Quick Brown Sugar Bars
Indulge in the sweet simplicity of Quick Brown Sugar Bars, a buttery, soft treat that comes together in just 30 minutes! Made with pantry staples like light brown sugar, unsalted butter, and a touch of vanilla extract, these bars are richly flavorful with a subtle caramel undertone. Their versatile batter can be customized with chocolate chips or crunchy nuts, making them perfect for a quick dessert or snack. With only 10 minutes of prep time and a fuss-free bake in an 8x8-inch pan, these bars are ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth without the wait. Serve them fresh from the pan or store for later—they’ll stay tender and delicious for days!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave in 20-second intervals until fully melted. Allow it to cool slightly.
Whisk the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the melted butter until well combined.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until smooth.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
If using chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly soft.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
Cut into squares or bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2448 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 88.1 g | 113% | |
| Saturated Fat | 50.0 g | 250% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 320 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 1012 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 407.6 g | 148% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.3 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 298.9 g | ||
| Protein | 26.7 g | 53% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 257 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 10.9 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 783 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
