Description
These Protein Pop Tarts are a wholesome twist on the classic breakfast treat, made with whole wheat flour and vanilla protein powder for an added nutritional boost. Filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, they are perfect for a quick, energizing breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 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
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 170°C (325°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, vanilla protein powder, sugar, and baking powder. Whisk thoroughly until evenly mixed and set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the applesauce, neutral-flavored oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Form the Dough: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add one to two teaspoons of ice-cold water to adjust the consistency. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes to rest.
- Roll and Cut the Pastry: Divide the chilled dough into two equal parts. Roll out one portion between two sheets of parchment paper to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 8 equal rectangles. Repeat with the second portion.
- Fill the Pastry: Arrange the dough rectangles on the prepared baking tray. Place a generous spoonful of strawberry jam in the center of each rectangle, keeping some space around the edges for sealing.
- Assemble and Seal: Top each jam-filled rectangle with another rectangle of dough. Press down the edges with your fingers, then crimp all around with a fork to fully seal the pop tarts.
- Bake the Pop Tarts: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pastries turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar, milk or water, vanilla extract, and optional vanilla protein powder until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more liquid if needed.
- Glaze and Decorate: Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled pop tarts, leaving a small rim uncoated around the edges. Decorate with sprinkles if desired, and let the glaze set at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is not too sticky or too dry; adding water or flour as needed will help achieve the perfect consistency.
- Use sugar-free confectioners sugar to make a lower-sugar glaze option.
- Refrigerate the dough before rolling to make it easier to handle and cut.
- Store leftover pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a vegan version, confirm that your protein powder and glaze ingredients are plant-based.