Sourdough Pop Tarts Recipe

The Rustic Sourdough Pop Tarts Recipe: A Cozy Breakfast Gem

Sweet memories of childhood treats meet artisan baking with these homemade sourdough pop tarts that elevate the classic breakfast pastry.

Tangy sourdough discs cradle luscious fruit fillings, promising a delightful twist on the nostalgic snack.

Crisp, flaky edges and a perfectly balanced dough make these pop tarts irresistible to both kids and adults.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of buttery crust and vibrant filling that dances on your palate.

Crafted with love and a touch of sourdough magic, these pop tarts transform a simple breakfast into a gourmet experience.

You’ll fall in love with this playful yet sophisticated take on a beloved classic.

Prepare to savor every delectable moment of these irresistible sourdough pop tarts.

Variations on Sourdough Pop Tarts

  • Chocolate Lover's Pop Tarts: Replace strawberry jam with rich chocolate spread or Nutella for a decadent chocolate-filled version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter, plant-based egg wash substitute, and dairy-free jam for a completely vegan treat.
  • Savory Breakfast Pop Tarts: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and herbs for a morning-friendly alternative to the sweet original recipe.

What Goes Well with Sourdough Pop Tarts

  • Pair Sparkling Rosé Wine: Light, fruity rosé complements the sweet strawberry jam and buttery sourdough crust, creating a delightful balance of flavors that dance on your palate.
  • Combine Fresh Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm pop tarts, letting the cold, smooth texture contrast with the crispy, flaky pastry.
  • Match Herbal Chamomile Tea: The subtle, soothing notes of chamomile tea provide a gentle counterpoint to the rich, sweet pop tarts, cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Explore Berry Smoothie: A chilled mixed berry smoothie echoes the strawberry jam's fruity essence while offering a refreshing, light accompaniment to the indulgent pastry.

Storing Sourdough Pop Tarts Fresh

  • Store cooled pop tarts in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing sogginess.
  • Wrap individual pop tarts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
  • Preheat oven to 300F, place pop tarts on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method restores their crispy exterior and warm filling.
  • Heat pop tarts for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. While faster, this method might slightly soften the crust, so use sparingly.

FAQs

  • What is sourdough discard and why use it in this recipe?

Sourdough discard is the excess starter removed during feeding process. It adds tangy flavor and helps create a flakier, more complex pastry texture compared to traditional pop tart dough.

  • Can I use different types of jam for the filling?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam works great, you can experiment with raspberry, blueberry, or even chocolate spread. Just ensure the jam isn’t too watery to prevent leaking during baking.

  • Do I need special equipment to make these pop tarts?

No special equipment needed. A basic mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking sheet, and fork are sufficient. A bench scraper helps but isn’t mandatory for mixing the dough.

Sourdough Pop Tarts That Surprise and Delight

  • Celebrate St. Patrick's Day: Craft a festive dessert that captures the green spirit with a delightful matcha twist, perfect for holiday celebrations.
  • Create a No-Bake Delight: Enjoy a simple dessert that requires no oven time, making it stress-free and quick to prepare for any gathering.
  • Indulge in Decadent Layers: Experience a luxurious combination of chocolate crust and creamy matcha filling that delivers a rich, smooth texture with every bite.
  • Customize with Ease: Personalize the dessert by adjusting chocolate drizzle and toppings, making it a versatile treat for different preferences and occasions.

Ingredients for Sourdough Pop Tarts

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main structure and base for the pop tart crust.
  • Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the pastry dough.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
Fat and Liquid Components:
  • Cold Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates flaky layers in the crust.
  • Sourdough Discard: Adds tangy flavor and helps create a tender texture.
  • Vinegar: Helps to tenderize the dough and prevent gluten development.
  • Cold Water: Helps bind the dough together if needed.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Strawberry Jam: The delicious filling that gives pop tarts their classic taste.
  • Egg: Used for egg wash to create a golden, shiny exterior.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for topping.
  • Water: Thins the powdered sugar to create the right glaze consistency.
  • Sprinkles or Coarse Sugar: Optional decorative topping for extra crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Sourdough Pop Tarts at Home

Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together flour, sugar, and salt until they’re perfectly combined and fluffy.

Step 2: Create Buttery Crumbles

Gently grate cold butter into the flour mixture.

Use a pastry cutter or bench scraper to break down the butter until the mixture looks like chunky, delightful crumbles.

Step 3: Form Dough Magic

Introduce sourdough discard and vinegar to the mixture.

Stir with a fork until the dough starts bonding together. If the dough seems too dry, add a splash of cold water to help it unite.

Step 4: Shape and Chill

Transform the dough into a neat rectangle. Wrap it lovingly in plastic wrap and give it a gentle roll to flatten.

Tuck the dough into the refrigerator for a cool rest between 1-24 hours.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Station

Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for a smooth baking experience.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough.

Slice into 4 elegant strips and brush edges with egg wash.

Step 7: Create Jam Pockets

Place strawberry jam on one side of each dough strip.

Fold the dough over and crimp edges with a fork to seal in the sweet goodness.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush pop tarts with egg wash.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 9: Add Dreamy Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar and water until silky smooth. Drizzle over cooled pop tarts.

Sprinkle with extra coarse sugar or colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

Pro Tips for Crispy Sourdough Pop Tarts

  • Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to develop flaky, tender layers and make rolling easier.
  • Add cold water sparingly to prevent a sticky dough, ensuring a crisp and light sourdough crust.
  • Use a fork to crimp pop tart edges, creating a tight seal that prevents jam from leaking during baking.
  • Swap strawberry jam for other preserves like blueberry, apricot, or even chocolate spread for variety.
  • Customize the sugar glaze by adding vanilla extract or using milk instead of water for a richer finish.
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Sourdough Pop Tarts Recipe

Sourdough Pop Tarts Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Homemade sourdough pop tarts bring nostalgic childhood memories dancing with grown-up culinary sophistication. Flaky pastry filled with luscious fruit preserves and finished with a delicate glaze promises a delightful sweet experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (125 g) sourdough discard
  • 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter (cold)

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  2. Grate chilled butter directly into the flour blend, using a bench scraper to create coarse, pebble-like crumbles.
  3. Incorporate sourdough discard and vinegar, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to integrate. Add a touch of cold water if the mixture seems too dry.
  4. Mold the dough into a rectangular shape, encase in plastic wrap, and gently flatten with a rolling pin.
  5. Refrigerate the dough for 1-24 hours to enhance flavor and improve texture.
  6. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface, aiming for an even thickness.
  8. Slice the dough into four elongated strips, carefully applying egg wash along the edges.
  9. Spread strawberry jam on one half of each strip, then fold and crimp edges with a fork to create sealed pockets.
  10. Brush the pop tarts with additional egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry achieves a rich, amber coloration.
  12. Allow pop tarts to cool completely on a wire rack.
  13. Whisk powdered sugar and water into a smooth, pourable glaze.
  14. Drizzle glaze over cooled pastries and garnish with sprinkles or coarse sugar for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is extremely cold to achieve flaky, tender crust texture.
  • Use room temperature sourdough discard for smoother dough integration.
  • Chill dough longer for more pronounced buttery layers and easier handling.
  • Try alternative fillings like apple butter, chocolate, or savory options for versatile pop tarts.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 657 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 354 mg
  • Fat: 59 g
  • Saturated Fat: 37 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 192 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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