Why Make This Recipe
Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day. They are a fun and easy way to bring a bit of nostalgia to your kitchen, and making them from scratch means you can control the ingredients. You’ll get to enjoy fresh strawberries wrapped in a flaky crust that is warm and inviting. Plus, they are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack!
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for topping, optional)
Directions
In a bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the sugar, and then gradually mix in the ice water until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into rectangles.
In another bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients to make the filling.
Place a spoonful of filling on half of the dough rectangles, making sure to leave the edges clear. Top each filled rectangle with another rectangle of dough and seal the edges with a fork.
Brush the tops of the pop tarts with the beaten egg. Bake them in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
After baking, allow the pop tarts to cool. If you like, drizzle some powdered sugar icing over them before serving.
How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts
You can serve these pop tarts warm or at room temperature. They are great on their own or can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, they bring joy with every bite!
How to Store Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts
To store your homemade pop tarts, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Tips to Make Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts
- Make sure the butter is very cold for a flaky crust.
- Don’t overmix the dough; mix just until it comes together.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling for extra flavor.
- If you want a perfect seal, press the edges with your fingers before using the fork.
Variation
You can switch up the filling by using other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. Get creative with your flavors!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing for the filling.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and keep it wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to two days before using it.
3. How can I make an icing for my pop tarts?
To make a simple icing, mix powdered sugar with a little milk or water until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle it over the cooled pop tarts.
Strawberry Pop Tarts
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced Ensure butter is very cold for a flaky crust.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup ice water
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped Can substitute with frozen strawberries (thawed and drained).
- 1/4 cup sugar For filling.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly
- 1 egg for egg wash
- Powdered sugar For topping, optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the sugar, and then gradually mix in the ice water until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into rectangles.
Filling
- In another bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients to make the filling.
Assembly
- Place a spoonful of filling on half of the dough rectangles, making sure to leave the edges clear. Top each filled rectangle with another rectangle of dough and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops of the pop tarts with the beaten egg. Bake them in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- After baking, allow the pop tarts to cool. If you like, drizzle some powdered sugar icing over them before serving.