Protein Pop Tarts Recipe

Introduction

These Protein Pop Tarts are a delicious twist on the classic breakfast treat, packed with vanilla protein powder and filled with sweet strawberry jam. They’re perfect for a quick, energizing start to your day or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients

• 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, for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons milk or water (as needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 170°C (325°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, vanilla protein powder, sugar, and baking powder until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate small bowl, mix the applesauce, neutral-flavored oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of ice-cold water. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter to cut it into 8 equal rectangles. Repeat with the second portion.
6. Step 6: Arrange half of the rectangles on the prepared baking tray. Spoon a generous amount of strawberry jam onto the center of each, leaving space around the edges for sealing.
7. Step 7: Top each jam-filled rectangle with another dough rectangle. Press edges with your fingers and crimp with a fork to seal completely.
8. Step 8: Bake the pop tarts for 10–15 minutes, until the edges turn light golden brown. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Step 9: To prepare the glaze, whisk together the confectioners sugar, vanilla protein powder (if using), milk or water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust liquid to reach your desired consistency.
10. Step 10: Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled pop tarts, leaving a small rim around the edges uncoated. Decorate with sprinkles if desired and let the glaze set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk in the glaze and ensure your protein powder is vegan-friendly.
• Try other jam flavors like raspberry or apricot for variety.
• If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the strawberry jam amount or use fresh fruit instead.
• Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough can add a warm, cozy flavor.

Storage

Store these pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven for a few minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. Keep in mind this will alter the nutritional content slightly.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before rolling and filling. Just bring it to room temperature for a few minutes before rolling out.

Protein Pop Tarts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 88 reviews

Delight in these homemade Protein Pop Tarts, a healthier twist on the classic breakfast treat, packed with vanilla protein powder and whole wheat flour for added nutrition. These lightly sweetened pastries are filled with strawberry jam and finished with a vanilla glaze, perfect for a protein-rich start to your day or a satisfying snack.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 pop tarts 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 170°C (325°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, vanilla protein powder, sugar, and baking powder until well combined.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the applesauce, neutral oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and consistent.
4. Form the Dough: Combine the wet ingredients with the dry mixture and stir until a dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add 1-2 teaspoons of ice-cold water. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
5. Roll and Cut the Pastry: Divide the chilled dough into two portions. Roll each between parchment sheets to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into eight rectangles each using a pizza cutter.
6. Fill the Pastry: Place the rectangles on the baking tray and spoon a generous amount of strawberry jam onto the center of half the rectangles, leaving edges free for sealing.
7. Assemble and Seal: Top each filled rectangle with another dough piece. Press edges with fingers and crimp with a fork to seal completely.
8. Bake the Pop Tarts: Bake for 10-15 minutes until they are lightly golden. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
9. Prepare the Glaze: Whisk confectioners sugar with milk or water and vanilla until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more liquid if needed.
10. Glaze and Decorate: Spread the glaze over the cooled pop tarts, leaving a small edge uncoated. Optionally, add sprinkles and allow glaze to set before serving.

Notes

• Use sugar-free confectioners sugar to reduce calories and sugar content.
• Keep the dough chilled to make it easier to handle and shape.
• You can substitute strawberry jam with any jam of your choice.
• If the dough cracks while rolling, add small amounts of water to improve pliability.
• Store the pop tarts in an airtight container and consume within 3 days for best freshness.

Keywords: protein pop tarts, healthy pop tarts, homemade pop tarts, protein breakfast, whole wheat pastries, strawberry jam pop tarts