Introduction

These homemade pop tarts are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat. Crispy, flaky pastry filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, then topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. They’re perfect for a cozy morning or a sweet snack anytime.

Homemade Pop Tarts with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling and Vanilla Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 refrigerated pie crusts
½ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons flour
1 large egg
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon heavy cream (plus more as needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Roll out one pie crust into a 12-inch circle. Cut into six 3×4 inch rectangles, rerolling the dough as needed. Repeat with the second crust. Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth to create an egg wash.
Step 2: Arrange half of the dough rectangles on a work surface and brush each with the egg wash.
Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until combined.
Step 4: Evenly sprinkle about 1 ½ tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture onto each egg-washed dough rectangle, leaving a border around the edges.
Step 5: Place the remaining dough rectangles on top of the filled pieces. Use a fork to crimp the edges to seal, then brush the tops with more egg wash.
Step 6: Preheat an air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tarts inside in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 7: Remove the tarts from the air fryer and let them cool completely before glazing.
Step 8: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add extra cream as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 9: Spoon the glaze evenly over the cooled pop tarts and let set for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a fruity twist, add a spoonful of your favorite jam between the cinnamon sugar before sealing the tarts.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the pop tarts at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden.
Brush the edges with water before sealing for an extra-tight seal and less filling leakage.

Storage

Store leftover pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently in a toaster or oven to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze homemade pop tarts?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked, assembled pop tarts. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I use instead of refrigerated pie crust?

You can make your own quick pie dough or use puff pastry sheets for a flakier texture. Both work well as a substitute for refrigerated pie crusts in this recipe.

Homemade Pop Tarts with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

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4.5 from 300 reviews

These homemade Pop Tarts are a delightful take on the classic pastry, featuring a cinnamon brown sugar filling encased in flaky pie crust and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Made from simple pantry ingredients and baked to golden perfection in an air fryer, they offer a quick and delicious breakfast or snack option.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 Pop Tarts 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust

2 refrigerated pie crusts

Filling

½ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons flour

Egg Wash

1 large egg
1 tablespoon water

Glaze

½ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon heavy cream (plus more as needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare Dough: Roll out one pie crust into a 12-inch circle and cut it into six 3×4 inch rectangles. Reroll scraps as needed to make a total of 12 rectangles from both crusts.
Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Arrange half of the dough pieces on a work surface and brush each with the egg wash to help seal the pastries.
Make Filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until evenly mixed.
Fill Pastries: Evenly sprinkle about 1 ½ tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture onto each egg-washed dough piece, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing.
Seal Edges: Top each filled piece with the remaining dough rectangles. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely to prevent filling leakage.
Brush Tops: Brush the tops of the sealed pastries with the remaining egg wash for a glossy finish after baking.
Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the Pop Tarts in the air fryer basket without overcrowding, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the pastries turn golden brown.
Cool: Remove the cooked Pop Tarts from the air fryer and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the glaze.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Add more heavy cream as needed to reach a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
Glaze and Set: Spoon the glaze over the tops of the cooled Pop Tarts and let it set for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to firm up.

Notes

For best results, use chilled pie crust to prevent sticking and tearing.
Do not overfill to avoid the filling leaking out during cooking.
Let the Pop Tarts cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Homemade Pop Tarts, cinnamon brown sugar filling, air fryer pastries, easy breakfast, sweet pastries, vanilla glaze