Breakfast Pop-Tarts Recipe
If you’ve ever craved childhood nostalgia with a delicious, grown-up twist, these Breakfast Pop-Tarts are about to become the hero of your mornings. Picture golden, flaky pastry hugging a bubbling jewel of fruit jam, all finished with sweet, glossy icing and playful rainbow sprinkles. This recipe strikes that perfect balance: simple enough for busy weekdays, but utterly special with homemade charm. Whether you’re serving them to wide-eyed kids or treating yourself with coffee on a cozy weekend, Breakfast Pop-Tarts bring comfort, joy, and a pop of color and flavor to any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Pie Crust:
- 2 ready-made pie crusts (or homemade pastry dough)
Fruit Filling:
- ½ cup fruit jam or preserves (any flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- Sprinkles for topping (optional)
How to Make Breakfast Pop-Tarts
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps cleanup easy and ensures your pop-tarts won’t stick. A little prep now means all the focus can go to layering flavors later!
Step 2: Make the Jam Filling
In a small bowl, combine your favorite fruit jam with cornstarch and water. Stir until the mixture is smooth; the cornstarch is key to thickening up the filling as it bakes, so it stays snug inside the pastry. If you want extra texture, you can gently mash up any large pieces of fruit so everything spreads evenly.
Step 3: Shape the Pastry Rectangles
Unroll your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice them into even rectangles about 3×4 inches in size. You’ll want to end up with eight pairs—so sixteen rectangles in total. Pair them up before filling to make assembly go smoothly.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Breakfast Pop-Tarts
Arrange half your rectangles on the lined baking sheet, leaving an inch of space around each. Spoon about a tablespoon of your jam mixture into the center of each rectangle, making sure to leave a half-inch border around the edges. Top each with a matching rectangle of dough, then use a fork to press and seal the edges—think of it as giving each pop-tart its signature ruffle and ensuring none of that fruity goodness escapes.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of your pop-tarts generously with the beaten egg; this is what gives them that beautiful, bakery golden color. Slide the tray into your oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. Look for flaky edges and golden tops—your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once your Breakfast Pop-Tarts are done baking, transfer them to a wire rack to cool all the way. This is a little test of patience, but it’s worth it: if you ice them while hot, the glaze will melt instead of setting up all glossy and bright.
Step 7: Make and Spread the Icing
While the pop-tarts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until you get a smooth, pourable icing. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; too thin, a little extra sugar. Once the pastries are cool, spoon or spread the icing over each, keeping some of that beautiful crust exposed on the sides.
Step 8: Add Sprinkles and Let Set
Finish with a shower of rainbow sprinkles or your topping of choice while the icing is still wet. Let the icing set for 15–20 minutes—if you can wait that long—then dig in for the ultimate homemade Breakfast Pop-Tarts experience!
How to Serve Breakfast Pop-Tarts
Garnishes
While sprinkles are the traditional finish, you can get creative! Try chopped nuts, freeze-dried fruit, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. The icing both seals in moisture and makes any garnish stick—let your taste and imagination lead the way with your Breakfast Pop-Tarts.
Side Dishes
For a complete breakfast, serve your pop-tarts with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit, or pair them with a fluffy scrambled egg and some bacon. Their fruity, flaky sweetness also makes them wonderful with a piping hot cup of coffee or a big glass of cold milk.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them up on a colorful platter for a brunch table, wrap them individually in parchment and twine for on-the-go snacks, or even cut them into “pop-tart bites” for a fun party treat. These Breakfast Pop-Tarts look as good as they taste, so don’t be afraid to show off those golden edges and vibrant glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with extras, store cooled Breakfast Pop-Tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll keep happily for five days—just let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze your homemade pop-tarts! Wrap each completely cooled tart in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating or icing, if you’ve frozen them un-iced.
Reheating
For that just-baked feel, heat pop-tarts in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Be cautious with the microwave, as it can make the pastry a tad soft—go for 10–15 seconds if you need a speedier fix. If your pop-tarts are already iced, reheat at a lower temperature to avoid melting the glaze.
FAQs
Can I use a different filling besides jam?
Absolutely! Breakfast Pop-Tarts are all about customization. Try Nutella, peanut butter, or a brown sugar-cinnamon mixture for a fun twist. Just make sure your filling isn’t too runny and you’ll unlock endless new flavors.
How do I keep the edges from leaking?
A firm press with a fork after assembling each pop-tart is the best trick. Sealing well and not overfilling are key—if you’re worried, you can even brush the inside edges with a bit of water before pressing to help them stick.
Can I make these pop-tarts vegan?
Yes! Simply use a plant-based pie dough, swap out the egg wash for non-dairy milk, and double-check that your jam and sprinkles are vegan. Your vegan Breakfast Pop-Tarts will be just as fun and tasty!
What’s the best way to get straight, even rectangles?
Use a ruler and a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Don’t worry if each pop-tart isn’t perfect—all those little imperfections add homemade charm and character. The taste is always spectacular, regardless of shape!
Do I need to let the pop-tarts cool before icing?
A resounding yes! If you ice them while still warm, the glaze will melt and run off. Letting Breakfast Pop-Tarts cool completely ensures your icing sets up perfectly and looks picture-ready.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making Breakfast Pop-Tarts from scratch—simple ingredients, tons of creative options, and smiles with every bite. Give this recipe a try and watch your morning routine fill with warmth and vibrant, homemade flavor!
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Breakfast Pop-Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pop-tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these homemade Breakfast Pop-Tarts for a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. These flaky pastries filled with fruity jam and topped with sweet icing are sure to bring back childhood memories.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 2 ready-made pie crusts (or homemade pastry dough)
Fruit Filling:
- ½ cup fruit jam or preserves (any flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- Sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the jam with cornstarch and water to thicken the filling.
- Assemble the Pop-Tarts: Roll out the pie crusts, cut into rectangles, and place the filling on half of them. Top with the remaining rectangles and seal the edges.
- Bake: Brush with beaten egg and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Spread over cooled pop-tarts and add sprinkles.
- Serve: Let the icing set before serving.
Notes
- For a fun twist, try using Nutella, peanut butter, or brown sugar and cinnamon as a filling.
- Store leftover pop-tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop-tart
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
