Homemade Strawberry Pop-Tarts

Baked pastry filled with strawberry jam.

Homemade Strawberry Pop-Tarts

A delicious homemade take on the classic pastry!

These homemade strawberry pop-tarts are a fun, nostalgic treat with a homemade twist. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack!

Ingredients:

1- For the Pastry:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ cup ice water (more if needed)

2- For the Filling:

• ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves (use your favorite brand or homemade)

3- For the Icing (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Pastry:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
• Slowly add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together (don’t overwork it).
• Divide the dough into two portions, flatten them into discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Roll Out the Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll out one of the dough discs on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 9×12 inches). Cut the dough into smaller rectangles (about 3×4 inches) to form the pop-tarts.
• Repeat with the second dough disc.

3. Assemble the Pop-Tarts:

• Place a spoonful of strawberry jam in the center of half of the dough rectangles.
• Place the remaining dough rectangles on top of the jam-covered ones and gently press the edges to seal.
• Use a fork to crimp the edges to ensure they’re sealed well.

4. Bake the Pop-Tarts:

• Place the assembled pop-tarts on the prepared baking sheet and use a fork to poke a few small holes in the top of each pastry to allow steam to escape.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Make the Icing (Optional):

• While the pop-tarts are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Once the pop-tarts are cool, drizzle the icing over the top and add sprinkles if you like.

6. Serve:

• Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations :

• Dough variations: For a flakier texture, you can use a food processor to cut in the butter.
• Filling alternatives: Switch out the strawberry jam for other fruit jams or even Nutella for a different flavor.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
• Icing options: For a more decadent touch, try adding a few drops of food coloring to the icing for a fun pop of color.

Enjoy your meal!