How to Make Pop Tarts: Homemade Dough, Jam Filling, Bake

There’s something undeniably comforting about the nostalgic taste of a warm, flaky Pop Tart fresh from the toaster. While store-bought versions are convenient, making your own homemade Pop Tarts allows you to control the quality of ingredients, customize the fillings, and experience the joy of creating a beloved treat from scratch. In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of crafting delicious homemade Pop Tarts with a buttery, tender dough and a sweet, fruity jam filling. Whether you’re a baking novice or an experienced home chef, this recipe will help you achieve bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen.

The Foundation: Homemade Dough

The key to a perfect Pop Tart lies in its dough. A flaky, tender crust that holds up to the filling without becoming soggy is essential. For this recipe, we’ll be making a simple yet versatile pastry dough that comes together quickly and bakes up beautifully.

Ingredients for the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup cold whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky texture.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the flour-butter mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive ball. Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). Chilling the dough ensures it’s easier to roll out and helps prevent shrinkage during baking.

The Heart: Homemade Jam Filling

While you can certainly use store-bought jam, making your own filling allows you to tailor the flavor and sweetness to your preference. For this recipe, we’ll prepare a simple strawberry jam, but feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberry, blueberry, or even a mixed berry blend.

Ingredients for the Jam Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and chopped
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture begins to bubble.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the jam has thickened. If you prefer a thicker consistency, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
3. Remove the jam from heat and let it cool completely before using. This can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Assembling and Baking the Pop Tarts

Once your dough has chilled and your jam filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the Pop Tarts. This process is fun and straightforward, making it a great activity to do with family or friends.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Remove one disk of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out to about ⅛-inch thickness. Using a knife or a pastry wheel, cut the dough into rectangles measuring approximately 3x4 inches. Repeat with the second disk of dough. You should have an even number of rectangles.
3. Place half of the rectangles on the prepared baking sheets. These will be the bottoms of your Pop Tarts.
4. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the cooled jam filling onto the center of each bottom rectangle, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
5. Lightly beat one egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the bottom rectangles with the egg wash—this will act as glue to seal the Pop Tarts.
6. Carefully place the remaining rectangles on top of the filled bottoms. Use your fingers to press the edges together, then crimp them with a fork to ensure a tight seal.
7. Prick the tops of the Pop Tarts a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents them from puffing up too much.
8. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash for a golden, shiny finish. If desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch and sweetness.
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the Pop Tarts are golden brown and flaky.
10. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Glaze and Decorations

While your Pop Tarts are delicious as is, adding a simple glaze can elevate them to another level. A basic powdered sugar glaze pairs wonderfully with the fruity filling.

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle over the cooled Pop Tarts and add sprinkles if you’re feeling festive!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Homemade Pop Tarts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply toast them in a toaster or warm them in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes.

These homemade Pop Tarts are perfect for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a fun dessert. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate treat.

Conclusion

Making Pop Tarts from scratch may require a bit more effort than opening a box, but the result is infinitely more rewarding. With a flaky, buttery crust and a sweet, homemade jam filling, these pastries are sure to become a favorite in your household. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor—literally!