Easy Homemade Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop Tarts
There’s something magical about peanut butter and jelly. It’s a flavor duo that’s been a staple in countless childhood lunches and quick snacks. Now, imagine combining that timeless pair with the flaky, buttery goodness of a Pop-Tart. That’s exactly what this homemade recipe delivers—comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast, a fun baking project, or a new way to relive those cherished memories, these Pop-Tarts are a perfect choice.
Table of Contents
What Are Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop Tarts?
Peanut butter and jelly Pop-Tarts are everything you love about those nostalgic flavors wrapped in a homemade pastry crust. They bring together the creamy, nutty richness of peanut butter and the fruity sweetness of jam, all baked to perfection. Unlike store-bought options, this recipe lets you control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and delicious treat every time.
Why Make Homemade Pop Tarts?
There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with baking your own Pop-Tarts. Beyond the incredible taste, the process allows for endless creativity and customization. You can experiment with different fillings, create unique toppings, or even adjust the sweetness to your liking. It’s not just about the end result—it’s about enjoying the journey of making something special.
Homemade Pop-Tarts also let you use quality ingredients. Think fresh butter, real jam, and your favorite brand of peanut butter. The flavor and texture you’ll achieve at home are unmatched by anything you can buy prepackaged.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop Tarts
This recipe is broken into three simple components: the dough, the filling, and the optional glaze.
For the Dough
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Powdered sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup, cold, grated |
| Large egg | 1, lightly beaten |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Cold water | 3 tablespoons |
For the Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Creamy peanut butter | 1/2 cup |
| Strawberry jam | 1/2 cup |
Optional Glaze and Garnish
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Strawberry jam | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Salted peanuts | Chopped, for garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is as straightforward as it is delicious. Just follow these steps to create your very own batch of peanut butter and jelly Pop-Tarts.
Preparing the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the grated cold butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix gently with a fork or your hands until the mixture starts to resemble coarse crumbs. Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a rectangle, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Assembling the Pop Tarts
Once the dough is chilled, roll out each portion on a lightly floured surface into a 9×12-inch rectangle. Trim the edges to make them neat and cut each rectangle into nine smaller 3×4-inch rectangles. Lay half of the rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush the edges of each rectangle with beaten egg to act as a sealant. Add a tablespoon of peanut butter and a tablespoon of jam to the center of each rectangle, spreading them slightly but leaving space around the edges. Top each filled rectangle with a plain one, pressing the edges together gently. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a tight seal. Poke a few small holes in the top to allow steam to escape.
Baking the Pop Tarts
Place the assembled pastries in the fridge for another 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Just before baking, brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crisp. Let them cool on a wire rack before adding any glaze.
Adding the Glaze
For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, jam, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Gradually add milk until you reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Pop-Tarts and sprinkle chopped salted peanuts on top for extra crunch. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Pop Tarts
To make the best homemade Pop-Tarts possible, keep these tips in mind.
- Work with Cold Dough: Keeping the dough chilled makes it easier to handle and helps create that flaky texture.
- Seal Carefully: Be thorough when sealing the edges to prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to add extra peanut butter or jam, too much filling can make the pastry difficult to close and may leak out in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
There’s no wrong way to enjoy these homemade Pop-Tarts. Serve them as a sweet breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy them as a fun dessert paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For something truly indulgent, heat them slightly and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Creative Variations
Once you’ve tried the classic peanut butter and jelly combo, let your imagination run wild.
- Swap out strawberry jam for grape jelly, raspberry preserves, or apricot jam.
- Use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- For a decadent twist, spread a thin layer of Nutella alongside the peanut butter.
- Experiment with savory fillings like cream cheese and honey for a completely different take.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your Pop-Tarts fresh, store them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for two days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for several months. When reheating, use a toaster oven or regular oven to maintain their crispness.
You can also try : Perfect Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls
FAQs About Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop Tarts
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, premade pie crust is a great shortcut if you’re short on time.
What other nut butters can I use?
Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter are fantastic alternatives.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Be careful not to overfill and ensure the edges are crimped tightly.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the dough.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat your Pop-Tarts in the oven or toaster oven to keep them flaky and warm.
Homemade peanut butter and jelly Pop-Tarts are more than just a treat; they’re a way to bring a little nostalgia into your kitchen. With a buttery crust, a sweet and nutty filling, and a customizable glaze, these pastries are guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to create delicious memories.
Why not give this recipe a try today? Share your own creative variations or tips in the comments, and let others know how you enjoyed this delightful homemade treat!
Homemade Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop-Tarts
Ingredients
- You’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold and grated
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1 additional large egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Add the grated cold butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into rectangles, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll out each dough half into a 9×12-inch rectangle. Trim edges and cut each into nine 3×4-inch rectangles.
- Place 9 rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush edges with beaten egg.
- In the center of each, place 1 tablespoon of peanut butter and 1 tablespoon of jam.
- Top with remaining dough rectangles, pressing edges with a fork to seal. Poke holes on top to allow steam to escape.
- Brush tops with beaten egg and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack.
- Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Chopped salted peanuts for garnish
- To make the glaze:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry jam, and lemon juice.
- Add milk as needed to achieve a thick but pourable consistency.
- Drizzle over cooled pop-tarts and sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Allow glaze to set before serving.
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