Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts

Name: Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 tarts
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed); 1/4 cup ice water; 1 cup fresh strawberries (diced); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Treats & Confections

I love making these homemade strawberry pop tarts because they remind me of my childhood, but with a twist! The flaky crust cradles a deliciously sweet strawberry filling that’s bursting with flavor. Each bite is a delightful combination of nostalgia and freshness. I find that using real strawberries not only enhances the taste but also adds a beautiful color to the tarts, making them an appealing treat for everyone. Whether enjoyed with a morning coffee or as a snack, these pop tarts are an absolute favorite in our home.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-02-18T14:06:19.219Z

When I first attempted to make homemade strawberry pop tarts, I was surprised at how simple yet satisfying it was. I experimented with the filling and discovered that combining fresh strawberries with a hint of lemon juice perfectly balanced the sweetness. Using a homemade dough instead of store-bought made all the difference in texture and taste!

The golden-brown crust that surrounds the juicy filling is hard to resist. I recommend chilling the dough for a bit before rolling it out, as it makes shaping the tarts much easier. It’s been a joy to share these pop tarts with family and friends, and I hope they become a staple in your kitchen too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfectly flaky crust that melts in your mouth
Fresh strawberry filling that’s bursting with flavor
Customization options with different fillings or glazes

Perfecting the Flaky Crust

The key to achieving a perfectly flaky crust for your homemade pop tarts lies in the temperature of your ingredients. Using cold, cubed unsalted butter is essential; it prevents the butter from fully incorporating into the flour. This leaves small chunks that will create steam when baking, resulting in a flaky texture. When mixing, I recommend using a pastry cutter or two forks to maintain the cold butter's integrity. Avoid overworking the dough, which can develop gluten and lead to a tougher crust.

Chilling the dough is another crucial step. After forming it into discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and allow them to chill for at least 30 minutes. This rest period not only firms up the butter but also allows the flour to hydrate, making the dough easier to roll out and handle. If you’re in a hurry, you can chill it for 15 minutes in the freezer, but I find that a longer chill really enhances the crust's flakiness.

Crafting the Perfect Filling

For the strawberry filling, using fresh, ripe strawberries elevates the flavor and color of your pop tarts. Selecting strawberries that are firm and bright red ensures that your filling will be sweet without being overly watery. When cooking the filling, be sure to stir frequently and keep an eye on it as it thickens. You want the mixture to bubble gently without sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.

The addition of cornstarch is key to achieving the right consistency. It helps to thicken the filling, preventing it from leaking out during baking. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries can work as a substitute, but make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture. Additionally, feel free to customize the filling with a touch of vanilla extract or other fruits to create your own twist!

Glazing and Serving Suggestions

The glaze is what truly brings these homemade strawberry pop tarts to life. For the best results, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk slightly, or conversely, add more for a thinner glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled tarts, allowing it to set for a few minutes before serving; this way, the glaze creates a delightful sweetness that complements the tartness of the strawberries.

These pop tarts are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them warm for breakfast alongside your morning coffee, or enjoy them as a delightful snack. You can also cut them into smaller squares for a fun party treat! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster or an air fryer for a minute or two. This will give you that crispy, fresh-from-the-oven flavor!

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients for the most delicious homemade strawberry pop tarts:

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
1/4 cup ice water

For the Filling

1 cup fresh strawberries (diced)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Now that you have everything, let's move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these instructions carefully to create your delicious pop tarts:

Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

While the dough is chilling, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Roll Out the Dough

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into rectangles, approximately 4 inches by 6 inches.

Assemble the Tarts

Place a tablespoon of strawberry filling in the center of half of the rectangles, leaving a border. Top with another rectangle and press the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.

Bake the Tarts

Transfer the tarts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool before glazing.

Make the Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled pop tarts.

Enjoy your delightful homemade strawberry pop tarts!

Pro Tips

For a twist, try using different berries or a combination of fruits in the filling. Ensure that the dough stays cold while handling for the best texture.

Ingredient Insight: Strawberry Filling

Strawberries aren't just delicious; they provide essential vitamins and antioxidants, making this treat a slightly healthier option compared to store-bought versions. Their natural sweetness means that you can adjust the sugar in the filling based on your preferences or the strawberries' ripeness. For a more complex flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of salt to the filling; it enhances the sweetness and balances the overall taste.

If you're looking to create a more vibrant filling, sneak in a little bit of balsamic vinegar while cooking the strawberries. It adds a subtle depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the fruit's natural sweetness. Another consideration is to infuse your filling with a hint of mint or basil, both of which complement strawberries and can give your pop tarts an unexpected twist.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your crust comes out tough or dry, it’s likely due to over-mixing. Remember to mix just until the ingredients are combined and the dough begins to come together. Cold temperatures are your friend here! On the flip side, if your dough is too sticky to roll out, you can sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface or incorporate a dash of flour into the dough as you knead it gently.

For those moments when your filling leaks out during baking, make sure to seal your tarts well. Pressing down around the edges is crucial, and using a fork to crimp helps create a better seal. If you notice any leaks despite this, it might help to chill the assembled tarts briefly before baking; colder tarts will hold together better in the oven.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well; just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

→ How can I store the pop tarts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the pop tarts?

Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked, assembled pop tarts, then bake directly from frozen for about 5 extra minutes.

→ Is there a vegan option?

You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative and use a non-dairy milk for the glaze.