Sourdough Pop Tarts Recipe (Homemade & Flaky)

If you love baking with sourdough, this Sourdough Pop Tarts recipe is a fun and delicious way to use up your sourdough discard. These homemade pastries are flaky, buttery, and filled with your favorite sweet filling like strawberry jam, chocolate, or cinnamon sugar. They taste much better than store-bought versions and are made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Homemade pop tarts have become increasingly popular among sourdough bakers because they combine the nostalgic flavor of childhood breakfast pastries with the wholesome goodness of homemade baking. The slight tang from sourdough discard adds depth to the pastry and makes these treats truly special.

Whether you are looking for a creative way to use leftover starter or simply want to make a fun breakfast treat for your family, this sourdough pop tart recipe is easy, customizable, and absolutely delicious.

Why You Will Love These Sourdough Pop Tarts

There are many reasons to make your own pop tarts at home, especially when sourdough is involved.

Great for sourdough discard
Instead of throwing away extra starter, you can transform it into something sweet and satisfying.

Flaky homemade pastry
The dough is rich and buttery, creating layers that are far superior to packaged pastries.

Customizable fillings
You can use fruit jam, chocolate, nut butter, or even apple pie filling.

Healthier than store-bought
Homemade pop tarts contain real ingredients and no preservatives.

Perfect for breakfast or snacks
They can be enjoyed warm in the morning or packed as a snack.

What Are Sourdough Pop Tarts?

Sourdough pop tarts are a homemade version of the classic toaster pastry made using sourdough discard in the pastry dough. The dough is rolled out, cut into rectangles, filled with jam or chocolate, sealed, and baked until golden.

The sourdough discard adds a mild tang that balances the sweetness of the filling and glaze. It also helps create a tender, flaky crust.

They are perfect for:

breakfast pastries
lunchbox treats
afternoon snacks
weekend baking projects

Ingredients

For the Sourdough Pastry Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cold butter (cut into cubes)
¼ cup sourdough discard
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2–3 tablespoons cold water

Filling Options

You can choose any filling you like. Popular choices include:

strawberry jam
raspberry jam
blueberry jam
chocolate spread
Nutella
peanut butter and jam
cinnamon sugar butter
apple pie filling

Egg Wash

1 egg
1 tablespoon milk

Optional Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

colorful sprinkles
freeze-dried fruit powder
crushed nuts

Equipment Needed

To make sourdough pop tarts, you only need a few basic baking tools:

mixing bowl
pastry cutter or fork
rolling pin
baking sheet
parchment paper
fork (for sealing edges)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Small pieces of butter will help create a flaky pastry.

Step 2: Add the Sourdough Discard

Add the sourdough discard to the mixture. Slowly add cold water one tablespoon at a time until the dough begins to come together.

Mix gently and avoid overworking the dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the butter to firm up and helps create a flakier crust.

Step 3: Roll the Dough

After chilling, lightly flour your work surface.

Roll the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Try to keep the thickness even so the pop tarts bake evenly.

Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into rectangles approximately 3 by 4 inches.

You should end up with 12 to 16 rectangles, depending on how thin the dough is rolled.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place half of the rectangles onto the prepared baking sheet. These will be the bottom pieces of your pop tarts.

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Avoid overfilling to prevent leaking during baking.

Step 5: Seal the Pop Tarts

Place another rectangle of dough on top of each filled pastry.

Press the edges together gently to seal. Then use a fork to crimp the edges all around the pastry. This helps keep the filling inside and gives the pop tarts their classic look.

Use the fork or a toothpick to poke a few small holes in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 6: Add Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.

Brush the tops of each pop tart lightly with the egg wash. This step helps the pastries turn golden brown in the oven.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the pop tarts for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pastry becomes golden brown and slightly crisp.

Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack before glazing.

Make the Glaze

In a small bowl combine:

powdered sugar
milk
vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth.

Once the pop tarts have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can spread it with a spoon or drizzle it lightly for a bakery-style finish.

Add sprinkles if desired.

Flavor Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some delicious flavor ideas.

Strawberry Jam Pop Tarts

Classic and sweet, strawberry jam is a favorite filling that pairs perfectly with the flaky pastry.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and a little melted butter for a warm and cozy filling.

Chocolate Pop Tarts

Use chocolate chips, chocolate spread, or Nutella for a rich dessert-like pastry.

Lemon Berry

Add lemon zest to raspberry or blueberry jam for a bright citrus flavor.

Apple Pie Pop Tarts

Fill with chopped apples cooked with cinnamon and sugar.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough Pop Tarts

Keep the butter cold
Cold butter is essential for creating a flaky pastry.

Do not overfill
Too much filling can cause the pastries to burst open while baking.

Chill the dough if needed
If the dough becomes soft while working with it, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

Seal edges well
Press firmly with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking.

Let them cool before glazing
Glaze spreads better on cooled pastries.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store pop tarts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

They will stay fresh for about 5 days when stored in the fridge.

Freezer

Sourdough pop tarts freeze very well.

Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm them in a toaster oven or regular oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

These pastries are delicious in many ways:

served warm with coffee
packed in lunchboxes
enjoyed as an afternoon snack
topped with extra glaze or powdered sugar

You can also toast them lightly the next day for a crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, but discard works best because it has a milder flavor and thinner consistency.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. The dough can be made one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Can I make them savory?

Absolutely. Try fillings like:

cheese and herbs
ham and cheese
spinach and feta

Simply skip the glaze.

Final Thoughts

These Sourdough Pop Tarts are a delightful way to turn sourdough discard into a delicious homemade pastry. They are flaky, buttery, and endlessly customizable with your favorite fillings.

Once you try homemade pop tarts, you may never go back to the boxed version again. They are perfect for weekend baking, family breakfasts, or a fun baking project with kids.

If you enjoy baking with sourdough, this recipe is a must-try. It combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the comforting sweetness of a classic pastry.

Bake a batch, experiment with different fillings, and enjoy a nostalgic treat made entirely from scratch.