Healthy Pop Tarts

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5 from 133 votes
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These healthy pop tarts are a healthier take on the traditional pop tarts! No yeast, no corn syrup, no butter, and no oil needed!

homemade pop tarts

Homemade Pop Tarts

When it comes to healthy makeovers of unhealthy treats, my favorite recipes to make are Subway cookies, Levain bakery cookies, and these homemade pop tarts.

Growing up, I was obsessed with pop tarts. They were a treat snack, something I’d only be allowed once a month. Sometimes, I’d be allowed one for breakfast, although that was short-lived (when my energy would crash soon after!). With so many of us at home now (and with little ones to look after!), there’s no better time to recreate some childhood classics, the healthy way!

Are pop tarts healthy? 

Traditional pop tarts are made with white flour, multiple forms of sugar, and multiple forms of fat. Calling them a breakfast pastry is quite the stretch- they are primarily made of carbs, sugar, and saturated fats.

My homemade version is a little different. It’s made with no white flour, has added protein (thanks to the Greek yogurt!), and can easily be made sugar free! 

If you are keen on a breakfast pastry that tastes exactly like traditional pop tarts, you’ll be slightly disappointed. They don’t have the flaky, cookie-like texture of traditional pop tarts, due to the ingredients that they use.

Texture-wise, they are softer, chewier, but still have the delicious sweet filling and glaze on the outside. 

Taste-wise, they are sweet, loaded with berry flavor (from the filling), and the vanilla icing exterior.

vegan pop tarts 

How to make poptarts

The Ingredients

  • 2 Ingredient dough- This magic dough uses yogurt and self-rising flour to create the pastry coating. 
  • Granulated sweetener of choice– Any granulated sweetener works, like white sugar, monk fruit sweetener (to keep it sugar-free). You can use brown sugar or coconut palm sugar, your exterior will be darker.
  • Jam/Jelly of choice– For the filling! I used strawberry preserved (100% no added sugar!)
  • Confectioners’ Sugar (powdered sugar)– For the glaze! I used a homemade sugar free version.
  • Vanilla extract– To bring out the vanilla flavor in the frosting! 
  • Milk of choice– To brush the outsides of the pre-baked pastries. I used soy milk for this. 

The Instructions

  • Step 1- Prepare the dough- In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, sweetener, and yogurt and mix well, until combined. Once combined, use your hands to form a thick, smooth ball of dough.
  • Step 2- Roll it out and cut- Add a tablespoon of flour on top of your ball of dough. Then, you’ll want to generously flour a kitchen surface. Transfer the ball of dough onto it, and knead several times. If you have a rolling pin, roll out the dough, and use your hands to firm a rectangular shape. Continue rolling it out, until the dough is around 12 inches in length and 6 inches in height.Using a long knife (or pizza cutter), cut the dough down the middle length-ways (the long side) and cut 7 times the other side, forming 16 uniform rectangles.
  • Step 3- Form the pop tarts- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place 8 of the rectangles of dough onto the lined tray, evenly spaced. Then, you’ll add a tablespoon of jam to the center of each one. Moving quickly, add the remaining 8 rectangles of dough on top of each one. Using a fork, press down around the edges, sealing up the dough to form a single pastry. Brush the tops of each pop tart with milk.
  • Step 4- Bake and glaze- Bake the pop tarts for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let cool completely, before frosting. 

healthy pop tarts

gluten free pop tarts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these in an air-fryer? 

YES! I’ve tested these in the air-fryer, and honestly, if you have one, USE THIS METHOD!

Firstly, it’s so much quicker, but secondly, it has a much crispier exterior, while having a smooth and creamy filling.

  1. Prepare the pop-tarts as directed
  2. Place them in an air-fryer basket.
  3. Bake at 350F for 10 minutes!
  4. Cool and frost the outsides

Can we toast these pop tarts?

I don’t recommend toasting these homemade pop tarts in a toaster, otherwise, they will get stuck and stick to the edges.

If you do, you MUST do so pre-icing (without the icing).

I recommend re-toasting them in the air-fryer, by re-heating them at 370F for 3 minutes. 

Does the yogurt have to be Greek yogurt? Can I substitute the yogurt? 

Greek yogurt is preferred, as it is thicker than natural or plain yogurt. You can use non-fat, full-fat or reduced-fat varieties, or even flavored ones, as this is a sweet recipe.

You can also use coconut yogurt, provided it has a thick texture.

Avoid using plain or natural yogurts, as they won’t be thick enough for the amount of flour required. 

If you do not have yogurt, you can use reduced-fat (or light) sour cream. 

Are pop tarts vegan? 

I used sweetened coconut yogurt (Nakula brand) to ensure these pop tarts ARE vegan. 

If you can find vegan Greek-style yogurt, that will work too. 

Are pop tarts gluten free? 

Yes, as gluten free self rising flour is used, these pop tarts are gluten free.

homemade poptarts

Tips for PERFECT Pop Tarts

  • Do not over-fill the pop tarts with jam/jelly, otherwise, they will ‘bleed’ (seep out of the pastry) once baked. Remember, the filling will distribute once the top piece of dough is placed on top.
  • Be sure to brush the tops of the pastries with milk, or even butter- You want it to be golden/brown!
  • Don’t make your dough too thick, or your pop tarts will be puffy and once cooled, too doughy. 
  • If you want a warm ‘toasted’ flavor, omit the outside glaze until ready to bake. 
  • For protein pop tarts, add a scoop of protein powder to the dough.

Flavor Variations

While these pop tarts taste delicious with a jelly filling, you can change it up with other popular flavor options. 

  • Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts– Fill the pop tarts with a mix of brown sugar (1 tablespoon) and cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon). Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for the glaze.
  • Strawberry Pop Tarts– Use strawberry jam or jelly as your filling.
  • Blueberry Pop Tarts– Use blueberry jam or jelly as your filling, or 2 cups frozen blueberries tossed in 1/4 cup sugar. 
  • Chocolate Pop Tarts– Place 1 tablespoon of homemade Nutella in each pop tart. 

Storing and freezing tips

  • To store: Homemade pop tarts must be stored in the fridge, in a sealed container. They will keep fresh for up to 5 days.
  • To freeze: Place leftover pop tarts in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. 
  • To reheat: Re-heat pop tarts by thawing them to room temperature, before re-heating in the oven (350F for 10 minutes) or in the air fryer (370F for 3 minutes).

pop tarts recipe

More delicious recipes using 2 Ingredient Dough

2 ingredient dough pop tarts

Homemade Healthy Pop Tarts

5 from 133 votes
Easy homemade pop tarts made with 2 ingredient weight watchers dough! Healthier than store bought, they take 20 minutes to make and healthy enough for breakfast! Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Sugar Free options.
Servings: 8 pop tarts
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

Ingredients 
 

For the glaze

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper, and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, prepare your magic dough with the sweetener and mix well, until combined. Using your hands, shape the dough into a thick, smooth ball.
  • Flour a kitchen surface and add a tablespoon of flour on top of the ball of dough. Transfer the ball of dough onto the floured surface, and knead several times.
  • Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough, forming a rectangular shape, about 12 inches by 6 inches. Using a sharp knife (or pizza cutter), slice once length-ways, and 7 times the other way, to form 16 uniform rectangles.
  • Place 8 of the rectangles on the lined baking tray, evenly spaced apart. Place 1 tablespoon of jam onto each rectangle. Place the other 8 rectangles on top of each one. Using a fork, press along each side of each pop tart, sealing it up completely. Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of each pop tart with milk.
  • Bake the pop tarts for 15-20 minutes, or until golden on top. Allow pop tarts to cool, before glazing.
  • While the pop tarts are cooling, prepare your glaze by combining your powdered sugar (powdered sugar) with the vanilla extract and yogurt. Whisk until a thick frosting remains. Using a spoon, spoon out frosting over the tops of each pop tart, spreading it slightly. Top with sprinkles, if desired.

Air Fryer Instructions

  • Prepare pop tarts as directed
  • Place pop tarts in the air fryer tray.
  • Bake pop tarts at 350F for 10 minutes. Remove from air fryer and let cool, before glazing.

Notes

* White sugar, monk fruit sweetener or baking Splenda works
** Start with 2 tablespoons. If your glaze is too thick, add more. If it is too thin, add extra powdered sugar. 
Don't have self-rising flour? You can make your own
TO STORE: Homemade pop tarts must be stored in the fridge, in a sealed container. They will keep fresh for up to 5 days.
TO FREEZE: Place leftover pop tarts in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. 
TO REHEAT: Re-heat pop tarts by thawing them to room temperature, before re-heating in the oven (350F for 10 minutes) or in the air fryer (370F for 3 minutes).

Nutrition

Serving: 1Pop TartCalories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 7gFat: 1gSodium: 16mgPotassium: 78mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 31g
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I was skeptical of this recipe including the magic dough component BUT both I and my 13 year old son were pleasantly surprised with the end result! The tarts are tasty and so easy! Next time I’ll probably roll the dough out a little bigger by 2-3 inches on each side. My bake time was approx 25 minutes. Thank you again for another great recipe that I will make again!

  2. Hi! I’d prefer a vegan yogurt that isn’t coconut based- do you think cashew milk yogurt would work? LOVE you on IG by the way! <3

    1. Soy yogurt is the best for stuff like this bc it’s higher protein imo or even vegan Greek yogurt or skyr if you can find it.

  3. our dough came out too sticky even after we put flour down. does it have to be greek yogurt ? not sure what went wrong.

    1. Nope, original recipe is based off my 2 ingredient dough, as the post states.

      Enjoy the two ingredient dough base homemade pop tarts!

  4. I want to make all these recipes so bad but with gluten free flour. The kind you had on amazon was very expensive and it didn’t work either.