Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts

Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts

Flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a simple glaze these homemade pop-tarts are a fun and delicious breakfast treat. Perfect for brunch, snack time, or an indulgent homemade dessert.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1/2 cup cold water

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 3/4 cup strawberry jam (or preserves)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tsp milk

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: sprinkles for topping

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:
   In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in water and vanilla until dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Roll Out Dough:
   On a floured surface, roll each disc into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. Cut each rectangle into smaller rectangles, approximately 3×4 inches.

3. Assemble Pop-Tarts:
   Place a teaspoon of strawberry jam in the center of half of the rectangles, leaving a border around the edges. Brush edges with water, then place a second rectangle on top. Press edges with a fork to seal.

4. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place pop-tarts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly.

5. Glaze:
   In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm pop-tarts and add sprinkles if desired. Let glaze set before serving.

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium & large)

• Pastry cutter or fork

• Rolling pin

• Knife or pizza cutter

• Parchment-lined baking sheet

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

Timing

• Prep Time: 40 minutes (including chilling)

• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Serving Size
Makes 8–10 pop-tarts (serves 4–5)

Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts

Flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a simple glaze, these homemade pop-tarts are a fun and delicious breakfast treat. Perfect for brunch, snack time, or an indulgent homemade dessert.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:40 minutes mins

Cook Time:25 minutes mins

Total Time:1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium & large)
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Rolling Pin
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Parchment-lined baking sheet
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• For the Pastry:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Filling:
• 3/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
• For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 –3 tsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: sprinkles for topping

Instructions

• Make the Dough:
• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in water and vanilla until dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Roll Out Dough:
• On a floured surface, roll each disc into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. Cut each rectangle into smaller rectangles, approximately 3x4 inches.
• Assemble Pop-Tarts:
• Place a teaspoon of strawberry jam in the center of half of the rectangles, leaving a border around the edges. Brush edges with water, then place a second rectangle on top. Press edges with a fork to seal.
• Bake:
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place pop-tarts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
• Glaze:
• In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm pop-tarts and add sprinkles if desired. Let glaze set before serving.

Servings: 10 pop tarts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use another jam flavor?
Yes. Blueberry, raspberry, apricot, or even chocolate hazelnut spread work well as a filling.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble them in advance and bake right before serving. Keep unbaked pop-tarts refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Can I freeze the dough or baked pop-tarts?
Yes. Dough discs can be frozen for up to 1 month. Fully baked pop-tarts freeze well for 1–2 months; thaw and warm slightly before serving.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, though texture may vary slightly.

Do I have to glaze the pop-tarts?
No. The glaze is optional, but it adds sweetness and a classic pop-tart look. You can also drizzle chocolate or leave plain.

How do I prevent the jam from leaking?
Leave a 1/4-inch border around the edges, press firmly, and seal with a fork. Avoid overfilling.

Can I make these vegan?
Yes. Use plant-based butter and milk, and ensure your jam is free from gelatin or other animal products.

How long do pop-tarts stay fresh?
They are best eaten within 2–3 days at room temperature for optimal flakiness.

Can I reheat them?
Yes. Warm in a toaster, oven, or microwave for a few seconds for a fresh-baked taste.

Can I add toppings besides glaze?
Yes. Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate make fun variations.

How To Store Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts

Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Keep them separate with parchment paper if stacked to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Glaze may become slightly softer in the fridge.

Freezer:
Wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for 1–2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving.

Serving Tip:
Serve slightly warm for the best texture and flavor. Glaze can be reapplied if it softens during storage.