Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts
User Reviews
4.5
Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts
Description
The "Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts" recipe involves creating a rich, flaky pastry crust from cold butter blended into flour, sugar, and salt, then moistened with egg and milk. The filling is a cooked strawberry jam thickened with cornstarch for stability during baking, alongside an optional brown sugar-cinnamon mixture that adds warmth and depth. Baking these assembled pastries produces a light, crisp crust encasing the slightly sweet, tangy strawberry filling. The final touch includes either a plain vanilla or cinnamon-spiced icing drizzle, adding sweetness and a delicate glaze.
The filling's cooked consistency ensures it won't seep excessively during baking, maintaining the tart shape. The combination of butter-rich crust with fruity, slightly tart filling and spiced icing balances acidity, sweetness, and richness well. The recipe also provides variations for icing and filling, allowing customization.
These pop tarts can be enjoyed fresh as a breakfast treat or snack. The pastry holds up well, and the icing adds a sweet finish without overwhelming the fruit flavors. The baked texture contrasts with the jam's smoothness, making them appealing to serve at casual gatherings or as a homemade alternative to store-bought pastries.
The recipe allows for practical preparation techniques such as making the dough ahead and refrigerating or freezing the pop tarts either before or after baking. Storing instructions for baked and iced versions are included, as well as reheating suggestions to preserve texture and flavor.
Ingredients
For the Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
For the Strawberry Filling
- ¾ cup strawberry jam
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Pastry Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter unsalted, cold and cubed
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
For the Plain Icing
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Icing
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water, and then combine with the jam in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- Make the Pastry Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until it is the size of peas and the mixture holds together when you squeeze it. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk and add to the dough. Mix together with a fork until everything is evenly moistened. Knead briefly on a floured surface, if necessary, until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half. (At this point you can wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. If you refrigerate the dough, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling out.) Roll out one piece of dough to about ⅛-inch thick, in a 9½ by 12½ rectangle. Using a sharp knife, pastry wheel or bench scraper, trim the rectangle to 9x12 inches. Cut the sheet of dough into nine 3x4-inch rectangles. Using a spatula, transfer the rectangles to a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Assemble the Pastries: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the egg wash on each of the rectangles. Spoon a tablespoon of filling into the center of each rectangle, leaving a ½-inch of space around the edges.
- Roll out and cut the second piece of dough in the exact same manner as you did the first. One at a time, place a second rectangle of dough on top of the nine assembled ones. Using your fingers, press around the seams of the dough to make sure they are sealed. Press the tines of a fork around the edges of the rectangles. Prick the tops of the rectangles in multiple spots to allow steam to escape.
- Refrigerate the pan with the pastries (you don't need to cover them) for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bake the pastries for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool slightly before serving if not using an icing. If you plan to ice the pastries, cool them completely before doing so. Store pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Make the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon (if using), and vanilla extract. The icing should have a very thick, but still spreadable, consistency. If necessary, add a splash of milk at a time, until that consistency is reached. Spread a spoonful of icing over top of each pastry and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes so the icing can set.
Notes
- The pastry dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days before baking to save time.
- Baked but uniced pop tarts can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week before icing.
- Iced pop tarts are best consumed within 3 days and should be stored airtight to maintain freshness.
- You may freeze unbaked pop tarts after shaping for up to 3 months; bake from frozen with a slight increase in baking time.
- Baked pop tarts can also be frozen for up to 3 months; reheat by toaster, oven, or microwave before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 9pop tarts
Amount Per Serving
Calories 408 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 408kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 76g | 25% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Cholesterol | 91mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 292mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 91mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 47g | 94% |
| Vitamin A | 685IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 2.5mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 52mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1.8mg | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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