Making a perfect homemade Pop Tart involves a few key steps, but the results are definitely worth the effort. You can customize the filling and even the crust, making it more flavorful than the store-bought version. Here’s how you can create your own delicious Pop Tarts from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ice water (or as needed)
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry work well)
- Optional: 1-2 tbsp sugar (if you want extra sweetness)
For the glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
Start by preparing the dough for your Pop Tarts. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Once the butter is mixed in, add the egg and a few tablespoons of ice water, stirring until the dough begins to come together. Add more water if necessary, a teaspoon at a time. You don’t want the dough to be too wet, so only add as much water as needed.
Once the dough is formed, divide it into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to roll out.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
After the dough has chilled, lightly flour a surface and roll one disc out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a ruler and a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into rectangles (about 3×4 inches, but you can adjust the size depending on how big or small you want your Pop Tarts).
If you want uniform sizes, you can use a template or a cookie cutter, but rectangles work best for a traditional Pop Tart shape.
3. Assemble the Pop Tarts:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place one rectangle of dough on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about a tablespoon of your desired jam or preserves into the center of the dough rectangle, spreading it out slightly, but leaving a border around the edges. Be careful not to overfill, or the jam may leak out during baking.
Place a second rectangle of dough on top, aligning the edges carefully. Use a fork to press down around the edges, sealing the Pop Tart. If you prefer, you can use your fingers to crimp the edges to create a more decorative seal. This also helps keep the filling from escaping during baking.
Optional: Use a sharp knife to make small slits in the top of each Pop Tart to allow steam to escape as they bake.
4. Bake:
Place the assembled Pop Tarts in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
5. Make the Glaze (Optional):
While the Pop Tarts are cooling, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Glaze and Decorate:
Once the Pop Tarts have cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more even application. If you want to add sprinkles, now is the time! Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfection:
- Chill the dough: It’s crucial to chill the dough before rolling it out. This prevents the butter from melting and helps create a flakier, more delicate crust.
- Use your favorite fillings: Experiment with different flavors of jams or preserves. You can also use Nutella, peanut butter, or even fresh fruit for filling.
- Make ahead: If you’re short on time, you can make the dough and filling ahead of time, then bake them later.
- Store in an airtight container: Homemade Pop Tarts are best enjoyed within a few days, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Enjoy your homemade Pop Tarts fresh out of the oven for breakfast or as a sweet snack anytime!