Sourdough Pop Tarts

If you’ve ever craved the sweet, flaky comfort of a pop tart but wanted to take it up a notch, then these Sourdough Pop Tarts are exactly what you need. They’re made with a buttery, tangy sourdough crust and filled with your favorite jam, bringing a homemade, slightly rustic twist to the classic treat. The crispy, golden crust, paired with the gooey jam filling, gives you that perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and crunch. Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked pop tarts and biting into that delightful combination of crispy dough and jam. Trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Sourdough Pop Tarts

Here’s why these sourdough pop tarts will quickly become your new go-to breakfast or snack:

• Flaky & Buttery Crust: The sourdough gives the crust a subtle tangy flavor and extra flakiness, making each bite incredibly satisfying. It’s like a pop tart, but better!
• Customizable Fillings: Whether you’re into fruity jams, chocolate, or even peanut butter and jelly, you can personalize the filling to your liking.
• Made From Scratch: Skip the store-bought pop tarts and create a homemade version that’s fresh, wholesome, and full of love.
• Easy-to-Follow Recipe: While the thought of sourdough might sound intimidating, this recipe is simple and foolproof—perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
• Perfect for Any Time of Day: Whether it’s a fun breakfast, a sweet snack, or even a dessert, these sourdough pop tarts are versatile enough to enjoy at any time.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious sourdough pop tarts:

Sourdough Starter: The tangy base that gives these pop tarts their signature flavor. Be sure to use a bubbly, active starter.

Flour: The foundation of the dough. All-purpose flour works best for a soft, flaky texture.

Butter: Adds richness and flakiness to the crust. It’s what makes this dough so wonderfully tender.

Sugar: A little sugar sweetens the dough, making the crust just the right balance of sweet and savory.

Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances out the sweetness of the filling.

Egg: Used for the dough and also for brushing the tops of the pop tarts, giving them a golden finish when baked.

Jam: Choose your favorite jam or preserves—strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, or even a tangy lemon curd all work wonderfully.

Water: Helps bring the dough together and make it workable.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make these beautiful sourdough pop tarts:

1. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and 1 tablespoon of cold water, stirring until the dough starts to come together. If it’s too dry, add another tablespoon of water.

2. Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two balls, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has chilled, roll one ball out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into rectangles (about 3×4 inches each). You’ll need a total of 12 rectangles—6 for the bottom and 6 for the top of the pop tarts.

4. Add the Filling

Place 1-2 tablespoons of jam in the center of each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Be careful not to overfill—too much jam can make the pop tarts leak during baking.

5. Assemble the Pop Tarts

Place a second rectangle of dough on top of each jam-filled rectangle. Press the edges together with a fork to seal the sides. For a decorative touch, you can also crimp the edges with your fingers. Brush the tops of the pop tarts with the beaten egg for that perfect golden finish.

6. Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pop tarts for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the crust is crispy. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

7. Optional: Glaze and Serve

If you want to take these pop tarts to the next level, you can drizzle a simple glaze on top once they’ve cooled. Just mix powdered sugar and milk until you get a smooth glaze and drizzle over the pop tarts.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 (2 pop tarts each)
Calories per serving: 290

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including chill time)

How to Serve Sourdough Pop Tarts

These sourdough pop tarts are delicious as-is, but here are a few ideas to elevate them:

• With a Side of Fresh Fruit: Pair them with a fresh fruit salad or some sliced strawberries for a fun, balanced breakfast or snack.
• With a Cup of Coffee: These pop tarts are perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavor of the dough pairs beautifully with your favorite morning beverage.
• Glazed: Add a sweet glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
• With Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some extra jam drizzle.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make sure your sourdough pop tarts turn out perfectly:

• Use Cold Butter: Make sure the butter is cold when you mix it into the dough to create that flaky, tender texture.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent it from shrinking during baking and makes it easier to handle.
• Don’t Overfill: Be sure not to overfill the pop tarts with jam, as it can cause them to leak during baking. Less is more!
• Make Mini Pop Tarts: If you prefer smaller pop tarts, you can make mini versions by halving the dough rectangles.
• Vary the Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Nut butters, chocolate, or even savory fillings like cream cheese and herbs can be fun variations.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the pop tarts, assemble them, and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, just pop them straight from the freezer into the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q2: Can I use store-bought sourdough starter?
A2: Yes, you can! Just make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it in the recipe.

Q3: How long can I store these pop tarts?
A3: Store the pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them and reheat in the oven.

Q4: Can I use a different filling?
A4: Absolutely! You can fill these pop tarts with anything you like—chocolate, peanut butter, Nutella, or even savory fillings like cheese and herbs.

Q5: Can I make a vegan version?
A5: You can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg. Make sure to use dairy-free jam as well.

Q6: Can I make these pop tarts gluten-free?
A6: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the dough’s consistency and add water as needed to get the right texture.

Q7: How do I keep the pop tarts from leaking during baking?
A7: Make sure to seal the edges well and don’t overfill with jam. If you’re worried, you can use a fork to gently press the edges together.

Q8: Can I make these pop tarts without a sourdough starter?
A8: You can skip the sourdough starter and use a regular pie dough or puff pastry dough instead. It won’t have the same tangy flavor, but it will still be delicious!

Q9: How do I prevent the pop tart dough from getting too tough?
A9: Handle the dough gently and avoid overworking it. Also, make sure the dough is chilled, as this helps keep it tender.

Q10: Can I glaze these pop tarts after baking?
A10: Yes! You can glaze the pop tarts with a simple mix of powdered sugar and milk after they’ve cooled. It adds a nice sweetness and a glossy finish.

Conclusion

These Sourdough Pop Tarts are the perfect twist on a classic, combining the tangy goodness of sourdough with the sweet, fruity filling you love. They’re easy to make, customizable, and fun to eat! Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these homemade pop tarts will make any day a little sweeter. Enjoy!

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