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Today, we’re discussing Pop Tarts. They are distributed in very few countries (more on that below). So, many (such as myself) have never had the chance to try them. I have always seen them on TV and in movies and wondered what they taste like. (Gilmore Girls, anyone?) Of course, that meant I had to make my own homemade version. Specifically, apple pie pop tarts. I made these tarts using a shortcrust pastry dough and loaded them with an apple pie filling. Then, I drizzled them with my quick and easy 3-ingredient icing. I relished every bite; the crisp sugared pastry crust, the cinnamon-spiced apple filling and the icing on top!

Pop Tarts Fun Facts

Let’s backtrack to the lack of pop tarts in my country. Pop tarts are very popular in the United States, as the company who manufactures them (Kellogg’s) are situated in Michigan, USA. However, they are only available in a few countries. From Wikipedia: “Pop-Tarts have a sugary filling sealed inside two layers of thin, rectangular pastry crust. Most varieties are also frosted. They are distributed mainly in the United States, but also in Canada, Finland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and New Zealand.” (source) So, if you have no access to them, you gotta make ’em!

I love making homemade pop tarts as they’re easy as pie (pun intended), but way cuter and the ideal serving size! They are perfect for colder months with a balance of sweetness and warmth.  To prolong the apple pie pop tart experience, I suggest freezing them separately, by wrapping each tart in parchment paper. Whenever you feel like indulging in one (or two, who’s judging?), just defrost, then heat up in the microwave or oven. The heating part is optional, as they are just as delicious at room-temperature. Are you getting cravings too?

As always, let me know If you make these, I’d love to see!

Happy eating, 

Kim x

Yield: 9 pop tarts

Homemade Apple Pie Pop Tarts Recipe

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These apple pie pop tarts have a sugared shortcrust pastry crust loaded with a spiced apple pie filling and drizzled with my quick and easy icing.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Chill Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

Shortcrust Pastry Dough

• 2 cups plain flour (250g)
• 1/2 cup cold butter, grated (125g / 1 stick)
• 1 large egg
• 20 ml cold water, if needed
• Egg Yolk, to brush top
• 1 tbsp gran. sugar, to sprinkle

Apple Pie Filling

• 2 medium apples, Granny Smith
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp caramel sauce
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp plain flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg

Quick Icing

• 1 cup royal icing sugar
• 1 tbsp water or milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 195°c / 380°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Use a pastry blender tool to combine the cold butter and the flour until clumps form. Add the egg and keep mixing until combined. Cover pastry in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. Dice the apples into even squares. Place in a bowl. Melt the butter and caramel and pour over the apples. Add the lemon, flour and spices and give them a stir.
4. Roll out half the shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface or between parchment paper. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut it into 9 even squares. Place them on the lined baking sheet 2" / 5cm apart. Fill them with the apple pie mixture, leaving a border around the edges.
5. Roll out the other half of the dough to the same thickness. Divide into another 9 squares and cut out a star/flower shape from the centre. Place them onto the apples and pinch down the edges. Using a fork, press down all around the edges to seal the pastry together and create markings.
6. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes if the pastry isn't cold anymore. Brush the surface with egg yolk and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake for 18-23 minutes, until they start to turn golden. Let the pop tarts cool completely on a cooling rack.
7. Prepare the icing by mixing the sugar, vanilla and water together, gradually. If needed, add more water until you reach desired thick consistency. Transfer the icing into a piping bag. Snip off the end of the piping bag and drizzle the pop tarts. Let the icing harden.
8. Enjoy!

Notes

Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month (covered in parchment paper, separately) .

Reheat in the microwave or oven to serve (optional).