Pop-Tarts are a classic American childhood treat, that most of you grew up eating. Being an immigrant I was introduced to pop tarts by a dear friend and I instantly loved them. Did you know how easy it is to make pop-tarts at home? This is my shortcut pop tart recipe, that is easy, quick to make, and uber delicious. I like to use store-bought pie crust to make these, which makes it so easy.
Pop tart has always been a nostalgic treat. Crisp buttery pastry, filled with your favorite preserves, these make for an indulgent snack or a quick dessert. Whenever I make this treat, I am the one enjoying it more than my daughter. She is a savory gal, and I like some sweet treats. This pop tart recipe is a keeper.
The most important part of making a good pop tart is the crust. One of the easiest ways to achieve that flaky, buttery texture is by using pie crust. Whether you make the dough from scratch or use store-bought pie crust, these homemade Pop-Tarts will be fresher, tastier, and free of artificial ingredients. You can also make these tarts using puff pastry if you wish too, but I think pie crust tastes better.
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What Are Pop-Tarts?
Pop tarts are a nostalgic treat made with flaky buttery pie crust, filled with jam preserves, or Nutella. It is baked until perfectly golden, and topped with icing and sprinkles. They make for a delightful treat to make for your kid's snacks. You can also make these for play dates, and bring them to picnics.
If you haven't tried making these delicious treats at home, I highly recommend you should. You will be surprised how easy and low-effort these treats are.
My favorite fillings are Nutella and strawberry jam. You can also add some cream cheese to make a New York cheesecake-style pop tart which tastes so delicious.
Why You'll Love Them
- Flaky and Buttery: Using pie crust gives these Pop-Tarts a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Endless Customization: You can fill them with your favorite jams, Nutella, or even a savory filling.
- No Artificial Ingredients: Unlike store-bought versions, you control what goes into them.
- Fun to Make: Perfect for a family baking activity with kids or meal-prepping breakfast treats.
Ingredients To Make This Recipe
Pie Crust - I am using store-bought pie crust. Follow the instructions on the packaging to make sure you dethaw the pie crust properly.
Fruit Preserves - You can use any fruit jams or preserve of your choice. I am using my 3 ingredients homemade strawberry jam.
Egg - We will use 1 large egg to make the egg wash for the pastry.
Icing Sugar - To make the icing we will need icing sugar
Milk - The icing will be made by mixing icing sugar and milk.
Vanilla - Vanilla adds a delicious floral tone to the icing.
Sprinkles - Use any sprinkles of your choice.
Step-By-Step Recipe
Cut out rectangles (about 3x5 inches) using a knife or pastry cutter. You’ll need two rectangles per Pop-Tart.
Place one rectangle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread about 1 tablespoon of your chosen filling in the center, leaving a small border around the edges.
Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash, then place another rectangle on top. Press the edges together with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp the edges for a classic look. Poke a few holes on top with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the Pop-Tarts with egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before adding glaze.
Mix the powdered sugar, milk, strawberry jam, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled Pop-Tarts, then top with sprinkles if desired. Let the glaze set before serving.
Storage Tips
Homemade Pop-Tarts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them (before glazing) and reheat them in an oven or air fryer.
Expert Tips To Make Pop-Tarts At Home
- Use good quality store-bought pie crust. You can also make pie crust at home.
- I recommend either using fresh homemade fruit preserves or a really good quality fruit preserve from the store.
- Add about a tablespoon of filling in the pop tarts. If you overfill them, the jam will find its way to come out, and the pop-tarts won't look as pretty.
- Seal the pop tarts properly and don't forget to poke holes on them for the steam to come out.
- The egg wash gives a beautiful golden glaze to the crust. If you don't have eggs, add a pinch of turmeric to the butter and glaze the pop-tarts.
- Let the pop tarts cool completely before glazing them.
- Try different flavors for these pop tarts.
Variations You Can Try
Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate spread or peanut butter for the filling.
Savory Twist: Try ham and cheese or scrambled eggs for a breakfast version.
Cinnamon Sugar Classic: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter as the filling for a nostalgic taste.
Homemade Pop-Tarts with pie crust are an easy, delicious way to enjoy this childhood favorite without all the additives. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat, these flaky pastries are sure to be a hit. Try different fillings and glazes to make them your own!
More Recipes You Might Like
Homemade Pop Tarts With Pie Crust
These nutrional values are automatically generated. Use them for estimation only.
Ingredients
- 1 Package Pie Crust 2 sheets of Pie Crust
- 1 Cup Strawberry Jam
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 Cups Icing Sugar
- 3 Tablespoons Milk
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
- 2 Tablespoons Strawberry Jam
- ¼ Cup Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven at 400 F.
- Unroll the dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a knife or pastry cutter to cut out rectangles (about 3x5 inches). You’ll need two rectangles per Pop-Tart.
- Place one rectangle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread about 1 tablespoon of your chosen filling in the center, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Beat the egg for your egg wash.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash. Then place another rectangle on top.
- Press the edges together with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp the edges for a classic look. Poke a few holes on top with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the tops of the Pop-Tarts with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before adding glaze.
- Mix the powdered sugar, milk, strawberry jam and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled Pop-Tarts, then top with sprinkles if desired. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Use good quality store-bought pie crust. You can also make pie crust at home.
- I recommend either using fresh homemade fruit preserves or a really good quality fruit preserve from the store.
- Add about a tablespoon of filling in the pop tarts. If you overfill them, the jam will find its way to come out, and the pop-tarts won't look as pretty.
- Seal the pop tarts properly and don't forget to poke holes on them for the steam to come out.
- The egg wash gives a beautiful golden glaze to the crust. If you don't have eggs, add a pinch of turmeric to the butter and glaze the pop-tarts.
- Let the pop tarts cool completely before glazing them.
- Try different flavors for these pop tarts.
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