All the Ways I Love to Eat Pop-Tarts
The simple Pop Tart has come a long way since its introduction in the 1960s. Although they don’t look any different, the way they are consumed has undergone some bizarre experimentation. This is a colorful, jam-filled treat that can be made in the toaster, with tiny sprinkles on top. If it’s been a while since you’ve dipped your toes into the jam-filled pool of breakfast pastries, this is your sign to take the plunge. Here are some of the best ways to eat Pop-Tarts.
Eat them frozen
In deference to the coming warmer weather, the first few Pop-Tarts will keep you cool. I would never recommend a hot toaster oven when the temperature is 80°F; I just couldn’t stand it. Treat yourself to a frozen Pop-Tart instead. Remove the foil envelopes from the cardboard box (cardboard gets wet and takes up extra space) and store them in the freezer until you need them most. The baked goods get a crispy texture and the jam never freezes but becomes pleasantly chewy.
Crumble them into ice cream
Plain flavored ice cream is fine, but I’m much more likely to end up with a pint of ice cream filled with junk . I love caramel swirls, chocolate chips, cheesecake balls and more. So when I tried plain ice cream, you better believe I put Pop-Tarts in it . It’s easiest to turn it into a soft serve stage where you make your own ice cream at home, but you can do it with store-bought ice cream too. Leave the ice cream in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes until it softens. Transfer it to a bowl and mix with the dough pieces. You can return it to a pint to freeze, or just start chewing.
Fold an ice cream sandwich
Ice cream sandwiches are inherently fun, and when the “bread” is Pop Tarts, the lucky person is sure to smile. I love Pop-Tarts ice cream sandwiches because you can really take liberties with flavor combinations. At any given time, Pop-Tarts will have classic flavors (like strawberry, blueberry, and brown sugar cinnamon), but I always see the shelves filled with weird flavors like Apple Jacks, Boston Creme Donut, or Frosted Strawberry Milkshake. Pair them with any of the many types of ice cream in your freezer for a delicious treat. Here’s how to make a Pop-Tart ice cream sandwich .
Use Pop-Tarts for pie crust.
Typically, graham cracker crumb crust is the standard for refrigerated pies and pies, but why not swap out the crumble for something a little more nostalgic (not to mention colorful). The best part is that it is a one-ingredient crust. Throw a few Pop-Tarts into the food processor and process them into fine crumbs. Place the pieces in the pie tin and the jam particles will help hold the crust together. Read this for the complete method .
Do the laziest little thing in the world
Cookies and milk go hand in hand, so I think Pop Tarts and heavy cream are easy friends. Make a twisted trifle of different flavored Pop-Tarts layered with whipped cream for a quick crowd pleaser when you don’t have the energy or inclination to go out and buy custard and cake for the “real” trifle.
Crumble filling for muffins and cakes
The main thing that makes the tiny pie so irresistibly delicious is the streusel topping. Yet, what I like least about making a crumb cake is spending extra time making the same filling. Here’s an easy solution: Sprinkle crushed Pop-Tarts on your cakes. I use crushed ginger pieces in this recipe , but the same method applies to breakfast baked goods.
Chew your milkshakes
I don’t need to convince you that a milkshake is a good idea, but you should know that any milkshake you make can be a lot more fun with the addition of Pop Tarts. That’s right, you can drink Pop-Tarts , and you should. Blender is also easy. Just add your favorite brand of vanilla ice cream, a bag of brownies and some milk. Go away and get a straw.
Replace toast with tartlets
When you eat Pop-Tarts straight from the foil package or even lightly toasted, you reduce your supply. Sure, they already have flavor, but that sweet filling is more of a nudge. Pop-Tarts are actually a great substitute for toast . Apply a layer of jam, Nutella or fluff. Why not add cheese and some fresh strawberries? Spread a thick layer of peanut butter on it and top it with sliced bananas for a snack that rivals any 12-grain slice. The flavor combinations are endless, and if you haven’t already, now is the time to add a box of Cherry Frosted to your shopping list.