Breakfast Pop-Tarts Recipe
If you grew up swooning over those iconic foil-wrapped pastries, wait until you try these homemade Breakfast Pop-Tarts. They’re flaky, golden, and filled with sweet jam, slathered in a creamy glaze, and finished with a shower of festive sprinkles. This recipe is a total game-changer for busy mornings or a nostalgic weekend treat, taking everything you loved about the original and giving it the warmth of homemade love. Whether you’re baking for the kiddos or sneaking one for yourself with coffee, these Breakfast Pop-Tarts will have the whole house buzzing with excitement.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the pastry:
- 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pastry dough
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup jam, preserves, or fruit compote (any flavor)
For the egg wash:
- 1 egg (beaten)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- sprinkles (optional)
How to Make Breakfast Pop-Tarts
Step 1: Prep the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Roll out your refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pastry dough on a lightly floured surface, smoothing out any cracks. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 3×4-inch rectangles. You should end up with about eight rectangles per sheet, the perfect pop-tart size for one unforgettable breakfast treat.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Arrange half of your pastry rectangles on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. Spoon about one tablespoon of your chosen jam, preserves, or fruit compote right in the center of each rectangle—don’t be afraid to go bold with flavor, but make sure to leave a small border so your filling doesn’t escape during baking.
Step 3: Seal and Shape
Brush the edges of each filled rectangle with the beaten egg to help everything stick together. Top with the remaining pastry rectangles, matching up the edges. Then, press down all around the sides with the tines of a fork—this not only seals in the jam but gives your Breakfast Pop-Tarts that classic, crimped look. For good measure, brush a little more egg wash over the tops and prick each pop-tart with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.
Step 4: Bake the Pop-Tarts
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pop-tarts are golden brown and slightly puffed. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen! Once baked, transfer the pop-tarts to a wire rack and let them cool completely—this is key for getting the perfect glossy glaze later on.
Step 5: Mix and Glaze
While the pop-tarts are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until your glaze is smooth and pourable. Once the pop-tarts are no longer warm to the touch, spread a generous spoonful of glaze over each one. For the finishing touch, shower on those sprinkles and let the glaze set before serving. This is when Breakfast Pop-Tarts officially become irresistible.
How to Serve Breakfast Pop-Tarts
Garnishes
Bringing a little extra love to your Homemade Breakfast Pop-Tarts plate is as simple as a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of colored icing, or a hand-scattered topping of crushed freeze-dried fruit or coconut flakes. These easy garnishes add not just more color, but a little extra pop of flavor and crunch that makes the whole experience even more joyful—turning each bite into a mini celebration.
Side Dishes
While these pop-tarts easily own the breakfast table on their own, pairing them with a tangy bowl of Greek yogurt, some juicy fresh berries, or a tall glass of milk takes things to another level. If you’re really treating yourself, a mug of creamy hot chocolate or your favorite coffee is pure magic alongside the sweet, jammy layers. Breakfast Pop-Tarts are casual, fun, and endlessly pairable!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your pop-tarts into a breakfast board by adding fruit, yogurt dips, mini muffins, or even other flavors of homemade pop-tarts. You can cut them in half for sharing (or sampling more varieties!), or serve them wrapped in parchment for a grab-and-go treat. For something whimsical, try tinting the glaze with food coloring before swirling on top—kids and adults alike will love discovering new colors and flavors in every homemade batch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Breakfast Pop-Tarts store beautifully. Once cooled and glazed, pop them into an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re layering multiple pop-tarts, add a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and keep them picture-perfect for whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
If you want a stash of these Breakfast Pop-Tarts ready for mornings on the run, let the pop-tarts cool fully, skip the glaze, and freeze in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container and keep for up to 2 months. Glaze fresh after reheating for the very best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring leftover or thawed pop-tarts back to life, simply pop them in a toaster oven, regular oven, or air fryer for a few minutes until warm and crisp. Microwaving works in a pinch, though the crust won’t stay as flaky, so if you can, bake or toast for the best results. Fresh glaze on a warmed Breakfast Pop-Tart truly feels like a treat straight from the oven!
FAQs
Can I use other fillings besides jam?
Absolutely! Try Nutella, peanut butter and jelly, a cinnamon-sugar butter, or even pumpkin butter for a cozy fall twist. The classic jam is just the beginning of all your homemade Breakfast Pop-Tarts adventures.
What’s the best way to make homemade pastry dough?
If you want to go beyond store-bought, make a basic butter pastry dough using cold butter, flour, a touch of sugar, and ice water. Just be sure to chill it well before rolling—it’ll give your Breakfast Pop-Tarts that irresistible, flaky bite.
Can Breakfast Pop-Tarts be made vegan?
You can easily swap the regular pie crust with a vegan one (many store-bought options are accidentally vegan!), skip the egg wash for a little plant milk, and use dairy-free milk for the glaze. There’s a vegan jam for every taste, too!
How do I stop my filling from leaking out?
The key is not to overfill and to leave a clean edge for sealing. Use the beaten egg to help the top and bottom layers stick firmly together, and always seal the edges tightly with a fork. Pricking the top helps steam escape rather than pushing the filling out the sides.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in batches as needed. It’s just as easy, and you’ll be so glad you have extras. Breakfast Pop-Tarts are always a hit at brunch parties or playdates.
Final Thoughts
With their crisp golden layers, sweet fruit filling, and that drizzly glaze, these Breakfast Pop-Tarts are the kind of treat worth waking up early for—or, let’s be honest, worth sneaking as an afternoon snack. Whip up a batch, share with family and friends, and fall in love with breakfast all over again. There’s just something about homemade pop-tarts that makes any morning feel brighter. Give them a try and discover your new favorite morning ritual!
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Breakfast Pop-Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 pop-tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious homemade version of the classic breakfast treat with these easy-to-make Breakfast Pop-Tarts. Filled with your favorite jam or preserves and topped with a sweet glaze, these toaster pastries are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
For the pastry:
- 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pastry dough
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup jam, preserves, or fruit compote (any flavor)
For the egg wash:
- 1 egg (beaten)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the pie crusts and cut into 3×4-inch rectangles. Place half the rectangles on the baking sheet.
- Add the filling: Add jam in the center of each rectangle. Top with remaining dough rectangles and press the edges to seal.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash, prick with a fork, and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Spread over cooled pop-tarts and add sprinkles.
- Serve: Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Try fillings like Nutella, cinnamon sugar butter, or peanut butter and jelly.
- Glaze can be tinted with food coloring for fun variations.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop-tart
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
