If you have a soft spot for nostalgic breakfast treats with a homemade twist, then you are going to adore this Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Pop-Tarts Recipe. These flaky, buttery pastries are filled with a warm, cinnamon-spiced brown sugar filling and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze that brings everything together perfectly. From the tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust to the gooey center and just the right touch of frosting, this recipe transforms a classic toaster pastry into a delightful kitchen creation you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, creating this Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Pop-Tarts Recipe starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays its part in creating that irresistible balance of texture, flavor, and appearance that makes these pop tarts shine.
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour: This forms the sturdy yet tender base of the crust.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Key for a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust texture.
- 1/2 cup ice water: Helps bring the dough together while keeping it cool for flakiness.
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Infuses the filling with that deep, molasses-rich sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour (for filling): Thickens the filling, so it’s perfect for staying inside the crust.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that elevates the brown sugar filling.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Binds the filling and adds richness.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Used to seal the pastries and brush the tops for a golden finish.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the creamy frosting that tops each pastry beautifully.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives the frosting a lovely aromatic sweetness that complements the brown sugar.
How to Make Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Pop-Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Then, cut in the cold cubed butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Adding ice water slowly, just enough for the dough to come together, ensures a tender crust. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic, and chill for at least an hour to keep everything nice and cold for that perfect flake.
Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Filling
Mix the brown sugar, tablespoon of flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir in the melted butter to create a damp sandy texture that will give you that luscious filling you want inside every pop tart.
Step 3: Roll and Shape the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out one chilled dough disk on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. Cut into rectangles approximately 3 by 4 inches. These shapes will become your pop tart shells.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Pop-Tarts
Place half of the dough rectangles on the baking sheet, and spoon about one tablespoon of the brown sugar filling onto the center of each, leaving a little border. Brush edges with beaten egg, top each with a second rectangle, press edges together firmly using a fork, and prick the tops to let steam escape. Don’t forget to brush the tops with egg wash for that gorgeous golden glow.
Step 5: Bake and Frost
Bake the pop tarts for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown. Let them cool completely before moving on. For the frosting, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Slather this dreamy frosting over the cooled pastries, let it set, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable treat waiting to be devoured.
How to Serve Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Pop-Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted butter mixed with a sprinkle of coarse sugar can add a fun twist and make each pop tart look as incredible as it tastes. Fresh berries on the side can also bring a fresh contrast to the rich sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pairing these pop tarts with a simple cup of hot coffee or creamy chai tea enhances the warm cinnamon and brown sugar notes. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your pop tarts on a rustic wooden board, sprinkle crushed nuts around for texture, or stack them in a charming pastry tower for brunch gatherings. You could also cut them into smaller bites for a sweet party snack that’s utterly irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Pop-Tarts Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the crust crisp yet tender and the frosting intact.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked pop tarts on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to one month. When ready, bake straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked, frosted pop tarts also freeze well wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Reheating
Warm your pop tarts gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes to refresh their flaky texture and melted filling without melting the frosting too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sugar for the filling?
While light brown sugar gives the best flavor and moisture balance, you can experiment with dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses taste or even coconut sugar for a subtle twist, but the texture might change slightly.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Swap the all purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep the dough cold and handle gently for the best results.
Can I make these pop tarts vegan?
Absolutely. Use a vegan butter substitute and replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk or aquafaba. For frosting, use powdered sugar free of bone char and almond or oat milk in place of dairy milk.
What is the best way to prevent soggy bottoms?
Keeping the dough well chilled throughout prep and rolling it out evenly helps create a flaky crust that bakes through nicely. Also, do not overload the filling to avoid leakage and sogginess.
Can I customize the filling flavors?
Definitely! While cinnamon brown sugar is deliciously classic, try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of jam to the filling for your own spin on this Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Pop-Tarts Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully comforting about biting into a homemade version of a familiar favorite like the Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Pop-Tarts Recipe. The flaky crust, warm filling, and sweet frosting come together to create a breakfast treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen — your mornings will never be the same again!
Print
Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Pop-Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 pop tarts
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Pop-Tarts are a delightful breakfast pastry featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with a cinnamon-spiced brown sugar filling, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. These pastries are baked to golden perfection and make a cozy, sweet morning treat that’s better than any store-bought version.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup ice water
Filling
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Assembly & Frosting
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough flaky.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, which ensures a tender and flaky crust when baked.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand, creating a crumbly but sticky filling that will stay inside your pop-tarts.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough into a large rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into even rectangles approximately 3 by 4 inches in size.
- Assemble Pop-Tarts: Place half of the dough rectangles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar filling onto the center of each, leaving a small border around the edges. Brush the edges with beaten egg, then top with the remaining rectangles. Press edges together firmly with a fork to seal and prick the tops with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Lightly brush the tops of the assembled pop-tarts with the remaining beaten egg wash to achieve a golden brown finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges and tops are golden brown.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pop-tarts from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling ensures the filling sets and the frosting will adhere properly.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (1 to 2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Adjust the milk quantity to reach your preferred frosting consistency.
- Frost the Pop-Tarts: Spread the frosting over the cooled pastries evenly. Let the frosting set at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Keep the dough cold throughout preparation for the flakiest texture possible.
- For extra warmth and flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the brown sugar filling.
- Store finished pop-tarts in an airtight container at room temperature; they will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- If desired, you can customize the filling by adding chopped nuts or dried fruits.
- Use unsalted butter to control salt levels; adjust salt in dough if using salted butter.
