Pop tarts are a popular breakfast pastry that come pre-made and ready to eat right out of the package. However, sometimes you may want a warm, freshly baked pop tart instead of eating them cold. The good news is, yes you can absolutely bake pop tarts in the oven! Heating them up this way makes the pastry crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle. It only takes a few minutes and can transform an ordinary pop tart into a delicious homemade treat.
Should You Bake Pop Tarts?
Baking pop tarts in the oven has several advantages over just eating them straight from the package:
- Warm, crispy pastry – The heat from the oven crisps up the outside crust making it crunchier.
- Melty filling – The high oven heat melts the sweet filling into a warm, gooey center.
- Enhanced flavor – Heating brings out more baked flavors from the pastry dough.
- Customizable – You can add extra toppings before baking like sprinkles or cinnamon sugar.
- Quick and easy – It only takes a couple minutes to transform a cold pop tart into a baked treat.
The main downside is it takes slightly longer than just grabbing a pop tart from the package. However, the improved texture and flavor make up for the small amount of extra time needed.
How to Bake Pop Tarts in the Oven
Baking pop tarts in the oven is very simple:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Unwrap the pop tarts and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- If desired, customize with any extra toppings – Try sprinkles, cinnamon sugar, crushed nuts, etc.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, until the crust is crispy and brown.
- Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before eating to avoid burning your mouth.
- Enjoy your warm, homemade pop tarts!
The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and how crisp you want the pastry. Keep an eye on them for the first batch to ensure they don’t over-bake.
Tips for Baking Pop Tarts
- Avoid overcrowding – Leave space between each pastry on the baking sheet for even crisping.
- Use foil or parchment paper – This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Adjust bake time – The time can range from 5-7 minutes depending on your desired crispness.
- Experiment with flavors – Get creative with different filling combinations and toppings.
- Reheat leftovers – Baked pop tarts can be stored and reheated later in the oven or toaster.
Common Questions about Baking Pop Tarts
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making homemade pop tarts in the oven:
Should you remove the wrapper before baking?
Yes, you should always remove the outer foil wrapper before putting pop tarts in the oven. The wrapper is not oven safe and will burn or melt if left on.
What oven temperature works best?
400°F is ideal for achieving a crispy crust and gooey center in 5-7 minutes. You can experiment between 375°-425°F to find your preferred crispness level.
Can you bake unfrosted pop tarts?
Absolutely! Pop tarts without icing will bake up just the same. The plain pastry will become crispy and the filling warm. Add frosting afterward if desired.
Should you toast pre-baked pop tarts?
You can, but it is not necessary. Pop tarts baked from scratch already achieve a toasted texture. Toasting could risk burning or drying them out.
How long do baked pop tarts stay fresh?
They will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep baked pop tarts in a sealed container in the fridge for 5-7 days. Reheat in the oven as needed.
Recipe for Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pop Tarts
Try making these easy homemade cinnamon sugar pop tarts in your oven:
Ingredients:
- 1 package pop tarts (any flavor)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 tbsp cinnamon sugar (or regular sugar)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Unwrap pop tarts and place on prepared baking sheet. Brush tops lightly with melted butter.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar generously over the top.
- Bake for 6-7 minutes until crisped and browned. Allow to cool 2 minutes.
- Enjoy your homemade cinnamon sugar pop tart treats!
Conclusion
Baking pop tarts in the oven is an easy way to transform the pre-packaged pastries into a delicious homemade breakfast treat. Simply unwrap, add any toppings, and bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until the outside gets crispy. Let cool briefly before taking a bite. The oven brings out the flavor and improves the texture of the pastry. So go ahead and bake your pop tarts for a quick and tasty morning meal.