Dessert

Homemade Pop Tarts Recipe

Name: Homemade Pop Tarts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491704H24M24S
Total time: PT-491704H24M24S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 refrigerated pie crusts; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 2 teaspoons flour; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon heavy cream (plus more as needed); 1 teaspoon vanilla; ½ teaspoon cinnamon

ByMariam Harutyunyan February 1, 2026February 1, 2026

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Introduction

Homemade Pop Tarts are a delightful treat that combines flaky pastry with a sweet cinnamon sugar filling. These air-fried pastries are easy to make and perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack.

The image shows three rectangular pastries with golden-brown, flaky crusts that have crimped edges all around. Each pastry is topped with a smooth, light brown frosting with tiny darker speckles, covering nearly the entire top surface. The pastries rest closely together on a dark wooden board, which itself is placed on a white marbled textured surface. The focus is sharp on the pastries, highlighting the contrast between the crisp pastry edges and the creamy frosting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 other crust. Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth to make 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: Sprinkle about 1½ tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture evenly onto each egg-washed dough piece, leaving a gap around the edges to allow sealing.
Step 5: Top each filled piece with a remaining dough rectangle. Use a fork to crimp around the edges and seal the tarts. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash.
Step 6: Preheat an air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tarts in the air fryer basket without overcrowding and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Work in batches as needed.

Step 7: Remove the tarts and allow them to cool completely before glazing.
Step 8: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add extra cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 9: Spoon the glaze over the cooled tarts and let it set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a fruit variation, add a spoonful of your favorite jam or fresh fruit preserves before sealing the tarts.
Use a fork to poke small vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape and prevent sogginess.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the tarts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden.

Storage

Store homemade pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or air fryer to restore flakiness. Glaze can soften if refrigerated, so add fresh glaze if desired after reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a rectangular pastry with two layers of golden, flaky crust. The top layer is lifted to show a creamy, light brown filling with a smooth texture speckled with small darker spots, likely cinnamon or spice. The edges of the crust are crimped, and the pastry sits on a dark wooden surface. Additional pastries are blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze homemade pop tarts?

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

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the pop tarts in a conventional oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.