Homemade Poptarts!

Homemade Strawberry Pop-tarts

Two words. Homemade Poptarts. Not only are these little “hand pies” delicious, but also relatively easy to make and sure to bring some much needed entertainment for the whole family. Chances are you already have all, if not most, ingredients in you kitchen.

Are you instantly drawn back to childhood when someone mentions pop-tarts? I think we ate more toaster strudels growing up; however, I remember begging my mom to buy pop-tarts when when we passed them in the grocery store. Strawberry was always my flavor of choice so it only made sense for me to stick with the flavor today. This recipe can easily be customized to fit your liking. Other filling flavors I contemplated included ice cream fudge, raspberry jam, and Nutella. Whatever you preference, I can assure you they will be enjoyed by all!

Give it your best go and be sure to tag us on instagram, @tastingkansascity, so we can see how your tasty treats turn out!

Ingredients:

Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 C. all purpose flour

• 2 Tbsp sugar

• 1 C. cold salted butter, cut into cubes (Ideally 4 cubes per tablespoon)

• If using unsalted butter add 1/2 tsp salt to recipe

• 1/2 C. + 1 Tbsp cold water

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 egg

OR

• For an easier approach use 2 refrigerated store bought pie crusts:)

Pie Filling:

• Jar of your favorite Jam OR Jar of favorite chocolate filling (i.e. Chocolate fudge or Nutella)

Icing:

• 4 oz. cream cheese

• 4 tbsp salted butter, room temperature

• 1 C. Powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Food coloring of choice

Instructions:

1. Combine flour and sugar in food processor, blender, or with hand mixer.

2. Add in the butter and pulse/beat until combined. Dough will be chunky.

3. Add in vanilla. Beat/pulse.

4. Slowly add in 1/2 C. water (you will use the extra 1 tbsp later) and continue to beat/pulse. Do not over mix.

5. Knead dough into ball, cover, and chill for 30 minutes to an hour.

6. After chilled, sprinkle flour onto a clean work surface, and roll out dough.

7. Cut dough into desired shape with pizza cutter OR use large cookie cutters. Make sure you cut an even number as you will need a front and back for each pop tart.

8. Preheat oven to 350°

9. Line baking sheet with parchment paper

10. Add half of cut out dough to baking sheet

11. Add 2 Tbsp of desired filling to center of pop-tart.

12. Place remaining dough cutouts on top of each other and press edges with a fork.

13. Poke top of each pop-tart a couple times with a fork to make vent holes.

14. Crack an egg and whisk with 1 tbsp of water.

15. Brush egg + water mixture onto of pop tart for added “shine”

16. Place pan into the preheated oven.

17. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden.

    ***See Icing recipe below to make while pop tarts bake!***

18. Remove from oven and cool.

19. Once cool, drizzle with icing and top with sprinkles if desired

20. ENJOY!!

Icing Instructions:

1. Combine butter and cream cheese. Mix with hand mixer.

2. Add in powdered sugar. Mix.

3. Add in vanilla extract. Mix.

4. For thicker consistency - continue adding in small amounts of powered sugar until your desired consistency is reached.

5. Add in food coloring and mix until combined.