Brown Sugar Bars
Brown Sugar Bars are rich, chewy treats with a deep caramel flavor from brown sugar, topped with a sweet powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for dessert or snack time, they appeal to those who enjoy buttery, sugary baked goods with a hint of vanilla. Easy to prepare and universally loved.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Using an electric mixer, cream the margarine until smooth.
- Gradually add brown sugar, mixing well until combined.
- Mix in eggs one at a time.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, blending until smooth.
- Add vanilla flavoring and mix well.
- Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9 inch x 13 inch pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Remove from oven immediately and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Cut into bars and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses for a similar taste. Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour, as this can lead to dense bars. For added texture, try folding in some nuts or chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
These brown sugar bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair beautifully with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For a special occasion, consider drizzling them with chocolate or serving alongside Holiday Fudge for a festive dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover brown sugar bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Sugar Bars contains roughly 102 calories, with 1g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be denser. You might want to use a blend of both flours for a lighter result while still incorporating the health benefits of whole grains.
What can I add to the bars for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the batter. A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can also add a warm spice note, making these bars a delightful option for any time of year.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these brown sugar bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free as well. The bars may have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).