Healthy Pop Tarts

Everyone loves a toaster pastry for breakfast, but the pre made, foil-wrapped rectangles we know and love offer little in the way of nutrition. In fact, these adorable breakfast pastries are easy to make nutritious. I loved pop tarts growing up! By making a healthier filling with less icky ingredients and packed with nutrients, these morning healthy pop tarts actually become quite a great way to start the day. This strawberry pop tarts recipe uses agave, is sugar free, and you have the option to eat it plain or iced.

One of the biggest draws to toaster pastries is that they are a grab and go option. Kids and adults alike reach for these on their way out the door on a busy day. The most sophisticated level of preparation involves a toaster, so they’re a great choice for hectic mornings. This healthy homemade version gets baked in advance, and is still a great option for on-the-go families. Not only that, the homemade version is even tastier than the store-bought goodies.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Pop Tarts Recipe

• Super Chia – Chia seeds are high in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, making this superfood a fantastic source of nutrients.
• Abundant Antioxidants – Chia seeds are high in antioxidants, as are most berries. Blueberries and raspberries are particularly high in antioxidants, so if you’re looking to boost your immunity and heart health, look for a blend that includes these berries.

How to Make This Healthy Pop Tarts Recipe

First, prepare the filling. In a small pot, combine agave, berries and chia seeds. Cook over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, until berries break down and jam begins to thicken.

Set filling aside. Preheat oven to 375. Then, cut the dough into evenly sized squares, reincorporating the scraps as you go. You may use all purpose flour on the surface of your work area if you find your dough sticks. You should end up with around 16 squares (enough to make 8 pastries.)

Line a greased baking sheet with half of the dough squares.

Next, scoop approximately 2 teaspoons of jam into the center of each square, making sure not to get the jam on the edges. Makes sure you don't overfill and it doesn't look more than an inch thick before baking otherwise it may overfill and ooze out.

Using a fork, gently poke a few holes into the remaining dough squares.

Next, you'll want to place the remaining dough on top of the filled dough squares, crimping the edges with a fork to seal the dough.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges begin to brown. The pastries should not get darker than a golden brown hue.  Set aside to cool and enjoy as is, or top with icing and sprinkles if desired.

If you want to make this a sweet treat, just add icing. To make optional icing, stir powdered sugar, meringue powder and vanilla. Add about 2 tablespoons of water until reaching desired consistency.

Drizzle icing over cooled pop tarts and top with sprinkles immediately. To me I love these healthy homemade pop tart much more than store bought pop tarts.

Next up, I will be trying to make these from scratch and try to incorporate coconut oil and almond flour.

Cook's Tips:

• When preparing icing, be sure to add your water slowly. If you accidentally add too much water, you will need to add more of your dry ingredients or the icing will slide off of the pop tarts. I prefer my icing to have a consistency similar to honey.
•  Don’t skip the dock! Be sure to take the time to poke the holes in your top layer of dough squares. This step ensures that the dough itself will cook evenly, and most importantly, that your jam won’t explode out the sides of your pastries.
• Feel like like having a cinnamon crunch? Use apples instead and add brown sugar and cinnamon. It negates the healthy idea, but it's an easy swap.
• If you're in a time crunch just add a tablespoon of jam or two to skip the homemade jam step.
• If you're not using a non stick baking sheet, you may use parchment paper. 
• Depending on what pie crust you use, this is essentially free vegan.

FAQ:

• Can this recipe be frozen?
  Un-iced pastries can be frozen for 2 months. Toast in the oven at 375 until warmed through, or in the microwave.
• Are pop tarts vegan?
  • The filling of this recipe is vegan, however depending on what pie crust you use, it may not be.
• Are store bought pop tarts healthy?
  • Most of the ones I've seen are high in sugar and uses artificial flavors. 
• Are organic pop tarts healthy?
  • Organic may use better for you ingredients however he sugar content may still be high. Check your labels and see. 

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If you're looking for more breakfast ideas, try these:

Healthy Banana Muffins

Baked French Toast Casserole 

Savory Zucchini Waffles