Strawberry Pop Tart Bars Recipe

Strawberry Pop Tart Bars are a fun and delicious twist on the classic breakfast treat. These homemade bars combine a flaky crust with sweet strawberry filling, topped with a simple icing. They’re perfect for a breakfast on-the-go or as a delightful snack any time of day.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Strawberry Pop Tart Bars at home is a great idea for several reasons. First, you can customize the filling to your taste, whether you like strawberries or want to try other flavors. Second, they are easy to prepare, even for beginners. Lastly, they offer a fresh taste that store-bought pastries often lack, so you can impress your family and friends with your baking skills!

How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Bars

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup strawberry jam or jelly
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Beat the egg and vanilla extract together, and add them to the dough mixture. Mix until the dough just comes together.
Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other. Press the larger portion into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
If you like a thicker filling, mix the strawberry jam with the cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the dough in the pan.
Roll out the remaining dough between two sheets of parchment paper to fit the top of the pan. Lay it gently over the jam filling, and press the edges to seal.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Let the pop tart bars cool completely in the pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars.
Add sprinkles on top if desired.
Once the icing has set, cut the pop tart bars into squares and serve.

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Bars

You can serve these delicious bars as they are, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds. They pair nicely with a cup of coffee or milk, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

How to Store Strawberry Pop Tart Bars

To store your Strawberry Pop Tart Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Tips to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Bars

Make sure your butter is cold for a flaky crust.
If you want a fruitier filling, add diced fresh strawberries to the jam.
Experiment with different flavors of jam or jelly, such as raspberry or blueberry, for a fun twist.

Variation

You can easily change the flavor of these bars by switching the jam. Try using apple, peach, or grape jam for a different taste. You can also add spices like cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust for a quicker version, but the homemade crust is fluffier and tastier.

2. How can I make the bars more colorful?
Add colorful sprinkles on top of the icing and use fruit-flavored jams for brighter colors.

3. Can I make these bars in advance?
Absolutely! You can make them a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container until you are ready to serve.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Bars with your loved ones!