Homemade Blueberry Cheesecake Pop-Tarts Recipe

Gather all of the ingredients for the blueberry cheesecake Pop-Tart recipe

To prepare the dough, you will require just five ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, granulated sugar, cold unsalted butter, and a single egg. For the filling, gather fresh blueberries, lemon juice, a small amount of water, and cream cheese. To create the glaze, you'll need powdered sugar, a little lemon juice, and some sprinkles.

Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients for the dough

In a mixing bowl, blend the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar together.

Step 2: Add butter

Using your hands, incorporate the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse sand. It's fine to leave some larger pieces.

Step 3: Mix in the egg

Whisk the egg and incorporate it into the dough.

Step 4: Shape the dough

Move the dough onto a flat surface and swiftly form it into a rough disk approximately 1 inch thick.

Step 5: Wrap the dough in plastic, and freeze

Encase the dough in plastic wrap and put it in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until it becomes firm.

Step 6: Combine the ingredients for the jam

In the meantime, prepare the jam by mixing the fresh blueberries, ? cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of water in a saucepan.

Step 7: Cook until thickened

Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens, approximately 15 minutes. Allow to cool.

Step 8: Preheat the oven

Set the oven temperature to 350°F.

Step 9: Prepare the baking tray

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 10: Roll out the dough

On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle measuring 14 by 12 inches, with a thickness of approximately ? inch.

Step 11: Cut the dough

Slice the dough into 16 equal rectangles.

Step 12: Add the filling

Spoon 1 tablespoon of cream cheese into 8 of the squares, then top each with 1 tablespoon of blueberry jam.

Step 13: Seal the ends

Place the remaining pieces of dough on top and press the edges together with a fork to seal.

Step 14: Freeze the Pop-Tarts

Put it in the freezer for approximately 15 minutes.

Step 15: Bake the Pop-Tarts

Place the Pop-Tarts on a baking tray in the center of the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is lightly golden.

Step 16: Make the glaze

As the Pop-Tarts bake, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of water until it reaches a smooth consistency, but isn't overly runny. If the mixture remains too thick, add a few extra drops of lemon juice or water.

Step 17: Add the glaze

Evenly distribute approximately 2 tablespoons of the glaze over the top of each Pop-Tart.

Step 18: Add sprinkles, and serve

Before the glaze hardens, sprinkle on some toppings, then serve.

What other flavors or fillings can I add to homemade Pop-Tarts?

There are numerous flavor and filling options you can incorporate into Pop-Tarts. Lemon curd, with its zesty citrus taste, is ideal for summer, offering a tangy contrast to the sweet pastry and glaze. The classic combination of peanut butter and jelly is always a winner, while peanut butter paired with banana makes for another delightful choice. For chocolate enthusiasts, chocolate hazelnut spread or Nutella is a delicious indulgence. A simple yet timeless option is sweet and fruity strawberry jam. As we transition into fall and winter, the cozy flavors of apple and cinnamon become excellent selections.

While sweet flavors may come to mind first when thinking of Pop-Tarts, let's not overlook the savory possibilities. A spinach and feta filling is a fantastic option to explore. You could also create pizza-inspired Pop-Tarts filled with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms. For a breakfast twist, consider a Pop-Tart filled with crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and gooey cheese. Enhancing the dough with herbs such as parsley, dill, or oregano can elevate the flavor and make it truly special.

What are some tips for making the best homemade Pop-Tarts?

For the ideal flaky dough, be sure to use cold butter. This ensures the dough remains tender and flaky. To keep the butter from softening, either cut it into pieces or grate it, then place it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before using. This will ensure it stays perfectly cold and manageable. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can cause the butter to melt, altering the texture of the baked product. Work quickly when shaping the dough; it doesn’t have to be perfect or completely smooth. Once shaped, refrigerate or freeze it to firm up any butter that may have softened during the process.

When sealing the edges of the Pop-Tart, press down firmly to prevent any filling from leaking out while baking. Allow the Pop-Tarts to cool before applying the glaze, as adding it while they are still warm may cause it to become too runny.