Homemade Pop Tarts

Bring back a childhood favorite with a delicious homemade version! These homemade pop tarts are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Fun breakfast pastry

We never had pop tarts when I was growing up. I remember thinking, Only if my parents would buy those! Sigh... But truth be told when I finally did have a pop tart, I didn't even care for it!

But these homemade pop tarts are a whole different story! I could eat these anytime of the day.

I'm not certain why these are considered breakfast pastries. Pop tarts are basically pie crust filled with jam and topped with a sugary glaze.

I think pop tarts are more of a snack or dessert! But if eating them for breakfast is your sort of thing, then go for it!

I made two types of pop tarts, strawberry and raspberry. But you could add your favorite type of jam or jelly. I think apple butter would also be delicious as a filling.

Key ingredients

• Crust - I make a homemade pie crust, but a store-bought crust works too
• Jam - Strawberry jam, raspberry jam or whatever you prefer
• Powdered sugar - for the glaze
• Half and half - You can also use milk or cream
• Sprinkles - An absolute must-have! They just really make these pop tarts look so fun!

Step by step directions

Make the crust

• Combine flour, salt, and shortening together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs
• Add ice-cold water and mix lightly until the mixture comes together
• Form into two balls
• Roll out one into a rectangular shape, about 8 x 12 inches
• Cut into smaller rectangles, about 3 x 4 inches
• Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Roll out the second crust and cut it into small rectangles

Assemble pop tarts

• Place a heaping tablespoon of jam in the center of each piece of dough
• Put a top piece of dough over the jam
• Crimp edges with a fork

• Dock holes in top with a fork
• Bake in preheated 415°F oven for 12-15 minutes
• Cool on a baking rack

Add glaze

• Once pop tarts are fully cool, you can add the glaze
• Mix powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of half and half
• Add just a bit more to make the glaze a spoonable consistency
• Place a spoonful on the center of the pop tart, allowing it to pool over the sides
• Sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the top

Recipe tips

• It's okay if your pop tarts aren't perfectly sized. A rustic look works and tastes just as delicious!
• Crimp the edges with a fork to seal in that jam. Make certain the crimp marks go through both layers.
• Make certain oven is fully preheated before baking
• If the glaze feels too thin, just add a bit more powdered sugar
• Don't add glaze until pop tarts are cool
• Store leftover pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days

More delicious baked goods to try

• Apricot sweet rolls
• Banana blueberry muffins
• Puff pastry pinwheels
• Zucchini lime bread
• Raspberry scones

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Be certain to check out all my delicious baking recipes!