Homemade Pop-Tarts bring the nostalgic joy of childhood treats with a fresh, customizable twist. In just 40 minutes, you can create flaky, golden pastries filled with gooey apple pie, melty s’mores, or sweet funfetti sprinkles. Each bite offers a perfect balance of crisp crust and luscious filling, making them irresistible for breakfast or dessert. The aroma of warm cinnamon, toasted marshmallow, or vanilla will fill your kitchen, promising a treat that’s as delightful to smell as it is to eat.
These Pop-Tarts are not only quick to make but also endlessly versatile, letting you tailor flavors to your cravings. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring solo, their buttery layers and decadent fillings deliver a homemade upgrade to the classic snack. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is a surefire way to brighten any day.
Ingredients for Homemade Pop-Tarts
- 2 ⅔ cups (375g/12oz) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (200g/6 ½ oz) cold butter, cubed (keep it cold for flaky pastry)
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar
- 2 egg yolks (save the whites for another use)
- 4 tablespoons cold water
- Generous pinch of salt
- Egg wash (1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
- 1 large apple, peeled and cubed (Granny Smith works well for tartness)
- 1 tablespoon (½ oz/15g) butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon flour (to thicken the filling)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Pastry: In a large bowl (or food processor), combine the flour, icing sugar, and salt. Rub in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Mix the egg yolks and water in a small bowl, then add to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in cling wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 mm thickness. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut into 3-inch x 4-inch rectangles. You’ll need 2 rectangles per pop-tart.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the cubed apples, melted butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour until well combined.
- Assemble: Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of one pastry rectangle. Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks. Brush the edges with egg wash, then place a second rectangle on top. Press the edges to seal and prick the top with a fork to release steam.
- Add Topping: Mix the remaining cinnamon and sugar, then dust liberally over the pop-tarts.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pop-tarts for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Creative Toppings and Glazes to Elevate Your Pop-Tarts
Take your homemade Pop-Tarts to the next level with fun toppings! For the Apple Pie version, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze (mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk). For S’mores, top with melted chocolate and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers. For Funfetti, add a colorful glaze (mix powdered sugar with milk and a drop of food coloring) and sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving for a polished finish.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Freshness
Store your Pop-Tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from the freezer for a quick treat!
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Bakers
Short on time? Use store-bought pie crust instead of making your own pastry—it’s a great shortcut! You can also prep the dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to a month. When ready to bake, simply thaw, roll, and assemble. Another tip: double the batch and freeze unbaked Pop-Tarts for a ready-to-go breakfast or snack.
Fun Recipe Variations to Try
Get creative with your fillings! Swap the apple pie filling for strawberry jam or Nutella for a sweet twist. For a savory option, try cheddar cheese and bacon. You can also experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, to customize the flavor. The possibilities are endless—let your imagination run wild!
Essential Equipment for Perfect Pop-Tarts
To make these Pop-Tarts effortlessly, you’ll need a rolling pin, pizza cutter (or sharp knife), and baking sheet lined with parchment paper. A pastry brush is handy for applying the egg wash, and a fork is perfect for pricking the pastry to prevent air bubbles. If you’re using a food processor, it’ll make the dough prep even quicker!
Homemade Pop-Tarts: Apple Pie, S’mores and Funfetti
Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 2 ⅔ Cup all purpose/ plain flour
- ¾ cup cold butter, cubed
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar
- 2 egg yolk
- 4 tablespoons water
- generous pinch of salt
- Egg wash (egg yolk mixed with water)
For the Filling
- 1 large apple, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- For the Pastry: Put the flour, icing sugar and salt in a large bowl (or in a food processor).
- Rub in the cold cubed butter until it resembles bread crumbs.
- Mix together the egg yolks and water and add to the dry ingredients.
- Mix in until a dough forms. It doesn’t take long.
- Wrap the pastry in cling wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax. (you can freeze the pastry at this point)
- Roll out your dough on a floured surface until 1/4 mm thick.
- With a pizza cutter or knife cut your pastry to 3inch x 4inch rectangles. You will need 2 for each pop tarts.
- Egg wash your pastry, this will help the 2 pieces stick together and give your pop tart a lovely golden color.
- Prick the top with a fork to release steam while baking.
- For the filling: Mix the cubed apples, melted butter, cinnamon, sugar and flour all together.
- Spoon the apple mix into the center of a piece of pastry. Take care not to overfill or you would have an explosion of filling.
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar and dust the top of the pop tart liberally with it.
- Bake at 400oF (200oC) for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
