Forget store-bought pastries and prepare to revolutionize your breakfast game with these irresistible homemade pop tarts that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine biting into a flaky, golden-brown pastry filled with luscious fruit jam and topped with a sweet, creamy glaze - all made right in your toaster oven. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home chef, these pop tarts are about to become your new obsession, promising restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 pop tarts
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 2-3 tbsp cold water
- 1/4 cup fruit jam or filling
- 1/2 cup icing sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the pop tarts will bake evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. You may not need all the water, so add it slowly.
- Once the dough is formed, divide it into two equal portions and shape each portion into a rectangle. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 10 minutes to firm up.
- After chilling, take one portion of the dough out of the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the rolled dough into two rectangles, approximately 3x4 inches each. These will be the top and bottom of your pop tart.
- Spread 1/4 cup of your chosen fruit jam or filling evenly on one of the rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Place the second rectangle of dough on top of the jam-covered rectangle. Press the edges together to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure the filling stays inside.
- Repeat the rolling and filling process with the second portion of dough, creating another pop tart.
- Transfer the assembled pop tarts to a baking sheet that fits in your toaster oven. If desired, you can brush the tops with a little milk for a golden finish.
- Bake the pop tarts in the preheated toaster oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
- While the pop tarts are baking, prepare the icing by mixing 1/2 cup of icing sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or icing sugar as needed.
- Once the pop tarts are done baking, remove them from the toaster oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled pop tarts and let it set for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade pop tarts warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Keep your butter cold: Cold butter is the secret to achieving that perfectly flaky, tender crust. Work quickly and handle the dough minimally to maintain its temperature.
- Don't overmix the dough: Mix just until the ingredients come together to prevent tough, chewy pastries.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent shrinkage and makes it easier to roll out.
- Use a fork for crimping: Not only does this create a classic pop tart look, but it also helps seal the edges and prevent filling leakage.
- Experiment with fillings: While fruit jam is classic, try chocolate, Nutella, or even savory fillings for a unique twist.
- Watch your baking time: Toaster ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your pop tarts to prevent burning.
- Let them cool slightly: Allowing the pop tarts to rest helps the filling set and prevents burning your mouth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
