How to Make Homemade Pop Tarts from Scratch

By Beauty Adams
March 1, 2024

Pop tarts are one of those nostalgic treats that many of us grew up with. They are easy to grab and go, and come in a variety of flavors and fillings. But have you ever wondered how to make them at home, with real ingredients and no preservatives? In this blog post, I will show you how to make homemade pop tarts from scratch, with three different filling options: strawberry, brown sugar cinnamon, and chocolate. You will also learn how to make a flaky pastry crust, a simple glaze, and some tips and tricks to make your pop tarts look and taste amazing. Let’s get started!

What are Pop Tarts?

Pop tarts are rectangular pastries that are filled with fruit, jam, or other sweet fillings, and often topped with frosting and sprinkles. They are typically eaten for breakfast or as a snack, and can be toasted or eaten cold. Pop tarts were first introduced in 1964 by Kellogg’s, and have since become a popular and iconic food item in many countries.

What are the Ingredients for Homemade Pop Tarts?

To make homemade pop tarts, you will need the following ingredients:

For the pastry crust: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, unsalted butter, egg, and milk.
For the strawberry filling: strawberry jam, cornstarch, and water.
For the brown sugar cinnamon filling: brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour.
For the chocolate filling: chocolate chips and heavy cream.
For the glaze: powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
For the decoration: sprinkles, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips.

How to Make Homemade Pop Tarts from Scratch

Making homemade pop tarts from scratch is not very difficult, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. Here are the basic steps to follow:

Step 1: Make the Pastry Crust

The pastry crust is the base of the pop tarts, and it should be flaky, buttery, and tender. To make the pastry crust, you will need to:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut the cold butter into small cubes, and add them to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or a fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and holds together when squeezed.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, and stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Divide the dough into two equal portions, and shape each into a flat disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to two days.

Step 2: Make the Fillings

While the dough is chilling, you can make the fillings for your pop tarts. You can choose one filling, or make all three and have a variety of flavors. To make the fillings, you will need to:

For the strawberry filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberry jam and the cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil, and simmer for about two minutes, stirring frequently, until the jam is thickened. Remove from heat, and let it cool completely.
For the brown sugar cinnamon filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Set aside until ready to use.
For the chocolate filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave for about 30 seconds, or until the chocolate is melted. Stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside until ready to use.

Step 3: Assemble the Pop Tarts

Now comes the fun part: assembling the pop tarts. To do this, you will need to:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12 by 9 inch rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into nine 3 by 4 inch rectangles, and transfer them to one of the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the other disc of dough, and transfer the rectangles to the other baking sheet.
Spoon about one tablespoon of filling onto the center of each rectangle on one baking sheet, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Brush the edges with some water, and place another rectangle of dough on top of each filled one, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, and poke some holes on the top of each pop tart to vent.
Bake the pop tarts for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheets, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Glaze and Decorate the Pop Tarts

The final step is to make the glaze and decorate the pop tarts. This step is optional, but it adds some extra sweetness and fun to your homemade pop tarts. To make the glaze and decorate the pop tarts, you will need to:

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and runny. You can adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or milk as needed.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pop tarts, and sprinkle with your choice of toppings, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips. Let the glaze set before serving or storing.

How to Store and Reheat Homemade Pop Tarts

Homemade pop tarts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months, wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag.

To reheat homemade pop tarts, you can either microwave them for about 15 seconds, or toast them in a toaster oven for a few minutes, until warm and crisp. Be careful not to overheat them, as the filling and glaze may melt and leak.

FAQs about Homemade Pop Tarts

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about homemade pop tarts:

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own? Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust to save some time and effort, but the texture and flavor may not be as good as homemade. If you use store-bought pie crust, make sure to roll it out thinner than it comes in the package, and cut it into the same size rectangles as instructed in the recipe.
Can I use different fillings for homemade pop tarts? Yes, you can use different fillings for homemade pop tarts, as long as they are not too runny or chunky. Some examples of other fillings are blueberry jam, apple butter, Nutella, peanut butter, or cream cheese. You can also mix and match different fillings and glazes to create your own flavor combinations.
Can I make homemade pop tarts ahead of time? Yes, you can make homemade pop tarts ahead of time, and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake. You can also bake them ahead of time, and store them at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer, and reheat them when you want to eat them.
How do I make homemade pop tarts vegan or gluten-free? To make homemade pop tarts vegan, you can use vegan butter and milk alternatives, and replace the egg with a flax egg (one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water). To make homemade pop tarts gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and make sure that the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

Homemade pop tarts are a delicious and fun way to enjoy a classic treat, with real ingredients and no preservatives. They are easy to make from scratch, with a flaky pastry crust and three different filling options: strawberry, brown sugar cinnamon, and chocolate. You can also customize them with your own fillings, glazes, and toppings, and make them ahead of time and store them for later. Homemade pop tarts are perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, and will make you feel like a kid again. Try them today, and let me know how you like them in the comments below!