Save Money and Eat Healthier: Homemade Pop Tarts Recipe for Parents

As a busy parent, finding ways to save money while feeding your family tasty and nutritious snacks is always a win. Instead of buying store-bought pop tarts full of preservatives and artificial ingredients, why not try making them at home? These homemade pop tarts are simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor!

Here’s a delicious recipe to create your own pop tarts from scratch. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have control over the ingredients, ensuring they’re healthier and free from unwanted preservatives. And remember when you are re-creating recipes you find online, they do NOT have to look good to taste good.

Why Homemade Pop Tarts Are a Great Idea for Parents:

- Save Money: Store-bought pop tarts can be expensive, especially when you're buying them regularly for your kids. By making your own, you can save money and create multiple batches for the same price as a box or two of the store-bought versions.

- Control Over Ingredients: Homemade pop tarts allow you to use healthier, preservative-free ingredients. You can choose natural jams, opt for a homemade crust, and avoid artificial flavors and colors.

- Fun Activity for Kids: Making pop tarts together can be a fun and educational activity for your children. They’ll love helping to assemble the pop tarts, and it's a great way to teach them about cooking and healthy eating.

- Versatility: You can easily customize the jam flavor or even add fun fillings like chocolate or cream cheese. The options are endless!

Ingredients You Need:

- 1 package of rolled pie crust (or double this homemade crust recipe)
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of jam or preserves (pick your favorite flavor)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)

For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons jam
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions to Make Homemade Pop Tarts:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Crust: Unroll the pie crust onto another sheet of parchment paper. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut 3x5-inch rectangles (you can use an index card as a guide). If you have leftover crust, knead and roll it out to cut the remaining pieces.

3. Assemble the Pop Tarts:- Beat the egg in a small bowl to create the egg wash.- Place 8 of the rectangle pieces on the parchment-lined baking sheet.- Add about 1 1/2 tablespoons of jam onto each rectangle. Brush the edges with egg wash and top with another rectangle of dough.- Press and pinch the edges together to seal, then crimp them with a fork. Poke a few holes on top for ventilation.

4. Bake the Pop Tarts: Brush the top and edges of each tart with the egg wash and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Make the Icing: While the pop tarts cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, jam, and vanilla to create the icing.

6. Top with Icing and Serve: Once the pop tarts are cooled, drizzle the icing over the top and, if you like, add sprinkles, crushed freeze-dried berries, or even rose petals for a fun touch! Store in an airtight container for up to two days, though they’re best eaten fresh.

Final Thoughts:

Homemade pop tarts are the perfect solution for parents looking to save money without sacrificing quality or taste. This easy recipe allows you to create delicious, preservative-free snacks that your kids will love. Plus, they’re simple enough to make together as a family, adding a touch of fun to your day. Enjoy the goodness of homemade treats while staying on budget—your wallet (and your kids) will thank you!

Nanny to Mommy