Description

Delight in these Frosted Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Bars featuring a buttery cinnamon layer, a sweet strawberry jam filling, and a smooth maple vanilla frosting. Perfectly soft and tender, these bars combine the warmth of cinnamon with the fruity brightness of strawberry jam, all topped with a luscious maple glaze. A cozy treat ideal for dessert or afternoon snacking.

Ingredients

For the Dough

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 sticks salted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup cold water (plus 1-2 tablespoons additional water as needed)

For the Filling

1 jar strawberry jam (around 1 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

For the Frosting

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-4 tablespoons water (to thin the frosting as needed)

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Instructions

Make the dough: In a 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 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and 1/3 cup cold water, beating until just combined. Add 1-2 tablespoons more cold water as needed to form a dough ball.
Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Shape the dough base: Divide the dough in half. Press half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. On a separate sheet of parchment paper, trace the 9×9 inch pan, then roll out the remaining dough just past the traced square. Set this rolled dough aside carefully.
Add the filling: Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the dough in the baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 2 teaspoons flour, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle or spread this cinnamon filling evenly over the jam layer.
Assemble the top layer: Carefully invert the rolled dough square over the filling, gently pressing it down to secure it. Trim any excess dough edges to fit the pan.
Chill and bake: Freeze the assembled bars for 15 minutes to set. Then bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes until the center is set and the crust is golden.
Prepare the frosting: While the bars cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to make a smooth drizzle-able frosting, thinning further with up to 2 additional tablespoons if needed.
Finish and serve: Drizzle the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Allow the frosting to dry before cutting into 16 bars. Serve fresh or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

For best results, use cold water to help form the dough without making it sticky.
Adjust the amount of water in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency.
Chilling the bars before baking prevents the top crust from shrinking and helps maintain the layered look.
Use good quality strawberry jam for the best flavor.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American