Pop tart is an American tradition first introduced by the Kellogg company around 1960s. It is considered a favorite breakfast item. The ideal pop tart consists of a sugary filling which is sealed inside two layers of rectangular pastry crust and is designed to be warmed in a toaster. Although, the store bought pop tarts are highly popular, you can make pop tarts at home with the help of very few ingredients. That way, you know what all goes into it and can keep costs to a minimum. Listed below is one simple recipe for pop tart which is sure to impress the young and old alike.
Complexity Level: Basic
Time Required: 20-30 minutes
Resources Required:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3/4 cup jam
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
- 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg to brush on pastry before filling
- Baking tray
- Food processor
- Bowls
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pastry dough
- Whisk together the flour, salt and sugar in a bowl and place it in a food processor.
- Work the butter and pulse a couple of times until small lumps of butter are still visible. The mixture should ideally hold together.
- Transfer this mixture into a bowl and whisk in it one egg and the milk.
- Stir them together until everything just comes together.
- Flour your work station and knead well until it becomes pliable.
- Divide the dough into two and roll out each into a rectangle.
2. Make the filling
- For the cinnamon filling, mix together the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a bowl. Keep it aside.
- For the jam filing, first mix the cornflour in 1 tablespoon of water and place it in a saucepan over medium high heat.
- Add the jam, mix well and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for about 2 minutes and then remove it from the heat.
- Set aside to cool and only then use to fill the tarts.
3. Assembling
- Roll out both the dough balls into a 9 x 12 inch rectangle, 1/8 inches thick.
- Cut each of the rectangle into thirds to form nine smaller rectangles.
- Beat the second egg and using a pastry brush, apply it on to the entire surface of the first dough.
- Place a heaped tablespoon of the filling and place it in the center of each rectangle, leaving about 1/2 an inch from the edge.
- Place a second rectangle on top and using your finger tips, lightly firm it down around the edges, sealing the dough completely on all sides.
- Use a fork and press it around the edge to form a design. Continue with all the remaining pastry and filling.
4. Baking
- Gently lift the tarts and place them on the baking tray.
- Prick the tops of each tart a couple of times with a fork and place the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to chill.
- In the meantime, pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
- Then, remove the tarts from the refrigerator and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or till they are light golden brown in color.
- Once done, cool on a rack.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I store the pop tarts?
Once the pop tarts have cooled completely, place them in an air-tight container and leave at room temperature for about a week. If you want to freeze them, then place the uncooked tarts between layers of parchment paper and store in airtight containers. You can then bake them as needed.
Quick Tips:
- Cook an even number of pop tarts and you wouldn’t be left with an extra pastry rectangle.
- If you don’t plan on using the pastry dough immediately, chill it in the refrigerator till it becomes ready to use.
- You can use any filling of your choice like strawberry, chocolate, apple etc.
- For a richer version, do a frosting on top and feast on it.
Things To Watch Out For:
- If you plan on eating the pop tarts right out of the oven, beware of the filling as it can be very hot.
- If icing the tarts, take care while toasting as they could flame up and burn you if kept for too long and at high temperature.
