Name: Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 21 min
Ingredients: 1 pkg refrigerated pie crusts (You should have two flat (9 inch) pie dough disks.); 3/4 cup Strawberry preserves or jam (Keep 1/4 cup to the side for the frosting.); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 Egg Egg; 4 tablespoons sprinkles (Optional.)

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There’s something utterly charming about the simplicity of homemade treats, especially when they come in delightful shapes like hearts. My journey to perfecting these Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts began on a sunny spring morning when I craved a little sweetness to celebrate the season. Imagine the smell of freshly baked pastries wafting through the kitchen, the anticipation as you gather around the table, ready to share these delicious creations with loved ones. With a flaky crust, luscious strawberry filling, and a sprinkle of joy on top, these pop tarts aren’t just tasty; they’re a way to express love and affection, particularly around Valentine’s Day or any day you want to make special.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
21 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
11 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
210 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Air fryer, Cookie cutter or sharp knife, Fork, Small bowl, Silicone brush, Spoon, Rolling pin

Why This Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts Is a Winner

They’re Heartfelt Gifts

There’s something about baking that brings out the love in all of us. These Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts are perfect for gifting. Whether it’s for a loved one or a friend, the heart shape makes them an adorable and thoughtful gesture. Imagine surprising someone special with a box of these pastries, freshly frosted and still warm from the oven.

Customizable Flavors

While these pop tarts are filled with strawberry goodness, the beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out the filling for any flavor you desire, be it raspberry, blueberry, or even a decadent chocolate spread. This means you can adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or those of your guests.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These pastries make every occasion brighter. They are a delightful treat for breakfast, a sweet snack for lunch, or a fun dessert during gatherings. You can even make them for holidays, celebrations, or simply to enjoy with your afternoon tea.

Fun for Kids and Adults Alike

Baking together creates lasting memories, and these Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts provide a fun activity for families. Kids can help cut out the shapes, fill the pastries, and decorate them with sprinkles. It’s a wonderful way to teach them about baking and encourage creativity in the kitchen.

Easy with Minimal Ingredients

You might think that making pop tarts from scratch requires a ton of ingredients and time, but that’s not the case here! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these delightful treats in no time. The use of pre-made dough cuts down on the work, making it accessible for all skill levels.

Delightfully Sweet and Beautiful

Lastly, let’s not forget how visually appealing they are. The vibrant strawberry filling peeking through the golden crust and the colorful sprinkles on top make these pastries not only mouthwatering but also a feast for the eyes. They are sure to impress anyone who sees (and tastes) them!

What Goes Into Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts

Creating the perfect Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts starts with the right ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in crafting these delicious pastries. The main players are the flaky pie crust, sweet strawberry preserves, and a hint of egg for that golden finish. Together, they create a delightful combination of textures and flavors that make every bite enjoyable.

1 (15 oz) pkg refrigerated pie crusts: This is the foundation of our pop tarts. The ready-made crust is a time-saver, ensuring that your pastries have a flaky, delicious texture without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
3/4 cup Strawberry preserves or jam: The star ingredient, providing that rich, sweet strawberry flavor. Reserve some for frosting to create a beautiful finish.
1 cup powdered sugar: This will be used for the frosting, adding a sweet touch that elevates your pop tarts.
1 Egg: Used for the egg wash, it gives the pastries a lovely golden color and helps seal the edges.
4 tablespoons sprinkles (optional): Add a pop of color and fun! Sprinkles make these pastries even more festive and appealing.

Preparation Steps for Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts

Making Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts is a simple yet rewarding task. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create these delightful pastries right in your own kitchen. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of heart-shaped goodness ready to share!

Start by laying out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Ensure that it’s flat to make cutting easier. Using a cookie cutter, cut out sixteen heart-shaped pieces. Take your time to get as many hearts as possible, maximizing your dough.
On one heart-shaped piece of crust, add about one tablespoon of the strawberry preserves in the center. Spread it evenly, leaving a border around the edges. This border is essential for sealing the pop tarts properly.
Repeat adding the preserves to half of the heart shapes until you have filled all your filling hearts. Don’t rush this step; an even spread makes a world of difference in flavor.
Next, crack the egg into a small bowl and beat it thoroughly until you achieve a uniform mixture. This will be your egg wash.
Using a silicone brush, apply the egg wash around the edges of each filled heart crust. This step is crucial for ensuring that the pastries seal properly and achieve that beautiful golden color once cooked.
Now, take an unfilled heart-shaped piece of dough and place it gently on top of your filled crust. Use a fork to press down firmly around the edges, sealing the pop tart. Repeat this with all prepared hearts.
Brush the tops of each heart with more egg wash, ensuring they are fully coated. This allows them to develop a lovely sheen while baking.
Using the fork, poke 6 to 8 holes in the top of each pastry to let steam escape. This prevents them from bursting in the oven!
Depending on the size of your air fryer, place as many pastries as will fit without overlapping. Cook at 370° for 7 minutes. Once cooked, flip them over and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until both sides are light brown.
If you prefer the oven method, preheat to 375 degrees. Bake the pastries on parchment paper for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking. The pastries should be light brown outside and slightly gooey inside.
As the pop tarts cool, mix the powdered sugar with the remaining strawberry preserves to create a frosting. Drizzle this over the cooled pastries and sprinkle with sprinkles before the frosting sets. Enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Let the dough warm: Warm your pie dough to room temperature to prevent cracking while rolling.
Use scraps wisely: If you have leftover dough, gather and reroll it to make additional hearts. Aim for a thickness similar to the original.
Creative shapes: If you don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter, feel free to use any shape you like, making these pop tarts perfect for any occasion.
Keep an eye on baking: Whether using an air fryer or oven, keep a close watch to prevent overbaking—golden is key.

Expert Tips about Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts

Creating the perfect Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts can be a delightful experience with a few expert tips. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way that can help you achieve the best results.

Storage: Keep any leftover pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they will last for about three days.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked pop tarts for up to a month. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer bag.
Variations: Experiment with different fillings! Try using raspberry jam, chocolate hazelnut spread, or even lemon curd for a fun twist.
Serving ideas: Serve these pop tarts warm with a scoop of ice cream or alongside a cup of coffee for a delightful snack.
Make it festive: Change up the sprinkles based on the season or occasion—red and pink for Valentine’s Day, or pastel colors for Easter.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts, there’s no shortage of delightful options!

Perfect for brunch: These pastries make a lovely addition to any brunch spread. Serve them alongside fresh fruit and coffee for a well-rounded meal.
Valentine’s Day treats: They’re the ideal dessert for a romantic evening. Surprise your partner with a sweet and personal touch!
Afternoon snack: Pack them for a midday treat or enjoy them with tea in the afternoon.
Kids’ parties: Make these pop tarts for your child’s birthday party. Kids will love the heart shape and fun sprinkles!
Storage tips: If you have any leftover pastries, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They are best eaten within a few days.
Seasonal pairings: For spring and summer, serve with a refreshing fruit salad or iced tea.

FAQ

Absolutely! Using a homemade pie crust can elevate the flavor and texture of your Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts. Just ensure that your crust is rolled out thinly to achieve the perfect flaky pastry. The technique for assembly remains the same, so you won’t miss out on that delicious filling!

To keep your Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them before baking or after they’ve cooled, which can extend their lifespan significantly!

Definitely! One of the most fun aspects of making Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts is the ability to customize the fillings. You can use different types of fruit preserves such as raspberry, blueberry, or even a sweet cream cheese filling for variety. The process of making them remains the same, so feel free to get creative!

These Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts are perfect for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day, as they convey love and sweetness. However, they also make delightful treats for brunch, birthday parties, or simply as a fun afternoon snack. Their heart shape adds a festive touch, making them suitable for celebrations!

Conclusion

The Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts Hearts are a joyful expression of creativity in the kitchen. They bring together sweet flavors and fun shapes that are sure to make anyone smile. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with those you love. There’s nothing quite like a homemade treat to bring people together and create lasting memories.