Homemade Pop Tarts with Pie Crust and Strawberry Jam Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a nostalgic breakfast treat that’s both fun to eat and incredibly satisfying, this Homemade Pop Tarts with Pie Crust and Strawberry Jam Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These delightful pastries capture the perfect balance of flaky, buttery crust and sweet, fruity filling, bringing the joy of classic store-bought Pop Tarts to a whole new level with homemade warmth and freshness. Plus, using pie crust as the base makes the whole baking process wonderfully simple and results in that perfect tender texture we all love. Get ready to dive into a recipe that’s as delicious as it is charming!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating these irresistible treats, and the best part is how straightforward and essential they all are. Each component plays a key role in building the perfect balance between sweet, flaky, and visually delightful.

• Pie Crust (2 sheets): Provides the buttery, flaky foundation that makes these pop tarts wonderfully tender and golden brown.
• Strawberry Jam (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons): Adds the sweet, fruity center and a finishing glaze for that irresistibly glossy look.
• Large Egg (1): Used as an egg wash to give the crust a beautiful golden color after baking.
• Icing Sugar (2 cups): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that elevates your pop tarts from simple to swoon-worthy.
• Milk (3 tablespoons): Mixed with icing sugar to form the glaze, it helps achieve the perfect drizzle consistency.
• Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Infuses the glaze with a warm, comforting flavor that complements the strawberry filling perfectly.
• Sprinkles (¼ cup): Adds a pop of color and fun, making these homemade pop tarts look as festive as they taste.

How to Make Homemade Pop Tarts with Pie Crust and Strawberry Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust

Start by gently unrolling both sheets of pie crust onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, you can smooth out any creases for an even thickness. Then, with a sharp knife or a rectangular cutter, divide each sheet into equally-sized rectangles, typically about 3 by 4 inches – these will be the base shapes for your pop tarts.

Step 2: Add the Strawberry Jam Filling

Place about a teaspoon of strawberry jam in the center of half of the rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges to seal properly. Be careful not to overfill because you want the jam to stay intact as the tarts bake.

Step 3: Seal the Tarts

Lightly brush the edges of the jam-filled rectangles with a bit of water or egg wash. Place an unfilled pie crust rectangle on top of each jam piece and press the edges together firmly with a fork to create a tight seal and a charming crimped edge.

Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash

Beat the egg in a small bowl and gently brush the entire surface of each pop tart. This egg wash will help your homemade pop tarts get that irresistible golden shine as they bake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pop tarts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust turns golden and slightly puffed. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.

Step 6: Make and Add the Glaze

While your pop tarts cool completely, whisk together the icing sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a silky smooth glaze. Once ready, drizzle the glaze generously over the tarts and immediately sprinkle with the colorful sprinkles for that extra festive touch.

How to Serve Homemade Pop Tarts with Pie Crust and Strawberry Jam Recipe

Garnishes

To amp up the sweetness and presentation, consider adding fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the glaze. These simple touches bring freshness and a hint of elegance to your homemade pop tarts, making them perfect for sharing.

Side Dishes

Pair these pop tarts with a warm cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk to balance their rich flavor. For a brunch spread, you might also serve alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt with granola, adding a nutritious contrast to the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a couple of pop tarts on a pretty plate for a playful breakfast tower or cut them into bite-sized pieces for a fun party platter. Wrapping individual tarts in parchment paper tied with a ribbon makes a charming gift or a delightful school snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover homemade pop tarts, no worries! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them flaky while maintaining the fresh flavor of the strawberry jam filling.

Freezing

Homemade Pop Tarts with Pie Crust and Strawberry Jam Recipe freeze beautifully. Wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months, giving you ready-to-go sweet treats anytime you desire.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pop tarts, simply reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This restores the crispy crust and warm filling, making every bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use other jam flavors for this recipe?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam brings a classic taste, feel free to experiment with raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot to create your own perfect homemade pop tarts.

Is it possible to make the crust from scratch instead of using store-bought pie crust?

Yes, making your own pie crust is a great option if you want full control over ingredients and freshness, but store-bought pie crusts are a fantastic shortcut that saves time without compromising flavor.

How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?

Make sure not to overfill the tarts, and firmly seal the edges with a fork after brushing them with water or egg wash. This seals the filling inside and keeps it from escaping as the tarts bake.

Can I add fillings other than jam?

Definitely! Cream cheese sweetened with a touch of sugar, chocolate spread, or even Nutella are delicious alternatives that pair wonderfully with the buttery pie crust.

What is the best way to store the icing glaze if I want to prepare it earlier?

You can make the glaze ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling it over your pop tarts.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Homemade Pop Tarts with Pie Crust and Strawberry Jam Recipe enough for anyone craving a sweet, flaky comfort food that’s both fun to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re treating yourself, your family, or friends, these pop tarts offer that perfect homemade touch that makes every bite feel extra special. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite breakfast (or anytime!) treat!

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