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Homemade Pop Tarts Recipe

4.7 from 143 reviews

Delight in these easy-to-make Homemade Pop Tarts featuring a flaky pie crust filled with a cinnamon brown sugar mixture and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Air-fried to a perfect golden brown, they make a nostalgic and delicious treat that’s simple to prepare at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pastry:

  • 2 refrigerated pie crusts
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

For the Filling:

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons flour

For the Glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream (plus more as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Roll out one pie crust on a clean surface into a 12-inch circle. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into six 3×4 inch rectangles. Reroll scraps as needed to get all pieces. Repeat the process with the second pie crust.
  2. Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Brush the First Layer: Arrange half of the dough rectangles on a work surface and brush each piece lightly with the egg wash. This will help seal the tops later.
  4. Prepare the Filling: In another small bowl, combine ½ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 2 teaspoons flour. Mix well to blend evenly.
  5. Add the Filling: Sprinkle approximately 1½ tablespoons of the cinnamon-sugar mixture onto each egg-washed dough rectangle, keeping the filling away from the edges to prevent leakage during cooking.
  6. Seal the Pop Tarts: Place the remaining dough rectangles on top of the filling pieces. Use a fork to press and crimp the edges together tightly, ensuring the filling is sealed inside. Brush the tops of the sealed tarts with more egg wash for a golden finish.
  7. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the pop tarts inside and air fry for 8–10 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Cool: Carefully remove the pop tarts from the air fryer and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling helps the glaze adhere properly.
  9. Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon until smooth. Add additional heavy cream a little at a time to adjust the glaze to your preferred consistency.
  10. Glaze the Pop Tarts: Spoon or drizzle the glaze over the cooled pop tarts. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving to achieve a nice finish.

Notes

  • Work in batches in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and proper crisping.
  • You can use store-bought pie crusts to save time.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or plant-based milk for the glaze.
  • Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent filling leakage during air frying.
  • The glaze can be customized with other flavors such as almond extract or maple syrup.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days; reheat slightly before eating if desired.

Keywords: Homemade Pop Tarts, Cinnamon Sugar Pop Tarts, Air Fryer Recipes, Breakfast Pastry, Sweet Breakfast, Quick Breakfast Ideas