If you’ve ever swooned over classic pop tarts but wished they were a bit more wholesome and bursting with real fruit flavor, then this Strawberry Mini Pop Tarts Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These darling little hearts are packed with a luscious strawberry chia jam that’s naturally sweetened and nestled inside a tender, almond and tapioca flour crust. Plus, you get the joy of customizing them with stunning pink icing options that feel both indulgent and fresh. It’s a perfect bite of nostalgia with a modern, healthful twist that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, thoughtful ingredients are the secret to the magic of this recipe. Each one plays a beautiful role—from the bright, juicy strawberries that give the pop tarts their vibrant heart, to the flours that create a light yet sturdy crust, and even to the sweet finishing touches of your favorite icing. Get ready to gather these essentials that bring this treat to life.
- Fresh strawberries: Provides natural sweetness and juicy texture for the filling.
- Maple syrup: Adds a gentle, caramel-like sweetness that balances the tart berries perfectly.
- Chia seeds: Helps thicken the strawberry filling into a luscious jam consistency.
- Almond flour: Creates a tender, nutty base that’s naturally gluten-free.
- Tapioca flour: Gives elasticity and lightness, helping the dough hold together without gluten.
- Cold coconut oil: Adds moisture and richness for a flaky crust.
- Vegan butter or coconut oil: Brushed on top for a beautiful golden finish.
- Powdered sugar or monk fruit sweetener: The foundation for the sweet, pink icing glazes.
- Almond milk or nut milk: Used to thin out the powdered sugar icing smoothly.
- Pink food coloring: Just a drop to create that classic pop tart charm.
- Coconut butter and white chocolate chips: Optional icing variations for added decadence and flavor twist.
How to Make Strawberry Mini Pop Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
Start by chopping fresh strawberries and mixing them gently with a tablespoon of maple syrup in a bowl. Mash just enough to release some juice while still keeping delightful chunks because texture here makes the filling feel homemade and bursting with freshness. Sprinkle in chia seeds and stir well. Let this mixture sit so the chia works its magic and creates that thick, jammy texture that’s crucial for holding the pop tart together without making the dough soggy.
Step 2: Whip Up the Dough
In a larger bowl or stand mixer, whisk together almond flour and tapioca flour. Add cold coconut oil and four tablespoons of cold water, then stir until you see small clumps forming. This is your dough’s first stage coming together. Sweeten with two tablespoons of maple syrup, then continue kneading or mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball. If it’s still too crumbly, gently add one more tablespoon of water at a time until it’s slightly sticky and will hold its shape well.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Sprinkle tapioca flour on a piece of parchment paper, then place your dough ball on top and cover with another layer of tapioca flour. Use a rolling pin (or your hands) to flatten the dough to about half an inch thick. Grab a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 12 to 16 hearts—these adorable shapes add to the fun of this recipe. Arrange half of the hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet; these will be your pop tarts’ bases.
Step 4: Fill and Seal Your Mini Pop Tarts
Spoon a generous tablespoon of the strawberry chia jam onto each heart base, centering the filling so there’s a clean edge for sealing. Now, press each of the remaining hearts gently with your palm to make them a bit larger and thinner. Place these on top to cover the filling, then seal the edges by lightly pressing with a fork around each one. This delicate touch ensures that your filling stays inside while baking without tearing the dough.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Brush each sealed pop tart with melted vegan butter (or your choice of melted coconut oil or egg wash if not vegan) to encourage that gorgeously golden finish in the oven. Bake at 350°F for about 18 to 20 minutes, keeping an eye out for the edges to turn a perfect golden brown—this is when your mini pop tarts have developed a tender yet sturdy crust that’s ready to be enjoyed.
Step 6: Add the Icing
While the pop tarts cool slightly, choose your favorite icing option. Whether you go for a classic powdered sugar glaze mixed with almond milk and pink food coloring, a luxurious melted coconut butter drizzle, or decadent white chocolate softened with a touch of coconut oil, each imparts a unique flavor that elevates these little pastries into irresistible treats. Drizzle your icing generously over the warm pop tarts and let it set before the first joyful bite.
How to Serve Strawberry Mini Pop Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
To up the cuteness factor, sprinkle some crushed freeze-dried strawberries or finely chopped nuts on top of the icing right after drizzling. These little touches add an unexpected texture and make every pop tart look like a bakery masterpiece that’s entirely homemade.
Side Dishes
These mini pop tarts pair beautifully with a cup of your favorite tea or fresh coffee, making them an ideal breakfast treat or afternoon snack. For a full brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy plant-based yogurt to balance the sweetness and add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling festive, stack these mini pop tarts on a pretty cake stand surrounded by edible flowers or shredded coconut “snow.” For gatherings, pack them individually in wax paper and tie them with a ribbon for charming grab-and-go treats that guests will adore. Their heart shape makes them perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or just because.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Strawberry Mini Pop Tarts Recipe creations fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Remember to add the icing only when you’re ready to eat to preserve that fresh texture and flavor. If pre-iced, they’ll still be tasty but might soften slightly in the fridge.
Freezing
These pop tarts freeze wonderfully! Place cooled, uniced tarts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months, making this a perfect make-ahead option for quick breakfasts or snacks during busy weeks.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored or frozen pop tarts, pop them into a toaster oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding fresh icing after reheating keeps that lovely sweetness intact and ensures every bite tastes just as delightful as the first.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen strawberries tend to release more water, which may affect the jam’s consistency. If you use frozen berries, thaw and drain excess liquid before preparing the filling to keep the texture just right.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The combination of almond flour and tapioca flour makes this recipe naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great choice for those avoiding gluten but craving a delicious pop tart.
Can I make these pop tarts vegan?
Absolutely. Using vegan butter or coconut oil in place of dairy butter and skipping the egg wash keeps this recipe entirely plant-based and just as tasty.
How do I prevent the dough from drying out?
Because this dough is gluten-free, it won’t hold moisture the same way traditional dough does. It’s best to prepare, roll, and cut it immediately after mixing to keep it pliable and avoid cracking.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
No worries! You can use any cookie cutter shape you like or even cut squares or circles by hand with a knife. The filling and flavors will be just as wonderful.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Mini Pop Tarts Recipe is such a joyful experience—from stirring the vibrant filling to rolling out the delicate dough and finally enjoying little bites of pure happiness. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy weekend breakfast or a fun treat to share, these pop tarts bring warmth, color, and love to any moment. Give them a try, and you might just find your new favorite homemade sweet tradition.
Print
Strawberry Mini Pop Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 mini pop tarts
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Description
Delightful Strawberry Mini Pop Tarts made with gluten-free dough featuring almond and tapioca flours, filled with a homemade strawberry chia jam, and topped with a choice of pink-hued icing options. These charming heart-shaped treats are perfect for a sweet snack or a whimsical breakfast, baked to golden perfection and customizable with powdered sugar glaze, coconut butter, or white chocolate icing.
Ingredients
Strawberry Chia Jam
- 1 cup fresh strawberries – chopped
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup – divided
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Dough
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 1 cup tapioca flour – plus more for rolling out
- 4 – 5 tablespoons cold water
- 3 tablespoons solid coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter – melted (substitute melted coconut oil or egg wash if not vegan)
Icing Options
- Powdered Sugar Icing: ⅔ cup powdered sugar or monk fruit, 1 – 2 tablespoons almond milk (or any nut milk), 1 drop pink food coloring
- Coconut Butter Icing: ⅔ cup coconut butter, 1 teaspoon coconut oil (to thin if needed), 1 drop pink food coloring
- White Chocolate Icing: ⅔ cup white chocolate chips, 1 drop pink food coloring (add coconut oil to thin if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Jam: Place chopped strawberries in a mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Mash with a fork or stiff whisk until some juice is released but chunks remain. Stir in chia seeds and let sit to thicken into jam-like consistency.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl or mixer, whisk almond flour and tapioca flour together. Add 4 tablespoons cold water and solid coconut oil, stirring until clumps form. Mix in 2 tablespoons maple syrup and continue until dough forms a ball. Add an additional tablespoon water if dough is too dry.
- Roll out Dough: Sprinkle tapioca flour on parchment paper, place dough ball on it, and sprinkle more tapioca flour on top. Roll or press dough to about ½ inch thickness.
- Cut Dough Shapes: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut 12-16 hearts. Place half on a parchment-lined baking sheet as bottoms; reserve the other half for tops.
- Fill and Assemble Pop Tarts: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the strawberry jam onto each bottom heart, centering the filling. Press the top heart pieces slightly larger and thinner by pressing the palm of your hand over them. Place top piece over filling and seal edges lightly with a fork, taking care not to pierce through the dough. Brush melted vegan butter over each sealed pop tart.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Prepare Icing: Choose your icing option:
- Powdered Sugar Icing: Mix powdered sugar or monk fruit with almond milk until smooth, thin if needed, and add pink food coloring.
- Coconut Butter Icing: Melt coconut butter with coconut oil if needed, add pink food coloring and stir.
- White Chocolate Icing: Melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil if needed, add pink food coloring and stir.
- Decorate: Drizzle your chosen icing over warm or cooled pop tarts before serving.
Notes
- Do not let the dough sit out after preparation; gluten-free dough can dry out quickly and become difficult to roll.
- For best texture, ice the pop tarts just before serving to allow warming in a toaster oven or microwave.
- Store baked mini pop tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
