These Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts are a fun, nostalgic treat with a flaky, buttery pie crust filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a cheery pink glaze. A delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite, these pop tarts are made from scratch with love and care, providing a much more flavorful and fresh version than the store-bought variety.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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For the Pie Dough:
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½ cup ice cold water
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1 ⅓ cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 tsp granulated sugar
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Pinch of salt
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½ cup + 1 tbsp very cold butter, cut into ¼-inch slices
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For the Filling:
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¾ cup strawberry jam
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For the Egg Wash:
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1 egg yolk
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1 tbsp milk
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For the Glaze:
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1 cup confectioners’ sugar
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2-3 tbsp milk (divided)
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¼ tsp vanilla extract
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Squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
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Gel food coloring (optional)
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Assorted sprinkles (optional)
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Directions
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Prepare the Pie Dough:
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In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt.
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Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles pea-sized pieces.
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Slowly add the ice-cold water, mixing with your hands until the dough starts to come together.
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Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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Assemble the Pop Tarts:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 11×16 inches).
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Cut the dough into 10 rectangles (about 3×5 inches). Place 5 of the rectangles on the prepared baking sheet.
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Spoon 2 tbsp of strawberry jam onto the center of each of the 5 rectangles (these are the bottom crusts).
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Brush the edges of the bottom crusts with egg wash (mix the egg yolk with 1 tbsp of milk). Place the remaining dough rectangles on top.
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Seal the edges by pressing with your fingers, then crimp with a fork. Poke holes in the center to vent.
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Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
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Bake:
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Brush the tops of the pop tarts with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
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Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Cool on a wire rack.
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Make the Glaze:
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Whisk the confectioners’ sugar with milk, vanilla, and lemon juice (if using) to make the glaze. Add food coloring if desired.
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Once the pop tarts are cooled, spoon the glaze over the tops and sprinkle with your favorite toppings.
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Nutrients
Each pop tart (based on 5 servings) contains approximately:
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Calories: 320 kcal
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Protein: 3g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Dietary Fiber: 1g
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Sugars: 22g
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Fat: 15g
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Saturated Fat: 9g
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Cholesterol: 45mg
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Sodium: 180mg
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Potassium: 150mg
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Vitamin A: 6% DV
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Vitamin C: 2% DV
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Calcium: 4% DV
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Iron: 8% DV
The Benefits of Homemade Pop Tarts
One of the key reasons to make your own pop tarts is the ability to control the ingredients. Store-bought pop tarts often contain preservatives, artificial colors, and overly processed sugars. By making them at home, you can ensure that the ingredients are fresh and high-quality. You can also skip any artificial additives and customize the sweetness and filling to your liking. Whether you prefer organic ingredients or are looking to make a more health-conscious version, making pop tarts from scratch allows you to make adjustments to fit your dietary needs.
In addition to quality control, homemade pop tarts are far more flavorful than their store-bought counterparts. The buttery, flaky crust provides a depth of flavor that’s impossible to achieve with mass-produced versions. The strawberry jam used in this recipe is rich, tangy, and sweet, providing a fresh burst of flavor that elevates the entire treat. Paired with a simple glaze, these pop tarts offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
The Pie Dough: The Foundation of a Great Pop Tart
The base of these homemade pop tarts is a buttery pie dough that is key to achieving the perfect texture. The dough is flaky, tender, and just the right amount of crisp when baked. The cold butter is cut into the flour mixture, which creates layers in the dough. As the dough bakes, these layers puff up, creating a light and airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling. The key to a perfect dough lies in keeping the butter cold and not overworking it. This results in a dough that bakes up beautifully, with golden, crisp edges and a soft interior.
The addition of a little bit of sugar and salt enhances the dough’s flavor, making it just the right balance of savory and sweet. Using ice-cold water helps keep the dough chilled, preventing the butter from melting prematurely. Once assembled, refrigerating the dough for a couple of hours or overnight allows the dough to rest, making it easier to handle and ensuring that it holds its shape while baking.
The Strawberry Filling: A Sweet, Tangy Surprise
The strawberry filling in these pop tarts is where the magic happens. Rather than using artificial fruit fillings or overly processed jams, this recipe calls for strawberry jam, which adds a sweet, tangy depth of flavor. The strawberry jam offers a natural fruitiness that shines through, without being overly sweet. It’s the perfect contrast to the buttery dough and the sugary glaze, giving each pop tart a burst of fruit flavor in every bite.
If you prefer a more homemade filling, you could make your own strawberry compote or jam. Simply cook fresh strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of pectin until thickened. This allows you to control the sweetness and texture, ensuring that the jam complements the pastry perfectly.
The Glaze: Adding That Fun Touch
What sets homemade pop tarts apart from store-bought versions is the glaze. The glaze is what gives these pop tarts their signature look—bright, glossy, and inviting. Made with powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a squeeze of lemon juice (optional), the glaze adds a sweet finishing touch that ties everything together. The glaze is simple to make and only takes a few minutes to prepare, yet it elevates the overall aesthetic and flavor of the pop tarts.
The color of the glaze can be customized with a drop of food coloring, giving these pop tarts a cheerful, vibrant look. Pink is the classic color associated with strawberry pop tarts, but you can experiment with different colors to fit the season or your mood. Additionally, you can sprinkle the top with colorful sprinkles for a fun, festive touch. Whether you want a traditional look or something more creative, the glaze is where you can add your personal flair to the pop tarts.
Baking the Pop Tarts: Perfectly Golden and Crisp
Baking the homemade pop tarts results in a perfect combination of a golden, flaky crust and a soft, slightly chewy filling. The egg wash on top of the pastries ensures that the pop tarts develop a golden, crisp exterior, which contrasts beautifully with the tender interior. Baking them on parchment paper helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking, resulting in an evenly browned crust.
The key to achieving that perfect texture is to bake the pop tarts at a high temperature (375°F or 190°C). This ensures that the pastry cooks quickly, creating a golden crust while keeping the filling warm and gooey. Be sure to watch the pop tarts closely towards the end of the baking time, as they can go from golden to overcooked in a matter of minutes.
Once baked, allow the pop tarts to cool for a few minutes before glazing. This ensures that the glaze doesn’t melt off completely and that it sets properly, creating a smooth, glossy finish that’s both attractive and tasty.
Customization: Making These Pop Tarts Your Own
One of the best things about making your own pop tarts is the ability to customize the flavors and fillings to your liking. While strawberry jam is the classic filling, you can easily substitute it with other fruit preserves or jams, such as raspberry, blueberry, or even peach. You can also experiment with different toppings, like a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture.
For those looking to make these pop tarts a bit more indulgent, you could also add a layer of cream cheese or Nutella to the filling for an extra creamy, rich interior. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different flavored extracts, such as almond or lemon, in the glaze to complement the fruit filling. The possibilities are endless, and these pop tarts are a fun canvas for creativity in the kitchen.
Why You Should Make These Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts
Making your own strawberry pop tarts offers a sense of accomplishment that comes with baking from scratch. Not only do you get to enjoy a nostalgic treat, but you also get to experience the satisfaction of creating something delicious from start to finish. These homemade pop tarts are far more flavorful than their store-bought counterparts, and they allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and high-quality treat every time.
Additionally, these homemade pop tarts make for a great activity to share with friends or family. Whether you’re baking them for a weekend breakfast or making them for a special occasion, they are a fun and interactive treat to prepare together. The process is simple enough for beginner bakers but still rewarding for those with more experience in the kitchen.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts
In conclusion, Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast pastry. With their flaky, buttery crust, sweet strawberry filling, and vibrant glaze, these pop tarts are not only visually appealing but also incredibly flavorful. By making them from scratch, you can enjoy a fresher, more customizable version of this nostalgic treat, free from artificial additives and preservatives. Whether you’re craving something sweet for breakfast, a snack, or a fun dessert, these pop tarts will satisfy your taste buds and bring a little joy to your kitchen.