Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself sneaking a Pop-Tart from the box or daydreaming about a slice of juicy homemade pie, this Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie Recipe is destined to become your new obsession. Imagine all the nostalgic, sweet flavors of your favorite breakfast pastry dialed up with the freshness of real strawberries and a playful drizzle of glaze, all tucked into a flaky, golden crust. It’s pure comfort in dessert form, perfect for family gatherings, backyard picnics, or simply treating yourself to a bit of retro-inspired whimsy any day of the week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie Recipe lies in its simplicity—every ingredient plays a key role, from providing texture and flavor to ensuring that iconic, glossy finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love each element:
- Strawberries (5 cups, sliced): Fresh, vibrant strawberries bring a punch of sweet and tart flavor that makes this pie sing. Go for ripe berries for maximum juiciness.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the strawberries just right and helps release their natural juices during maceration.
- Salt (pinch): A tiny bit of salt sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Used with cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening the irresistibly gooey filling.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens up the strawberry mixture, turning it into the jammy center you crave.
- Non-stick spray: An insurance policy so your gorgeous pie lifts out of the pan with ease (no stuck crusts here!).
- Pillsbury Pie Crust (2 rounds): Buttery, flaky, and wonderfully convenient. If you’re keen, homemade crust works too, but this shortcut delivers classic Pop-Tart vibes.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): The base for that signature glossy glaze drizzled on top.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Blends with the powdered sugar to turn it into a pourable, silky glaze.
- Vanilla Extract (1/8 teaspoon): A hint of vanilla rounds out the glaze, adding a wonderful aroma and warmth.
- Sprinkles: For a pop of color and a burst of joy—just like your favorite toaster pastry!
How to Make Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie Recipe
Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries
Scatter your sliced strawberries into a saucepan, then sprinkle the sugar and a pinch of salt evenly over the top. This quick maceration—just letting the fruit sit for 15 minutes—draws out the natural juices and gives you a jammy, flavorful filling. You’ll see the strawberries start to look glossy and luscious.
Step 2: Simmer for Juicy Goodness
Place the saucepan on a medium heat. Let the strawberries simmer in their own juices for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. By the end, you want them softened and swimming in a pretty, ruby-red syrup that’s already making the house smell incredible.
Step 3: Thicken the Filling
Meanwhile, prepare your cornstarch slurry by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth. Gradually pour this slurry into your simmering strawberries while stirring constantly; this is the secret to a gorgeously thick, pie-ready filling. Stir for about 5 minutes as the mixture gently thickens. Once it’s luscious and glossy, take it off the heat and let it cool briefly while you prepare the crust. Now’s a great time to preheat your oven to 375 F.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Give your cast iron skillet or pie plate a quick spray with non-stick spray. Unroll one Pillsbury pie crust and position it snugly in the pan, letting the edges hang over slightly. Once the filling has cooled for at least 10 minutes, spoon it evenly over the crust and smooth it out with a spatula. Top with the second pie crust and use a fork to press the edges together in classic Pop-Tart fashion. Don’t forget a small “X” cut in the center for steam to escape—this keeps the crust delightfully flaky.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your pie into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, crisp crust with thick, bubbly filling peeking through. Patience is key here: the aroma will tempt you, but let the pie cool for at least two hours so the filling can fully set. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 6: Glaze and Sprinkle
For the crowning touch, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and shiny. Drizzle this sweet glaze generously over your cooled pie, then scatter sprinkles on top while the glaze is still wet. Let everything set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing—a true showstopper ready to pop onto your dessert plate.
How to Serve Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie Recipe
Garnishes
The best garnish for your Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie Recipe is undoubtedly the playful shower of rainbow sprinkles, but you can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. The creamy coolness is such a dreamy match for the warm, jammy strawberries and sweet glaze.
Side Dishes
This pie is the star of any dessert table, but you can complement it with a light fruit salad, a tall glass of cold milk, or even a zesty lemonade. Keeping the sides simple lets the flavors of your Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie Recipe really shine through.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut your pie into rectangles and wrap in wax paper to mimic the look of real pop-tarts—perfect for parties, lunchbox treats, or a whimsical dessert board. Or, top each slice with a few extra fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra-special finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie Recipe keeps beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, just pop it in the fridge; the crust will stay crisp and the filling perfectly jammy.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this pie for future cravings! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you prefer your pie warm, place a slice in a 300 F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts until just heated through. The crust regains some of its flakiness, and the strawberry filling becomes deliciously melty again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie Recipe—just thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid to avoid a soggy filling. The flavor stays wonderfully vibrant!
Do I have to use store-bought pie crust?
Not at all! If you love making your own pie crust, go for it. The classic store-bought crust does mimic actual Pop-Tarts, but homemade will make it extra special.
Can I make the strawberry filling ahead of time?
Absolutely. The strawberry filling can be made a day in advance—just let it cool and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the pie. This makes last-minute assembly a breeze.
How do I get a shiny glaze on top?
The simple glaze of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla is what gives you that iconic finish. Just make sure the pie is completely cool before drizzling it over so it sets up perfectly instead of melting into the crust.
What other fruits work well in this recipe?
Other berries like raspberries or blueberries are delicious substitutes or additions to the Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie Recipe. Feel free to experiment with your favorites for an easy twist!
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie Recipe is truly happiness baked into a skillet—a slice of nostalgia with every bite, but with the homey goodness of real fruit and a buttery, golden crust. Gather your loved ones and whip up this charming treat; I promise, it’s one recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Happy baking!
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Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 pie (8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of a classic pop-tart, but in pie form! This Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie is bursting with sweet strawberry filling, flaky crust, and a delicious glaze topped with colorful sprinkles. A fun and easy dessert that will delight both kids and adults.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 5 cups Strawberries (sliced)
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- Pinch of Salt
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
For the Crust and Glaze:
- Non-stick spray
- Pillsbury Pie Crust
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 tbsp Milk
- 1/8 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Pie: Add the sliced strawberries to a saucepan and sprinkle the sugar & salt evenly over the top. Let sit for 15 minutes while strawberries macerate.
- Turn the burner on medium heat and allow the strawberries to simmer in their juices for about 15 minutes.
- While it is cooking, make your cornstarch slurry. Add 1 Tbsp cornstarch to 2 Tbsp of water in a small bowl. Whisk together with a fork until smooth, slowly pour into the strawberry mixture while stirring constantly. Continue stirring for about 5 minutes, until the filling has thickened. Turn off the burner, remove from heat, and set aside to cool slightly. Preheat oven to 375 F.
- Spray your cast iron skillet or pie plate with non-stick spray. Unpackage and unroll one of the Pillsbury pie crusts and lay on the bottom of the pan. After the filling has cooled for about 10 minutes, place it on top of the crust in the pie dish. Use a spatula to make sure it is evenly spread. Add the other pie crust over the top and use a fork to seal at the edges. Cut a small “X” in the middle of the pie so it can vent.
- Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the crust is golden and filling is bubbly and thick. Allow to cool for at least two hours.
- Glaze: Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to a small bowl. Whisk together with a fork until smooth. Drizzle evenly over the top of the pie. Add sprinkles. Allow glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie, Pop-Tart Pie Recipe, Strawberry Pie Recipe
