Description
These Protein Pop Tarts are a healthier twist on the classic breakfast pastry, made with whole wheat flour and vanilla protein powder for added nutrition. Filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, they offer a delicious and protein-packed start to your day or a perfect snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
Filling
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners sugar (sugar-free or regular)
- 2 tablespoons milk or water (as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder (optional, for added protein in glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 170°C (325°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside to use later.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, vanilla protein powder, sugar, and baking powder until thoroughly combined.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the applesauce, neutral-flavored oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Form the Dough: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of ice-cold water to help bring it together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Roll and Cut the Pastry: Divide the rested dough into two equal parts. Roll out one portion between two sheets of parchment paper until about 1/8 inch thick. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into 8 equal rectangles. Repeat this process with the second portion of dough.
- Fill the Pastry: Arrange the dough rectangles on the prepared baking tray. Place a generous spoonful of strawberry jam in the center of half of the rectangles, leaving a border around the edges for sealing.
- Assemble and Seal: Place a plain dough rectangle on top of each jam-filled one. Press the edges together with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp around all sides, ensuring the pop tarts are fully sealed to prevent filling leakage.
- Bake the Pop Tarts: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pastries turn a light golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar, milk or water, vanilla extract, and optional vanilla protein powder until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more liquid if necessary for spreading.
- Glaze and Decorate: Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled pop tarts, leaving a small uncoated rim around the edges. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles and allow the glaze to set at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute strawberry jam with any other favorite preserves or fruit fillings.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
- Adding the optional protein powder to the glaze boosts the protein content but may slightly alter sweetness and texture.
- Store baked pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free glaze, use water or a plant-based milk alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop tart (approx. 70g)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: protein pop tarts, healthy pop tarts, whole wheat pop tarts, high protein breakfast, homemade pop tarts, gluten-free option pop tarts, strawberry pop tarts
