Homemade Gourmet Pop-Tarts
A Sophisticated Take on the Breakfast of Champions
Gary sent me this recipe because he knows I love my breakfast of champions food…Pop-Tarts! OK I’ve been given a hard time for eating them so I have cut way back but man they are tasty.
This homemade version elevates the humble Pop-Tart to gourmet status with fresh ingredients and real fruit preserves. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch!
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- ✓ 1 cup all purpose flour
- ✓ 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- ✓ 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- ✓ 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ✓ 2 tablespoons cold water for mixing
For the Filling:
- ✓ 1 cup homemade preserves/jam from organic fruit
For Finishing:
- ✓ Powdered sugar
Note: Choose an organic store bought jam if you don’t have time to make your own.
Directions
Prepare the dough: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place the flour in a bowl with the salt, sugar, and cut the butter into small pieces. Work the flour and butter together with your hands, until the mixture is well blended. Sprinkle the water over the mixture to smooth out the any small irregular clumps. Work the dough vigorously until it is relatively smooth. You may also use a food processor, if desired. Wrap in plastic and let the dough rest 30 minutes.
Shape the tarts: Roll out the tart dough on a cold lightly floured surface. The dough should be about 1/8″ inch thick. Cut rolled out dough into 3″ by 5″ shapes, using a postcard as a visual gauge. (For smaller tarts, simply use a smaller measurement.) Cut 8 rectangles, and use a pastry scraper to place 4 bottoms onto cookie sheet lined with parchment. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of jam onto the center of each pastry of the 4 bottoms. Place the 4 pastry tops onto the jam centers, aligning the corners. Press the edges with a fork, until each tart is closed, working around the entire rectangle. (These may be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen.)
Bake and serve: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the tarts are golden brown. Serve immediately with a sprinkling of powdered sugar.
Recipe Tips
Jam Flavors
Try apple, apricot, cherry, wild blueberry, mango or your favorite fruit flavor for the filling.
Chilling is Key
Don’t skip resting the dough. This allows the gluten to relax and makes for a flakier pastry.
Make Ahead
Prepare the tarts ahead of time and keep refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to bake.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought
Why Make Your Own?
- Control over ingredients and sweetness
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Customizable to your favorite flavors
- Impressive homemade treat for guests
When to Grab the Box
- When you’re short on time
- For that nostalgic, classic taste
- When you need a quick breakfast
- Sometimes nothing beats the original!