Homemade Strawberry Pop-Tarts

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Homemade Strawberry Pop-Tarts – A Sweet Taste of Saturday Mornings

Hi friends, and welcome back to Dinner with Mom.

Let’s take a little trip back—to slow Saturday mornings, cartoons humming from the living room, and that unmistakable smell of something warm and sweet toasting in the kitchen. Maybe you were still in your pajamas. Maybe your hair was wild from sleep. But there was a comfort in those mornings—a rhythm, a ritual.

For me, it was always Pop-Tarts. The store-bought kind were a treat, but now, there’s something so special about making them from scratch—flaky pastry, real jam, and that glossy glaze on top. These Homemade Strawberry Pop-Tarts are the grown-up version of that childhood favorite... but still filled with all the whimsy and wonder.

Why You’ll Love These:

• Flaky, buttery crust that feels like a bakery treat.

• Real fruit filling with just enough sweetness.

• Kid-approved, adult-loved, and perfect for sharing.

• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead breakfasts or lunchbox surprises.

Mom’s Little Tip:

These freeze beautifully—just wrap individually and pop in the toaster oven when you're ready. You can also get creative with fillings: blueberry, apple cinnamon, Nutella, or even a little peanut butter and jelly!

There’s something magical about taking a childhood favorite and making it with your own two hands. These pop-tarts are the kind of thing I’d make for a Saturday morning breakfast when I want to slow down, sip my coffee a little longer, and savor a quiet, happy moment.

I hope you make these soon—maybe with your kids, maybe with your mom, maybe just for you.

Recipe

Homemade Strawberry Pop-Tarts

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 3/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon water

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Sprinkles (because why not?)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly drizzle in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Divide in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:In a small saucepan, mix the jam, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, just until it starts to thicken slightly. Let cool.

3. Roll and Fill:Roll out each disc of dough on a floured surface to about 1/8" thick. Cut into rectangles (about 3x4 inches). Place half of the rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into the center of each, then top with another rectangle. Crimp the edges with a fork and prick the tops to let steam escape.

4. Bake:Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pop-tarts for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

5. Glaze and Decorate:Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to form a thick glaze. Spoon or drizzle over cooled pop-tarts and top with sprinkles.