Salted Caramel Brown Sugar Cinnamon Sourdough Pop Tart Bars Recipe
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Salted Caramel Brown Sugar Cinnamon Sourdough Pop Tart Bars. These bars feature a buttery sourdough crust layered with a luscious brown sugar cinnamon filling and topped with a smooth salted caramel glaze. Perfectly soft and subtly tart from sourdough discard, they make a delightful dessert or an elevated snack that’s both nostalgic and gourmet.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9-16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Dough:
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup sourdough discard
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp salted butter, melted
For the Salted Caramel:
- 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted) or avocado oil
- 1/4 cup smooth almond butter
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 3–4 tbsp milk of choice
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Trace pan outline: On a separate piece of parchment paper, trace a square outline matching the pan size and set aside; this will help shape the top dough layer.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the sourdough discard and the egg, combining well. Then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, and beat until just incorporated.
- Incorporate flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until the dough comes together but do not overmix.
- Divide and press dough: Divide the dough into two halves. Press one half firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan using the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Shape top dough: On the parchment with the traced square, press the other half of the dough evenly inside the outline. Chill this in the refrigerator while preparing fillings.
- Make brown sugar cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted salted butter until smooth and well mixed.
- Make salted caramel: In another small bowl, mix melted coconut or avocado oil, almond butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Spread fillings: Evenly spread the brown sugar cinnamon filling over the dough in the pan. Then drizzle the salted caramel over the top and spread it evenly.
- Top with reserved dough: Carefully place the chilled dough square over the filling and gently press down to secure it without squeezing out the fillings.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the top is a light golden brown and the dough feels soft to the touch. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Make glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and milk until smooth to create the glaze.
- Glaze and cut: Once fully cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top and spread lightly.
- Serve: Cut into 9 to 16 squares depending on desired size. Serve and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use sourdough discard that is room temperature and not too watery.
- Feel free to substitute dairy-free butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
- The glaze thickness can be adjusted by adding more or less milk depending on preference.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can be frozen for up to one month; thaw before glazing for best texture.
- You can swap almond butter for peanut butter if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (if cut into 12 bars)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Salted caramel sourdough bars, Brown sugar cinnamon pop tart bars, Sourdough discard desserts, Homemade pop tart bars, Salted caramel dessert bars