If you’re searching for a delightful, nostalgic treat that transforms ordinary mornings into something truly special, these Breakfast Pop Tarts are an absolute must-try! With a flaky, golden pastry hugging a fruity jam filling and a dreamy vanilla glaze, this recipe captures the magic of those iconic toaster pastries—except now, you get to enjoy them homemade, fresh, and exactly the way you like. Whether you’re baking for kids, brunching with friends, or simply treating yourself, these Breakfast Pop Tarts promise happy smiles and a burst of comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Pie Crust:
- 2 ready-made pie crusts (or homemade)
Filling:
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (any flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Additional:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- sprinkles for topping (optional)
How to Make Breakfast Pop Tarts
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures your Breakfast Pop Tarts bake up golden and easy to lift off when they’re done. Gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to roll—quite literally!
Step 2: Mix the Jam Filling
In a small bowl, combine your chosen fruit jam with cornstarch and water. This little trick keeps the filling from oozing out, resulting in neat, well-filled tarts with that classic gooey center. Stir until smooth and set aside while you work on your crusts.
Step 3: Roll and Shape the Dough
Gently roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect circles—what matters is cutting out rectangles roughly 3×4 inches in size. You’ll want 8 rectangles per crust, totaling 16. These rectangles will sandwich that delicious jam filling, so try to keep them relatively uniform for easy assembly.
Step 4: Fill and Seal
Lay half of the dough rectangles onto your prepared baking sheet. Add a heaping spoonful of the jam mixture to the center of each piece, leaving a border around the edges. Brush those edges with beaten egg to help seal. Top each with a second rectangle of dough, then press down firmly on the edges with a fork to create those signature ridges—and to lock in all that sweet filling. Don’t forget to poke a couple of small holes in the tops so steam can escape while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the tops of your assembled pop tarts with more egg wash to achieve that tempting, glossy finish. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes until your Breakfast Pop Tarts boast a warm, golden color that promises flakiness within. Once baked, let them cool completely before glazing—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
While your pop tarts cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until a smooth, pourable glaze forms. Once the tarts are room temperature, spread a generous layer of glaze on each, then shower with sprinkles if you’re feeling festive. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes so everything stays beautifully intact once you take a bite.
How to Serve Breakfast Pop Tarts
Garnishes
Sprinkles are the timeless topping that instantly make these pop tarts look charming and whimsical, but you can also try a dusting of freeze-dried fruit, crushed nuts, or even a light scattering of edible glitter for special occasions. The pop of color and crunch truly takes your Breakfast Pop Tarts to the next level!
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a big mug of coffee or hot cocoa for a classic combo, or pair with a fresh fruit salad to brighten the plate and add a little nutrition. A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side offers a creamy contrast to the sweet, flaky pastry. However you enjoy them, Breakfast Pop Tarts are a treat that always steals the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them up bakery-style on a pretty platter for a family brunch, tuck one into a lunchbox for a midday pick-me-up, or wrap in parchment for a portable treat on-the-go. For parties, consider slicing them into smaller pieces with fun toothpicks as whimsical “pop tart bites” that pop in your mouth. The presentation options are as fun as the flavors themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Breakfast Pop Tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Before storing, make sure the glaze has fully set so the tarts remain crisp and easy to grab anytime you crave a quick, sweet snack or breakfast treat!
Freezing
If you want to make a batch in advance, you can absolutely freeze the unglazed pop tarts. Simply wrap each cooled tart tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, let them thaw and then glaze before serving for best taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a Breakfast Pop Tart in the toaster oven or bake briefly in a conventional oven at 350°F until just warmed through. To preserve the glaze, avoid microwaving, which can cause the icing to melt and the pastry to lose its lovely crispness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pie dough will make your Breakfast Pop Tarts extra special, and you can control the flavor and flakiness even more. Just be sure to chill the dough well and roll it thin so the tarts bake evenly.
What other fillings can I try?
The possibilities are endless. Nutella, peanut butter, or cream cheese are all delicious alternatives to fruit jam. You can even blend jams with a little lemon zest for a brighter flavor or mix in chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pie crust recipe or use a pre-made gluten-free crust from the store. Just keep an eye on baking time, as some GF crusts brown faster than traditional ones.
Do Breakfast Pop Tarts need to be refrigerated?
Once glazed and cooled, these pop tarts can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is especially warm, you might prefer to refrigerate them for freshness, though they taste best at room temperature.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Mixing the jam with cornstarch and cooling the filling before assembly really helps, and don’t overfill each tart. Sealing the edges well with a fork and brushing the perimeter with egg wash also does wonders at keeping the jam inside where it belongs.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Breakfast Pop Tarts at home is one of those little joys that turns any day into something to look forward to. There’s just nothing like biting into that golden, flaky crust and discovering the sweet burst of fruity jam beneath a blanket of vanilla glaze. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own—it’s truly a breakfast worth waking up for!
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Breakfast Pop Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pop tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful breakfast treat with these homemade Breakfast Pop Tarts that are filled with fruity goodness and topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 2 ready-made pie crusts (or homemade)
Filling:
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (any flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Additional:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Filling: In a small bowl, mix the jam with cornstarch and water to help thicken the filling.
- Prepare Crust: Roll out the pie crusts and cut into rectangles. Place half of the rectangles on the baking sheet.
- Add Filling: Spoon jam mixture onto the center of each rectangle. Top with remaining rectangles and press edges to seal.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
- Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze & Serve: Spread glaze over cooled pop tarts, top with sprinkles, and let set before serving.
Notes
- You can use Nutella, peanut butter, or cream cheese as alternate fillings.
- For a healthier version, use whole wheat crust and no refined sugar glaze.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop tart
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
