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Sourdough Brown Sugar Pop Tarts: A Nostalgic, Bakery-Level Treat


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 pop tarts 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Sourdough Brown Sugar Pop Tarts are a gourmet spin on the classic pop tart we all know and love. By incorporating sourdough into the pastry, you add a tangy, complex layer of flavor that makes the filling even more indulgent. These pop tarts are rich in taste, with a crispy outer layer and a sweet, cinnamon-laden filling. They are glazed with a sweet brown sugar glaze, giving them that finishing touch that elevates them from a simple breakfast treat to something special.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Sourdough Pastry

  • 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar

  • ½ tsp fine sea salt

  • ½ cup (113 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

  • ½ cup (120 g) sourdough discard or starter (100% hydration)

  • 2–3 tbsp ice water, as needed

For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling

  • ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed

  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • Pinch of salt

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Egg Wash

  • 1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp water

For the Brown Sugar Glaze

  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar

  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • 1–2 tbsp milk or cream

  • Pinch of salt

  • Optional: extra cinnamon for sprinkling


Instructions

1. Make the sourdough pastry

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.

  2. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a few pea-sized bits.

  3. Stir in the sourdough discard and 1–2 tbsp ice water, adding more if needed until a shaggy dough forms.

  4. Knead lightly just until it comes together — don’t overwork!

  5. Flatten into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or overnight).


2. Prepare the filling

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, salt, and melted butter in a small bowl until sandy and evenly moistened. Set aside.


3. Assemble the pop tarts

  1. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle (about â…› inch thick).

  2. Cut into 12 equal rectangles (roughly 3×4.5 inches).

  3. Place 6 rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  4. Spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of filling into the center of each, leaving a ½-inch border.

  5. Brush the edges with egg wash, then top with another rectangle of dough.

  6. Press edges to seal, then crimp with a fork.

  7. Poke a few small holes in the tops with a fork to vent steam.


4. Chill again

  • Place the prepared pop tarts in the fridge for 15–20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    (Cold pastry = extra flakiness!)


5. Bake

  • Brush tops with egg wash and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.

  • Let cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.


6. Make the glaze

  1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and enough milk to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.

  2. Spread or drizzle glaze over cooled pop tarts.

  3. Allow the glaze to set for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a bakery-style touch, drizzle the cooled pop tarts with a simple brown sugar glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or store in an airtight container for a quick homemade breakfast treat.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pop tart
  • Calories: 320

Keywords: Homemade pop tarts, sourdough pop tarts, brown sugar pop tarts, bakery-style pop tarts, cinnamon pop tarts