Come into the world of homemade pastries with these delightful Brown Sugar Maple Pop Tarts. Unlike store-bought versions, these Pop Tarts offer a wholesome, scrumptious experience that balances the rich flavors of brown sugar and maple. Perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a comforting snack, these Pop Tarts will impress kids and adults alike.

A hand holds a maple-glazed brown sugar pop tart above a large sheet-pan pastry cut into squares.

This recipe reimagines the classic Pop-Tart, turning a childhood favorite into an artisanal treat. Making these from scratch might seem daunting, but this recipe simplifies the process, so even novice bakers can achieve amazing results. The use of all-butter pie crust infuses a homemade touch that can’t be replicated by store-bought versions.

The Chemistry of Pop Tarts

The magic in this recipe lies in the interaction of ingredients. The brown sugar with its molasses content, not only adds a rich, caramel flavor but also ensures the filling maintains a moist texture. Cornstarch in the filling acts as a thickener, providing the perfect consistency. As for the frosting, the powdered sugar dissolves smoothly in milk, creating a creamy glaze, with the maple extract adds a distinct, aromatic flavor, elevating the overall taste profile.

Can you make Pop Tarts without a toaster?

Yes, absolutely! These homemade Pop Tarts bake in the oven, giving a crisp, golden finish a toaster can’t replicate. Baking also distributes heat evenly, ensuring a perfectly cooked pastry.

Ingredients for brown sugar maple pop tarts, including flour, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract.

How do you store homemade pop tarts?

To maintain their freshness, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Pie dough rolled into a large rectangle on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a sheet-pan pop tart.

Can you freeze homemade pop tarts?

Definitely! Freeze them in a single layer, and once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat in the oven or toaster for a quick, delicious treat.

Brown sugar cinnamon filling spread over a large rectangle of pie dough, leaving a border around the edges.

What is the best dough for homemade Pop-Tarts?

An all-butter pie crust is ideal for homemade Pop-Tarts. It provides a flaky, buttery base that complements the sweet filling beautifully.

An unbaked sheet-pan pop tart with a top layer of pie dough and sealed edges on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

What is in Pop-Tarts?

All-Butter Pie Crust

Provides a flaky and rich foundation, essential for that authentic homemade taste

Brown Sugar

Offers a deep, molasses-infused sweetness, which is key to the filling’s flavor

Cornstarch

Acts as a thickening agent, giving the filling the right consistency

Cinnamon

Adds warmth and spice, enhancing the brown sugar’s richness

Melted Butter

Brings richness an moisture to the filling, binding the ingredients together

Powdered Sugar

Creates a smooth, sweet base for the frosting

Milk

Adjusts the consistency of the frosting to make it spreadable

Maple Extract

Adds a distinctive, aromatic flavor and sweetness.

Maple-glazed brown sugar pop tart squares with fork-crimped edges; a bite reveals the cinnamon filling.

How to Store

Store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For freezing, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container; they will keep for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster for best results.

Making Ahead

You can prepare the dough up to 3 days ahead. Keep the dough chilled in the refrigerator. You can make the filling a day ahead, keep in a sealed container at room temperature. Assemble and bake the next day for a quick and fresh treat.

A large brown sugar pop tart cut into squares, with smooth maple glaze covering the golden pastry.

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Why Make Homemade Pop Tarts?

These are not just a treat; they’re a journey back to childhood with a gourmet twist. The combination of brown sugar and maple wrapped in a buttery crust, topped with a sweet frosting, makes for an irresistible homemade delight. Happy baking and savoring every bite!

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A hand holds a maple-glazed brown sugar pop tart above a large sheet-pan pastry cut into squares.

Brown Sugar Maple Pop Tarts

5 from 3 votes
Author: Madison Reid
Total Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
The beloved pop tart but a homemade version. Making it more wholesome and delicious.

Ingredients 

  • 1 all-butter pie crust

Filling

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup melted butter

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg

Frosting

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp maple extract

Instructions

  • Make the pie crust, chill for 1 hour
  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees
  • In a small mixing bowl combine all the filling ingredients, stir until smooth
  • Roll the chilled pie crust out on a lightly floured counter top until about 1/4 inch thick
  • Cut out small rectangles with a cookie cutter or leave it as a big, sheet pan sized, rectangle.
  • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling in half of the small rectangles, or pour all the filling in if you opted for the sheet pan size.
  • Place an unfilled dough rectangle on top of a filled rectangle, making a sandwich.
  • Using a fork, press & crimp the edges of each pop tart, then poke the top of each pie to make sure they have proper ventilation.
  • Transfer the pop tarts to a light metal cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Whisk the egg in a bowl and using a pastry brush, egg wash the tops of each pie.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes until lightly golden.
  • While the pop tarts are baking, in a small mixing bowl, whisk all of the frosting ingredients together.
  • Remove from the oven and spoon on the frosting while the pop tarts are still a bit warm.
  • Allow the frosting to set for 20-30 minutes before enjoying!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal Carbohydrates: 29g Protein: 2g Fat: 12g Saturated Fat: 6g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 4g Trans Fat: 0.3g Cholesterol: 34mg Sodium: 128mg Potassium: 39mg Fiber: 1g Sugar: 19g Vitamin A: 261IU Vitamin C: 0.01mg Calcium: 21mg Iron: 1mg
Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Have you tried this recipe?

I’d love to see it! Follow @_mrs.madi_ on Instagram and tag your photos with #mrsmadi.

Brown Sugar Maple Pop Tarts titled