Even though I personally don't care for pop tarts, the idea of creating a healthy version of something so highly attractive to children captivated me.
So, this morning, using Nutella and a basic pie crust recipe altered to add nutrition, I created something that received a thumbs-up from all three of my girls.
I wanted them to look as much like the cardboard sugar overload as possible and hide some healthy stuff like whole wheat flour and flax, too.
I also added a simple icing and colorful sprinkles (since I couldn't find my chocolate ones.)
Intrigued? They're pretty simple, too!
For the pastry dough
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp ground flax seed + wheat flour to equal 1 cup
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
6 Tbsp ice water
Stir together dry ingredients. Add butter and shortening; cut in with pastry blender til the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water 2 Tbsp at a time til dough will roll into a ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate 20 minutes or longer.
Roll out dough on floured surface. Cut into desired size; two per tart. Spread desired filling on dough, leaving 1/2" border all the way around.
Top each tart with a second pastry and crimp the edges using water to seal.
Bake at 400F for 8 minutes
Optional: Icing
1 cup confectioners sugar
2-3 Tbsp milk
Stir milk into sugar until it forms a thick paste. Spread on cooled tarts and top with sprinkles, if desired.
I was going to try a few with almond butter and top with sliced almonds but my girls were so excited about the Nutella that I forgot. You could also try sugar free jam or peanut butter! I would love to see more creative variations of these.
My 7-year-old likes it.
My 6-yr-old agrees.
Even my ultra-picky 3-year-old who rarely eats anything likes it!
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Love it, Sarah!!
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