Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts

This Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts recipe brings a delightful twist to a beloved breakfast treat. These pop tarts feature a sweet blackberry filling enveloped in a flaky pie crust and topped with blackberry icing, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Their homemade charm sets them apart, providing a special touch for family gatherings or weekend brunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh blackberries and buttery crust creates an irresistible taste.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings or icings to suit your preferences.
• Fun to Make: Enjoy the process of rolling dough and assembling your pop tarts with family or friends.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them at breakfast, pack them in lunchboxes, or enjoy them as a sweet snack.
• Made from Scratch: Creating these pop tarts at home allows you to control the ingredients for a healthier option.

Tools and Preparation

To make these tasty homemade blackberry pop tarts, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Medium saucepan
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Pastry cutter or fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients and keeping your workspace organized.
• Rolling pin: Necessary for rolling out the dough evenly to achieve that perfect thickness.
• Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy surface for baking multiple pop tarts at once.

Ingredients

This homemade version of a breakfast classic is made with sweet blackberry filling, deliciously flakey pie crust, and blackberry icing!

• 3 cups blackberries (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 6 Tablespoons water
• 2 Tablespoons sour cream
• 2 ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup shortening (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold)
• Egg wash: 1 egg beaten
• 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 Tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1 Tablespoon blackberry filling (strained to remove seeds)

How to Make Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts

Step 1: Make the Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the blackberries over medium heat until they soften and their juices start to release, about 2–3 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add this mixture to the berries and continue cooking until it thickens, about another 2–3 minutes.
4. Use a potato masher or fork to smash any large berries.
5. Remove from heat and pour into a shallow bowl. Refrigerate until cool.

Step 2: Make the Pie Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine the water and sour cream; set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Scatter shortening over the flour mixture; grate cold butter on top using a cheese grater.
4. Cut the mixture together using a fork or pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Add the sour cream mixture and stir with a stiff rubber spatula until it forms one big mound.
6. If needed, add another tablespoon of water if too dry.
7. Divide dough into two halves; flatten each half into a disk and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

Step 3: Assemble the Pop-Tarts

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick (9×12 inches).
2. Trim sides as necessary; cut into nine rectangles measuring 3×4 inches using a pizza slicer or knife.
3. Place rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate.
4. Roll out second disc similarly; cut into nine rectangles like before and place them on another lined baking sheet in the fridge.
5. Remove first baking sheet from refrigerator; brush egg wash along edges of each rectangle as glue.
6. Place about one heaping tablespoon of blackberry filling in center of each rectangle while leaving space on edges.
7. Remove second baking sheet from refrigerator; place each rectangle on top of filled ones.
8. Press firmly around filling pocket to seal well on all sides; crimp edges with a fork.

Step 4: Bake the Pop-Tarts

1. Refrigerate filled pop tarts for at least twenty minutes while preheating oven to 400ºF.
2. Once chilled, lightly brush tops with egg wash; bake for about fifteen to seventeen minutes until golden brown.
3. Remove from oven and allow cooling completely.

Step 5: Make the Icing

1. In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar and milk/cream together.
2. Strain tablespoon of blackberry filling through fine mesh sieve into bowl; whisk until smooth.
3. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if needed.

Step 6: Finish Off Your Pop-Tarts

1. Once cooled completely, spoon icing onto tops of pop tarts; spread evenly with butter knife or offset spatula.
2. Repeat with remaining pop tarts.
3. Cover leftovers well; store in refrigerator for up to five days.

Enjoy your homemade blackberry pop tarts warm or cold!

How to Serve Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts

Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast or dessert, these pastries can be paired with complementary flavors and drinks to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with assorted berries like strawberries and blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Sliced Bananas: The creaminess of bananas pairs well with the tart blackberry filling.

Alongside Yogurt

• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the pop tarts.
• Flavored Yogurt: Choose berry-flavored yogurt for a fun mix of flavors.

For a Fun Breakfast Spread

• Coffee: Pair your pop tarts with a hot cup of coffee to kick start your day.
• Milk: A classic glass of cold milk complements the sweet and flaky pastry perfectly.

How to Perfect Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts

Perfecting your Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts takes some practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Chill the Dough: Always refrigerate your dough before rolling it out. This ensures it stays flaky during baking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh blackberries whenever possible for a brighter flavor in your filling.
• Don’t Overfill: Adding too much filling can cause spills. Stick to a heaping tablespoon for each pop tart.
• Seal Well: Make sure to crimp the edges tightly to keep the filling inside while baking.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid over-browning; every oven is different.
• Experiment with Icing: Feel free to add lemon zest or vanilla extract for extra flavor in your icing.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts

Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts are versatile enough to be served with various side dishes. These accompaniments can elevate your meal, whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a dessert.

1. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide a savory contrast that balances the sweetness of the pop tarts.
2. Breakfast Sausage: The salty flavor of breakfast sausage complements the sweet blackberry filling nicely.
3. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and make for a hearty breakfast option alongside pop tarts.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can refresh your palate after enjoying the rich pastry.
5. Granola Parfait: Layered granola, yogurt, and fruit create a delightful texture contrast with pop tarts.
6. Smoothie Bowl: A berry smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds offers healthy balance alongside this treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using overly ripe blackberries: Overripe berries can make your filling too mushy. Choose firm, ripe blackberries for the best texture.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the refrigeration step can lead to tough crusts. Always chill the dough for at least an hour to ensure flakiness.
• Overfilling the tarts: Using too much filling can cause spills during baking. Stick to a heaping tablespoon of filling for each tart.
• Ignoring egg wash: Omitting the egg wash results in dull-looking pastries. Brush it on before baking for a beautiful golden finish.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can affect texture and rise. Always preheat your oven before placing in the pop tarts.

Refrigerator Storage

• Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezing Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts

• You can freeze unbaked or baked pop tarts.
• For unbaked, wrap each tart in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they’ll last for up to 3 months.
• For baked ones, ensure they cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

Reheating Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, but be cautious as this may soften the crust.
• Stovetop: Heat on low heat in a skillet for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until warm and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the filling for Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts?

To make the filling, cook blackberries with sugar, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon until thickened. Mash any large berries as needed.

Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen blackberries work well; just ensure they are thawed and drained of excess moisture before using them in the filling.

What other flavors can I use besides blackberry?

You can customize your pop tarts using other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even chocolate ganache!

How should I store leftover Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Blackberry Pop Tarts are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to breakfast or dessert. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings or icings! Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delicious homemade pastry that’s sure to impress!