Homemade Strawberry Pop-Tarts
Homemade Strawberry Pop-Tarts
Skip the box and make your own bakery-style breakfast pastry at home! These Homemade Strawberry Pop-Tarts feature a flaky, buttery homemade pie crust wrapped around sweet strawberry jam and topped with a beautiful pink vanilla glaze. They’re crisp around the edges, tender in the center, and bursting with homemade flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these nostalgic pastries are guaranteed to bring smiles. They’re just as fun to decorate as they are to eat and taste so much better than the store-bought version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made completely from scratch
- Flaky homemade pie crust
- Filled with sweet strawberry jam
- Pretty pink vanilla icing
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert
- Kid-friendly
- Great for holidays and brunches
- Freezer-friendly
Ingredients
Homemade Pie Crust
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Filling
- 1 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, to help thicken thinner jams)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Pink Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink gel food coloring
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
Divide into two discs, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3
Roll the chilled pie dough to about ⅛-inch thick.
Cut into rectangles approximately 3 x 4 inches.
You’ll need an equal number of top and bottom pieces.
Step 4
Place half of the rectangles on the prepared baking sheet.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam into the center of each, leaving a border around the edges.
Step 5
Brush the edges lightly with water or egg wash.
Place another rectangle on top.
Press the edges together with your fingers, then seal with a fork.
Use a fork to poke several holes in the tops to allow steam to escape.
Step 6
Whisk together the egg and water.
Brush each pastry with the egg wash.
Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until lightly golden and flaky.
Allow the Pop-Tarts to cool completely.
Step 7
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla
Add a tiny amount of pink gel food coloring until you reach your desired shade of pink.
Spread the icing over each cooled pastry.
Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Tips for the Best Homemade Pop-Tarts
- Keep the pie dough cold for the flakiest crust.
- Don’t overfill the pastries or the jam may leak.
- Seal the edges well with a fork.
- Let the pastries cool completely before icing.
- Use high-quality strawberry preserves for the best flavor.
Variations
Try different fillings like:
- Raspberry jam
- Blueberry preserves
- Cherry preserves
- Mixed berry jam
- Nutella
- Apple butter
- Lemon curd
- Brown sugar cinnamon
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for the best texture.
Freeze unglazed Pop-Tarts for up to 3 months. Glaze after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes! Homemade pie crust gives the best buttery, flaky texture, but refrigerated pie crust works well if you’re short on time.
Why did my filling leak out?
Too much jam or not sealing the edges tightly can cause leaks. Be sure to leave a border around the filling and crimp the edges well with a fork.
Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely! Bake the pastries a day ahead and glaze them once they’ve cooled or just before serving.
More Homemade Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Drop Biscuits
- Vanilla Bean Biscuits
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes
- Sourdough Discard Pancakes
- Homemade Tater Tots
- Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
- Banana Bread Muffins
Jennie’s Thoughts
These Homemade Strawberry Pop-Tarts prove that homemade really is worth it. The flaky, buttery pie crust, sweet strawberry filling, and pretty pink icing create a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack. One bite, and you’ll never want the boxed version again.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 8 Pop-Tarts
