Homemade Pop Tarts are a treat worth making again and again. Made with flaky pastry and an easy tasty filling these pop tarts will soon become a staple in your house.
Fun Homemade Pop Tart Recipe
We never had pop tarts when I was growing up. I remember thinking, “Only if my parents would buy a box of pop tarts!” But truth be told when I finally did have a store bought pop tart, I didn't even care for it. But these homemade pop tarts are a whole different story! I could eat these any time of the day.
Whip up this pastry treat in no time at all with my easy to make homemade flaky pastry, add a dollop of your favorite jam and bake to perfection.
What makes these pop tarts really special is the simple glaze and colorful sprinkles! Bake up a batch and you’ll never go back to the store bought version again!
Homemade Pop Tart 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!
How to make Homemade Pop Tarts
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
4. Dock holes in top with a fork
5. Bake in preheated 415°F oven for 12-15 minutes
6. 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
How to store this Pop Tart Recipe
These homemade pop tarts will last for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
Use any type of jam or jelly that you prefer. Some options include strawberry jam, raspberry jam, blackberry jam, apricot jam, grape jelly and orange marmalade.
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!
Homemade Pop Tarts Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Pizza Cutter
- Cookie Sheet
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups flour
- ⅔ cup shortening
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6-7 tablespoons ice water
Pop Tarts
- ½ cup jam (strawberry or raspberry)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 - 2 tablespoon half and half or milk
- 1 teaspoon sprinkles
Instructions
Crust
- Combine flour, salt and shortening together with a pastry blender or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, ⅔ cup shortening
- Add ice cold water and mix lightly with a fork until mixture comes together.6-7 tablespoons ice water
- Form into two balls.
- Roll out one ball 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 second crust and cut into small rectangles, about 3 x 4 inches.
Pop Tarts
- Place a tablespoon of jam in the center of each piece of dough.½ cup jam
- Put a top piece of dough over the jam. Crimp edges with a fork.
- Poke a few holes in top crust with a fork.
- Bake in preheated 415°F oven for 12-15 minutes. Cool on a baking rack.
- Once pop tarts are fully cool, you can add the glaze. Mix powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of half and half.½ cup powdered sugar, 1 - 2 tablespoon half and half or milk
- 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 while the glaze is still wet.1 teaspoon sprinkles
Notes
- 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
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Sara says
I just baked a batch... they sounded so yummy! I found a pre- made crust in my fridge, and this sounded like a less guilty pleasure. I'm going to add some glaze because they aren't very sweet (yay!) A bit of work but a special little pie treat!
Kathy says
Thank you
Diana says
Hi Kathy,
Can I use something else other than shortening?
Kathy says
Hi Diana,
You can use your favorite pie crust recipe. Many recipes use butter instead of shortening.
Enjoy!
Kathy
Sara says
Im so excited that I found this recipe. I do have a question though. Can you freeze these?
Kathy says
Hi Sara,
Yes, you can freeze these pop tarts. Allow the pop tarts to fully cool, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, remove and place in a freezer safe bag or container.
Enjoy!!! 🙂
David @ Spiced says
Kathy! These look amazing. We let Robbie have a Pop Tart every now and then, but I'm thinking I need to make a batch of homemade Pop Tarts for him. The glaze and sprinkles on top really take these to a new level. Well done!!
Kathy says
Thanks! They are a fun treat to make every once in a while!
Valentina says
It's been far too long since I've had a pop tart, and what could be better than one that's homemade!? 🙂 ~Valentina
Kathy says
They are a fun little treat!
Sonja says
Found our next new recipe to try with the grandchildren when they come for a visit. Thanks!
Kathy says
Wonderful! Enjoy! They might enjoy helping make the too, depending on their ages! 🙂