Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts

Pop Tarts made their debut in the early 1960s, designed by the Kellogg Company as a convenient breakfast option for busy families. Originally, the pastries were introduced with flavors like strawberry, blueberry, and brown sugar cinnamon, quickly capturing the hearts of consumers. The name “Pop Tart” is a clever play on the word “pop,” referring to the quick and easy preparation method—simply toast them or enjoy them straight out of the package.

Discover the joy of baking with homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts! This article takes you through the fascinating history of these beloved pastries and provides a step-by-step guide to making them from scratch. Learn how to create a flaky crust, delicious strawberry filling, and smooth icing for a delightful treat your family will love. With tips on customization and serving suggestions, your homemade Pop Tarts will be a hit for any occasion!

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Ingredients

For the Pastry Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

1 large egg

2 tablespoons cold water

For the Strawberry Filling:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: Colorful sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Make the Pastry Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Incorporate the egg and cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Stir gently and cook until the mixture begins to thicken, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool.

Roll Out the Dough:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, take one disc of dough and roll it out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out rectangles measuring 3x4 inches (or your preferred size). You will need a total of 8 rectangles (4 for the top and 4 for the bottom of the pop tarts).

Assemble the Pop Tarts:

Place 4 of the dough rectangles on a lined baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cooled strawberry filling into the center of each rectangle, ensuring to leave a small border around the edges. Top with the remaining rectangles, pressing the edges gently with a fork to seal them securely.

Prepare for Baking:

Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits on top of each pop tart to allow steam to escape during baking. For a golden finish, you can brush the tops lightly with a beaten egg.

Bake:

Place the pop tarts in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed. Once baked, allow them to cool on a wire rack.

Make the Icing:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more milk as needed.

Frost and Decorate:

After the pop tarts have cooled completely, drizzle or spread the icing over the tops. If desired, add colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

Enjoy:

Allow the icing to set for a few minutes, then slice, serve, and savor the delightful flavors of your homemade strawberry pop tarts!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 1 hour | Makes 8 pop tarts.