot more dense than crumbly.
Storage Tips
After slicing your Brown Sugar Poptart Bars, you’ll want to ensure they stay fresh and delicious.
Cool Completely
Before you even think about storage, let those bars cool completely. This is key! If you store them while they’re still warm, you risk condensation, which can make them soggy. So, patience is a virtue here—let them cool on a wire rack until they’re at room temperature.
Choose Your Container
For short-term storage (up to a week), place the sliced bars in an airtight container. You can use a plastic container —whatever you have on hand works! If you’re feeling fancy, you can layer the bars between a piece of parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
Freezing for Later
Got leftovers that you can’t finish in a week? No problem! These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or sheet of parchment paper and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to three months! When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm them back up.
Avoid Moisture
Keep an eye out for moisture in your storage container. If you notice any condensation, it’s time to dry the container and ensure your bars are completely cool before resealing. Nobody wants a soggy pop tart!
Customize Your Glaze Storage
If you have leftover glaze, store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge. You can drizzle it on freshly thawed bars for an extra touch of sweetness when you’re ready to indulge!
With these storage tips, you can enjoy your Brown Sugar Popt art Bars over several days or weeks, maintaining that delicious flavor and texture.
FAQ: Your Questions About Making Pastry-Like Recipes Answered!
Welcome to the FAQ section!
I’ve compiled some of the most common questions I receive when it comes to making delicious pastry-like recipes. Let’s dive in!
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Definitely! If you’re looking to replace some not-so-healthy store-bought poptarts, these bars store well and can be made a few days in advance. Just allow them to cool completely, then cover them in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in a warm oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
What Kitchen Tools Do I Need to Make These Bars?
You’ll want a few key tools on hand, including mixing bowls, measuring cups, and a baking sheet. A large mixing bowl is perfect for your flour mixture, while a medium mixing bowl works well for your brown sugar cinnamon filling. A pastry cutter is not necessary, as there is no cold butter in this recipe.
Don’t forget a rolling pin to roll out your tart dough on a clean, floured work surface. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is essential for baking your bars to golden perfection. If you have a stand mixer or food processor, they can make mixing easier, but mixing by hand is also totally doable. A bench scraper will help you handle the dough without making a mess. Once baked, a sharp knife or pizza cutter is perfect for cutting neat rectangles, and you might even find the back of a spoon handy when spreading the glaze.
How Do I Make the Glaze Thicker or Thinner?
Adjusting your glaze’s consistency is a breeze! If you’re aiming for a thicker glaze, just add more confectioners’ sugar until you reach your desired thickness. For a thinner glaze, mix in a little more milk—about one teaspoon at a time—until it’s just right. This flexibility allows you to customize the glaze to your liking, whether you want it to drizzle beautifully over the top of the pop tart or sit more solidly atop your bars.
How can I Adjust the Sweetness in the Filling?
If you prefer a less sweet filling, consider using less coconut sugar or substituting with other natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Just remember that these alternatives may introduce additional moisture, so you might need to adjust the other ingredients slightly to maintain the right consistency. Finding that perfect balance can lead to a filling that’s just right for your taste buds!
How do I Know When the Poptart Bars are Perfectly Baked?
To tell when your bars are done, look for a lovely golden brown color around the edges. Insert a toothpick into the center of each rectangle; it should come out clean. You want the bars to have a firm texture while still feeling slightly soft when pressed. Trust your instincts and keep an eye on them during those final minutes in the preheated oven—nobody wants overbaked pop tarts!
Are There Any Nutritional Benefits to Using Coconut Sugar?
Coconut sugar is often touted for its lower glycemic index compared to regular sugars, meaning it may cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels. It’s also rich in minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium, making it a slightly healthier choice for sweetening your treats. While it’s still sugar, it can be a better alternative when used in moderation!
Can I Substitute the Coconut Oil with Another Fat in these Poptart Bars?
Absolutely! While coconut oil gives these bars a subtle flavor and a lovely texture, you can easily swap it for other fats. Unsalted butter is a fantastic alternative and will create a rich, buttery taste. Ghee or even vegetable oil can work, too. Just keep in mind that each fat may slightly alter the final flavor and texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
If I Opted for Brown Sugar, Should I Use Light or Dark?
It is totally up to you. Light brown sugar has a milder taste with just a hint of molasses, making it perfect if you want to keep things sweet and subtle. On the other hand, dark brown sugar offers a more robust, caramel-like flavor thanks to its higher molasses content. Whichever you choose, both options will enhance the deliciousness of your treat, so feel free to experiment and find the perfect match for your taste buds! Want to Make brown sugar at home? Watch my recipe here.
Conclusion
In a world filled with processed snacks, taking the time to create something homemade can feel like a true labor of love. I think these Brown Sugar Poptart Bars made with Freshly Milled Flour embody that spirit perfectly. Happy Baking!
Brown Sugar Poptart Bars with Fresh Milled Flour
Ingredients
- Shortbread
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp. fresh milled soft white wheat finely milled
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling
- ¾ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar, or maple sugar or sucanat
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch salt
- Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- 3-4 tsp. milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line a 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Layer
- In a small bowl, combine coconut sugar, cinnamon, coconut oil, almond butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix well.
- Make the Shortbread
- In a medium bowl, combine fresh milled flour, salt, vanilla, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Stir until well combined. Divide the mixture in half and spread half of the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Layer the brown sugar mixture over the top, as evenly as possible. Top with the remaining shortbread mixture. I found the best method for this is to break off a small bit of the shortbread dough and flatten it out with your fingers. Then layer it onto the brown sugar mixture, pressing the pieces together as you go.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown around the edges.
- Make the Glaze
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth and no more clumps remain.
- Once the bars are full cooled, cover them in the glaze and allow it to set. Slice the bars and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 7-10 days.
