Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that tastes just like childhood but with a healthy twist? Then look no further! This homemade apple cinnamon pop tart recipe is the perfect solution. Forget those store-bought versions loaded with preservatives – these are easy to make, bursting with flavour, and surprisingly healthy. This recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and flaky pastry, making it a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delicious homemade pop tarts!
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tbsp milk or apple juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Pastry:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
Making the Filling:
- Sauté the apples: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly and release their juices.
- Thicken the filling: Stir in the cornstarch and cook for another minute or two until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Assembling the Pop Tarts:
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each disc of dough into a large rectangle (about 12x15 inches).
- Spread the filling: Spread half of the cooled apple filling evenly over one rectangle of dough, leaving about a ½-inch border.
- Top with the other rectangle: Carefully place the second rectangle of dough on top and press the edges firmly to seal.
- Cut into squares: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into individual pop tarts. You can make them rectangular or use a cookie cutter for fun shapes.
- Crimp the edges: Crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly and prevent filling from leaking during baking. Make decorative cuts on top for added visual appeal.
Baking and Glazing:
- Bake: Place the pop tarts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Cool: Let the pop tarts cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or apple juice), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze the pop tarts: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pop tarts.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan butter and milk alternatives for the pastry and glaze.
- Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Use different fruits: Experiment with other fruits like berries or peaches in the filling.
Nutritional Information (per pop tart, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy these delicious and relatively healthy homemade apple cinnamon pop tarts! They’re a perfect example of how easy and rewarding homemade cooking can be. These easy recipes are perfect for quick dinner ideas, satisfying sweet cravings, and making healthy meals more exciting. They're sure to become a family favorite!