Frosted Soft Strawberry Brown Sugar Bars

There is something undeniably cozy about the combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and sweet strawberry jam baked into a soft, buttery bar. These Frosted Soft Strawberry Brown Sugar Bars are exactly that kind of treat. Imagine biting into a tender, slightly chewy bar with a rich brown sugar base, a sweet and fruity strawberry filling, and a silky, cinnamon-kissed frosting on top. Every bite feels like comfort in dessert form, perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. Trust me, this recipe is going to become a favorite for your family and friends, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.

Recipe Origin
Inspired by classic cinnamon-sugar pastries and fruit-filled bars, this recipe takes the best flavors of a strawberry cinnamon roll and simplifies them into easy-to-bake bars. Using brown sugar in the dough and filling gives them a rich, caramel-like depth, while the frosting adds a sweet finishing touch that brings everything together.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Mixing Bowls: One for dough, one for filling, and one for frosting.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate baking.
Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: To cream butter and sugar for the dough smoothly.
Baking Pan: An 8×8 or 9×13 pan works depending on how thick you want your bars.
Spatula: To spread the dough, filling, and frosting evenly.
Whisk: To mix the frosting ingredients until smooth.
Cooling Rack: To let the bars cool completely before frosting.

Why You’ll Love Frosted Soft Strawberry Brown Sugar Bars
This recipe isn’t just about taste, it’s about creating a dessert that feels special and homey at the same time.

Soft and Tender: The brown sugar dough creates bars that are chewy, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth.

Fruity and Sweet: Strawberry jam adds a fruity pop that balances the rich cinnamon and brown sugar flavors perfectly.

Easy to Make: The dough is simple to combine, and the bars bake quickly, making this a stress-free dessert.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack to enjoy with coffee or tea.

Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, swap jam flavors, or add chopped nuts for extra texture.

Ingredients in Frosted Soft Strawberry Brown Sugar Bars
Let’s break down what makes these bars so special.

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough, giving structure while keeping the bars soft.

Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like richness to both the dough and the filling.

Butter: Provides moisture, richness, and tenderness to the dough, filling, and frosting.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the dough and frosting, adding warmth and aroma.

Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the filling and frosting with a cozy, spicy note that pairs beautifully with strawberries.

Strawberry Jam: Brings sweetness, color, and fruity flavor to the bars.

Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle depth to the frosting.

Powdered Sugar: Makes the frosting smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Here’s how to bring these soft, strawberry-filled bars to life.

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to the temperature in the recipe card. Preheating ensures even baking and a perfect texture.

Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and dark brown sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add vanilla extract and mix until it forms a soft dough.

Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough in the pan.

Add the Strawberry Layer: Spoon the strawberry jam evenly over the brown sugar filling, spreading gently so it covers the bars without mixing with the filling.

Bake the Bars: Place in the oven and bake according to the time in the recipe card, until the edges are golden and the bars are set.

Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. Cooling is important so that the frosting doesn’t melt into the bars.

Prepare the Frosting: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust consistency with a little water if needed.

Frost the Bars: Spread or drizzle the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Let it set slightly before cutting into squares.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice the bars into squares or rectangles. Each bite combines soft, buttery dough, sweet strawberry filling, and a creamy, cinnamon frosting that is impossible to resist.

Nutrition Facts
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How to Serve Frosted Soft Strawberry Brown Sugar Bars
These bars are versatile and delicious in many ways.

With Coffee or Tea: The sweetness of the bars pairs perfectly with a hot beverage.

As a Snack: Great for lunchboxes, afternoon treats, or post-school snacks.

Breakfast Treat: Pair with yogurt or fresh fruit for a sweet breakfast option.

Party Dessert: Arrange on a platter with other baked goods for brunches or gatherings.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can bake the bars a day ahead and frost them just before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well, either frosted or unfrosted.

Variations to Try
Use raspberry or apricot jam instead of strawberry for a different flavor. Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for texture. Drizzle white chocolate over the frosting for extra indulgence.

Additional Tips
Room Temperature Butter: Makes the dough easier to mix and results in a softer texture.
Even Spreading: Make sure the filling and jam layers are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.
Don’t Rush Cooling: Frosting melts if bars are warm, so let them cool completely.
Double the Batch: Freeze unfrosted bars for an easy treat later.

FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
A1: Yes, it will be slightly lighter in flavor but still delicious.

Q2: Can I substitute another jam?
A2: Absolutely, any fruit jam works well, depending on your preference.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer.

Q4: Can I make the frosting ahead?
A4: Yes, it can be prepared in advance and spread over cooled bars before serving.

Q5: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A5: Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly.

Q6: Can I add nuts to the dough or filling?
A6: Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add great texture.

Q7: Can I make smaller bars for portion control?
A7: Yes, cut them into smaller squares or rectangles as desired.

Q8: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A8: Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch.

Q9: Can I use a different sweetener for frosting?
A9: Maple syrup works well, and honey can be used for a slight variation in flavor.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, use a larger baking pan and adjust baking time as needed.

Conclusion
These Frosted Soft Strawberry Brown Sugar Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, buttery, and fruity. They are soft, tender, and packed with flavor from the brown sugar, cinnamon, and strawberry filling. The frosting adds a finishing touch that makes them irresistible. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. They are easy to make, visually appealing, and taste like they were made with love. Perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself, these bars bring comfort and joy in every bite.

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