Homemade Pop Tarts Secretly Healthy

Homemade Pop Tarts

When it comes to healthy makeovers of unhealthy treats, my favorite recipes to make are Subway cookies, Levain bakery cookies, and these homemade pop tarts. Growing up, I was obsessed with pop tarts. They were a treat snack, something I’d only be allowed once a month. Sometimes, I’d be allowed one for breakfast, although that was short-lived (when my energy would crash soon after!). With so many of us at home now (and with little ones to look after!), there’s no better time to recreate some childhood classics, the healthy way!

Are pop tarts healthy?

Traditional pop tarts are made with white flour, multiple forms of sugar, and multiple forms of fat. Calling them a breakfast pastry is quite the stretch- they are primarily made of carbs, sugar, and saturated fats. My homemade version is a little different. It’s made with no white flour, has added protein (thanks to the Greek yogurt!), and can easily be made sugar free! If you are keen on a breakfast pastry that tastes exactly like traditional pop tarts, you’ll be slightly disappointed. They don’t have the flaky, cookie-like texture of traditional pop tarts, due to the ingredients that they use. Texture-wise, they are softer, chewier, but still have the delicious sweet filling and glaze on the outside. Taste-wise, they are sweet, loaded with berry flavor (from the filling), and the vanilla icing exterior.

How to make poptarts

The Ingredients

2 Ingredient dough- This magic dough uses yogurt and self-rising flour to create the pastry coating. Granulated sweetener of choice– Any granulated sweetener works, like white sugar, monk fruit sweetener (to keep it sugar-free). You can use brown sugar or coconut palm sugar, your exterior will be darker. Jam/Jelly of choice– For the filling! I used strawberry preserved (100% no added sugar!) Confectioners’ Sugar (powdered sugar)– For the glaze! I used a homemade sugar free version. Vanilla extract– To bring out the vanilla flavor in the frosting! Milk of choice– To brush the outsides of the pre-baked pastries. I used soy milk for this.

The Instructions

Step 1- Prepare the dough- In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, sweetener, and yogurt and mix well, until combined. Once combined, use your hands to form a thick, smooth ball of dough. Step 2- Roll it out and cut- Add a tablespoon of flour on top of your ball of dough. Then, you’ll want to generously flour a kitchen surface. Transfer the ball of dough onto it, and knead several times. If you have a rolling pin, roll out the dough, and use your hands to firm a rectangular shape. Continue rolling it out, until the dough is around 12 inches in length and 6 inches in height.Using a long knife (or pizza cutter), cut the dough down the middle length-ways (the long side) and cut 7 times the other side, forming 16 uniform rectangles. Step 3- Form the pop tarts- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place 8 of the rectangles of dough onto the lined tray, evenly spaced. Then, you’ll add a tablespoon of jam to the center of each one. Moving quickly, add the remaining 8 rectangles of dough on top of each one. Using a fork, press down around the edges, sealing up the dough to form a single pastry. Brush the tops of each pop tart with milk. Step 4- Bake and glaze- Bake the pop tarts for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let cool completely, before frosting.

Can I make these in an air-fryer?

YES! I’ve tested these in the air-fryer, and honestly, if you have one, USE THIS METHOD! Firstly, it’s so much quicker, but secondly, it has a much crispier exterior, while having a smooth and creamy filling.

Can we toast these pop tarts?

I don’t recommend toasting these homemade pop tarts in a toaster, otherwise, they will get stuck and stick to the edges. If you do, you MUST do so pre-icing (without the icing). I recommend re-toasting them in the air-fryer, by re-heating them at 370F for 3 minutes.

Does the yogurt have to be Greek yogurt? Can I substitute the yogurt?

Greek yogurt is preferred, as it is thicker than natural or plain yogurt. You can use non-fat, full-fat or reduced-fat varieties, or even flavored ones, as this is a sweet recipe. You can also use coconut yogurt, provided it has a thick texture. Avoid using plain or natural yogurts, as they won’t be thick enough for the amount of flour required. If you do not have yogurt, you can use reduced-fat (or light) sour cream.

Are pop tarts vegan?

I used sweetened coconut yogurt (Nakula brand) to ensure these pop tarts ARE vegan. If you can find vegan Greek-style yogurt, that will work too.

Are pop tarts gluten free?

Yes, as gluten free self rising flour is used, these pop tarts are gluten free.

Tips for PERFECT Pop Tarts

Do not over-fill the pop tarts with jam/jelly, otherwise, they will ‘bleed’ (seep out of the pastry) once baked. Remember, the filling will distribute once the top piece of dough is placed on top. Be sure to brush the tops of the pastries with milk, or even butter- You want it to be golden/brown! Don’t make your dough too thick, or your pop tarts will be puffy and once cooled, too doughy. If you want a warm ‘toasted’ flavor, omit the outside glaze until ready to bake. For protein pop tarts, add a scoop of protein powder to the dough.

Flavor Variations

While these pop tarts taste delicious with a jelly filling, you can change it up with other popular flavor options.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts– Fill the pop tarts with a mix of brown sugar (1 tablespoon) and cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon). Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for the glaze. Strawberry Pop Tarts– Use strawberry jam or jelly as your filling. Blueberry Pop Tarts– Use blueberry jam or jelly as your filling, or 2 cups frozen blueberries tossed in 1/4 cup sugar. Chocolate Pop Tarts– Place 1 tablespoon of homemade Nutella in each pop tart.

Storing and freezing tips

To store: Homemade pop tarts must be stored in the fridge, in a sealed container. They will keep fresh for up to 5 days. To freeze: Place leftover pop tarts in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. To reheat: Re-heat pop tarts by thawing them to room temperature, before re-heating in the oven (350F for 10 minutes) or in the air fryer (370F for 3 minutes).