Description

Delight in these Frosted Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Bars, featuring a tender cinnamon-infused dough layered with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a smooth, flavorful cinnamon vanilla frosting. Perfectly baked for a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth, these bars make a scrumptious dessert or snack to brighten any day.

Ingredients

Scale

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 extra as needed

Filling

1 jar strawberry jam (around 1 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup dark brown sugar (can use up to 1/2 cup)
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, divided (to adjust consistency)

Instructions

Make the dough: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, and 2 sticks softened butter until combined. Add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and 1/3 cup cold water and mix until the dough forms a ball, adding an additional 1-2 tablespoons water if needed for consistency.
Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
Shape the dough: Divide the dough in half. Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. On a separate piece of parchment paper, trace the outline of the baking dish, and roll out the remaining dough just beyond this traced square. Set the rolled dough aside for later.
Make the filling: Spread the jar of strawberry jam evenly over the dough pressed in the pan. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 2 teaspoons flour, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle or gently spread this mixture evenly over the jam layer.
Add top dough layer: Carefully invert the rolled dough square over the filling layer and gently press down to secure it. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
Freeze and bake: Place the bars in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up. Then bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the center is set and the bars are lightly golden on top. Remove and allow to cool completely.
Make the frosting: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add 1-2 tablespoons water to achieve a smooth, drizzleable consistency, adding more water if needed.
Finish and serve: Drizzle the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Let the frosting set before cutting into bars. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

For firmer bars, chill the dough before baking.
Adjust cinnamon quantity in filling and frosting according to preference for spice intensity.
Use any berry jam as a substitute for strawberry jam for a different flavor.
Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
Store bars at room temperature in an airtight container; avoid refrigeration to keep frosting texture intact.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry bars, Cinnamon bars, Frosted bars, Soft bars, Baked dessert, Strawberry jam dessert