Enjoy a delightful treat with these Protein Pop Tarts that are simple to make and irresistible to snack on! They bring a fun twist to classic pastries, perfect for breakfast or an after-school treat. Your family will love the warm, tender crust filled with sweet strawberry jam.
Why This Protein Pop Tarts Is Great
These Protein Pop Tarts are not just delicious but also easy to whip up. They use everyday ingredients, making them a breeze to prepare. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in protein for the kids. With minimal prep time, you can have a satisfying snack ready in no time. Trust me, this is a family-friendly recipe you’ll come back to again and again!
How to Make Protein Pop Tarts
Making these pop tarts is straightforward and fun! You’ll start by mixing the dry ingredients. Then you’ll combine them with wet ingredients to form a dough. After chilling, simply roll, cut, fill, and bake them. The whole process is enjoyable and perfect for a cozy afternoon in the kitchen.
What You Need
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup neutral-flavored oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup confectioners sugar (sugar-free or regular)
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons milk or water (as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 170°C/325°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, vanilla protein powder, sugar, and baking powder. Whisk until everything is well incorporated and set aside.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the applesauce, neutral oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms. If the dough feels a bit dry, add 1-2 teaspoons of ice-cold water. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- After resting, divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion of the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 8 equal rectangles. Repeat with the second portion of dough.
- Arrange the rectangles on the prepared tray. Place a generous spoonful of strawberry jam in the center of each rectangle, leaving space around the edges for sealing.
- Top each filled rectangle with a second dough rectangle. Press down the edges with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp around all sides to fully seal the pop tarts.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the pastry turns light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the pop tarts cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar, milk or water, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or water if needed.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled pop tarts, leaving a small rim uncoated around the edges. Decorate with sprinkles if desired, and allow the glaze to set at room temperature.
How to Serve Protein Pop Tarts
These pop tarts are best enjoyed fresh! Serve them with a cup of milk or a warm drink for breakfast. They also make a great addition to a snack platter or a lovely treat for lunchboxes. Feel free to sprinkle some extra toppings on them for variety!
How to Store Protein Pop Tarts
To keep your pop tarts fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the dough hold its shape.
- Use parchment paper to roll out the dough for easy cleanup.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar in the glaze.
- Experiment with different fillings, like nut butter or other fruit jams.
- Make sure to seal the edges well, so the filling doesn’t leak out while baking.
Variations & Swaps
- For a chocolate twist, use chocolate protein powder and fill with Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Swap out the strawberry jam for raspberry, blueberry, or even your favorite apple pie filling!
- To make them gluten-free, substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
FAQs
Can I make these pop tarts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it. Just roll it out and fill it when you’re ready to bake.
Can I freeze the protein pop tarts?
Yes, these pop tarts freeze beautifully. Make sure they are fully cooled, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold. You can also pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes for a crispy exterior.
Can I swap ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to adjust the sugar, swap the filling, or use a different kind of protein powder. Make it your own!
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, you can add a little extra flour as needed while mixing. Keep your hands floured too!
Now you’re set to enjoy these delightful Protein Pop Tarts! They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Happy baking!
Protein Pop Tarts
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
- 0.5 cups vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.25 cups applesauce
- 0.25 cups neutral-flavored oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling and Glaze Ingredients
- 0.5 cups strawberry jam
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons milk or water (as needed)
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 170°C/325°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, vanilla protein powder, sugar, and baking powder. Whisk until well incorporated and set aside.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the applesauce, neutral oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms. If the dough is dry, add 1-2 teaspoons of ice-cold water.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Assembly
- After resting, divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 8 equal rectangles using a pizza cutter. Repeat with the second portion of dough.
- Arrange the rectangles on the prepared tray. Place a generous spoonful of strawberry jam in the center of each rectangle, leaving space around the edges for sealing.
- Top each filled rectangle with a second dough rectangle. Press down the edges with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp around all sides to fully seal the pop tarts.
Baking and Glazing
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar, milk or water, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional milk or water if needed.
- Spread the glaze over the cooled pop tarts, leaving a small rim uncoated around the edges. Decorate with sprinkles if desired and allow to set.
