Description
These Frosted Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery cinnamon-infused dough layered with sweet strawberry jam and a spiced cinnamon topping, finished with a smooth maple-vanilla frosting. Perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack, these bars combine soft texture and rich flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup cold water (plus 1-2 tablespoons as needed)
Filling
- 1 jar (about 1 1/2 cups) strawberry jam
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1-4 tablespoons water (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the flour, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, and 2 sticks of salted butter until combined. Add the vanilla extract and 1/3 cup cold water, continuing to beat until the mixture begins to come together. Add an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons of water as needed until the dough forms a ball.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Shape the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Press half the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. On a separate sheet of parchment paper, trace the 9×9 inch baking dish outline and roll out the remaining dough just beyond the traced edges to create a square large enough to cover the filling later. Set this rolled dough aside.
- Make the filling: Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the dough pressed in the dish. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 2 teaspoons flour, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle or spread this cinnamon filling evenly over the jam layer.
- Assemble the bars: Carefully pick up the reserved rolled-out dough and invert it over the filling layer, gently pressing down to secure. Trim any excess dough from the edges for a neat finish.
- Freeze and bake: Place the assembled bars in the freezer for 15 minutes to help the dough set. Then bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Cool the bars: Remove the baked bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding extra water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the frosting is too thick.
- Frost and serve: Drizzle the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Let the frosting dry and set before cutting into 16 bars. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- If the dough feels too sticky, chill it briefly before rolling out.
- Use high-quality strawberry jam for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon in the filling and frosting to your taste preference.
- Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for longer freshness, but let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Ensure the frosting is smooth and pourable for easy drizzling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
