Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop-Tarts

Upgrade your PB&J by turning it into a hand pie!

By
Micah Siva, RD
Micah Siva
Micah Siva, RD
Micah Siva is a trained chef, registered dietitian, recipe writer, and food photographer, specializing in modern Jewish cuisine. She runs Nosh with Micah, her personal blog.
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Updated January 02, 2024
Micah Siva
A Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop Tart Cut in Half, Leaning on More Gourmet Pop Tarts on a Piece of Parchment Paper

Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

Pop-Tarts were rarely on the table growing up. I lived in what you call an “ingredient household,” where snacks were homemade and rarely pre-packaged. This meant that snack time was cheese and crackers, ants on a log, or peanut butter and jam sandwiches. It also meant that going to a friend’s house for snack time was the ultimate treat. If I was lucky, their cabinets would be overflowing with fruit snacks, salty chips, and Pop-Tarts. 

Inspired by the elusive Pop-Tarts of my childhood and my favorite throwback flavor combination of PB&J, these peanut butter and jelly Pop-Tarts bring me right back to my 90s childhood. Sweet and creamy peanut butter and fruity strawberry jam fill individually-sized pastry pockets for a portable snack (or dessert) that you can take on the go. 

Even though the official Pop-Tart flavor has been discontinued, you can enjoy this homemade (better!) version whenever you like. Pack them in a lunch box or enjoy as an after-school (or work) snack.

The Right Peanut Butter

For many baking recipes, creamy brands are best, with smooth and consistent textures that combine easily with other ingredients. This is not the time for natural, oil-on-the-top peanut butter. Using creamy peanut butter (like Jif, Skippy, or Peter Pan) is key in this recipe, ensuring no oils leak out of the pastry. 

If you want to try using natural nut butter, first stir very well, then consider adding an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar until it becomes a thick paste.

A Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop Tart Cut in Half, Leaning on More Gourmet Pop Tarts on a Piece of Parchment Paper

Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

The Right Kind of Jam

Whether you are using jam (smoother) or preserves (chunkier), the most important thing is to use a standard, high-sugar content jam or preserve. The sugar will help the jam retain its structure so it stays in the pastry pocket. Using a lower sugar jam or preserve may result in weeping or seeping out of the pastry. 

That being said, use whatever flavor you like best. I love strawberry, cherry, or blueberry preserves.

Tips for Making Dough

This hand pie dough is made with both eggs and butter. Butter provides the necessary fat and flavor, and an egg makes the dough pliable, easy to roll, and adds to the golden brown color.

Here are some handy tips for making perfect pastry dough:

  • With any pastry, be sure to use very cold butter; it’s the key to flaky, delicious dough. 
  • You can make the pastry up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge.
  • When rolling and cutting out the dough, I use a ruler to ensure it is the perfect size and shape, using a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into even rectangles. 
  • Don’t want rectangular tarts? Get creative with your favorite cookie cutters. Just don’t overfill the little pies.

Take a Shortcut

Don’t feel like making your own dough? No problem! Substitute 3 pieces of pre-made, rolled pie dough to form 9 hand pies. You may have to re-roll some of the pieces to form rectangles.

Glazed Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop Tarts on a Plate Next to a Glass of Milk and in the Background, More Pop Tarts on a Piece of Parchment Paper

Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

Hand Pies Galore!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop-Tarts

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Chill and Cool Time 2 hrs
Total Time 3 hrs 5 mins
Servings 9 servings
Yield 9 Pop-Tarts

While the glaze is technically optional, it is highly recommended. The glaze sets after about one hour, giving these Pop-Tarts that iconic crunch.

Ingredients

For the pastry

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 3 tablespoons cold water

For the filling

  • 1/2 cup smooth, creamy peanut butter

  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

  • 1/2 cup strawberry jam

  • 1 large egg, beaten

For the optional glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 tablespoon strawberry jam

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

  • 3 tablespoons salted peanuts, chopped

Method

  1. Grate the butter:

    Grate the cold butter using the biggest holes on a box grater. Transfer to the fridge until ready to use.

    Tip

    If the butter becomes too warm while grating, stick it in the freezer for a few minutes, then continue grating.

    Grated Butter Next to a Grater and a Stick of Butter, All on a Cutting Board

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
  2. Make the crust:

    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the grated butter, egg, and vanilla extract, using a spatula or spoon to mix.

    Use your hands to work the butter into the dough. There should be visible pieces of butter the size of peas. Add the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together and holds together when squeezed.

    Butter and Dry Ingredients Mixed Together in a Bowl for Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly Pop Tarts

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
    Loose Pop Tart Dough Resembling Wet Sand in a Bowl

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
    Ball of Pop Tart Dough in a Bowl

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
  3. Chill:

    Divide the dough in half and shape into roughly 6x4-inch rectangles. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days.

    Two Halves of Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop Tart Dough on the Counter

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
  4. Prepare the filling:

    In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter and powdered sugar. Set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Peanut Butter Filling Mixed Together in a Bowl for Peanut Butter Pop Tarts Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
  5. Roll out and cut the dough:

    Unwrap one rectangle of chilled dough. On a well-floured surface, roll it to a 9x12-inch rectangle, just under 1/4-inch thick. Trim the edges for a clean rectangle. 

    Tip

    If the dough cracks, press it together to seal. If you find it starting to stick, stick it back in the fridge for a few minutes and flour the counter again.

    Cut the dough into 9 rectangles, approximately 3x4 inches. Arrange on the lined baking sheet. Repeat with the other piece of dough, rolling, trimming, and cutting into 9 rectangles. You will use 2 rectangles per Pop-Tart.

    One Half Rolled on a Floured Counter Using a Rolling Pin

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
    Rolled Dough Cut Into 9 Pieces

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
  6. Assemble the Pop-Tarts and preheat the oven:

    Use a pastry brush to paint the tops of 9 of the rectangles with beaten egg. Place 1 tablespoon of peanut butter filling and 1 tablespoon of jam into the center of the same 9 rectangles. Place a second piece of pastry on top of the filling, lining up the rectangles. 

    Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges. If you like, you can trim the edges for a cleaner look. Using the fork, poke a few holes on the top to allow steam to escape during cooking. Brush the tops with egg and place in the fridge, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

    Preheat the oven to 350°F while the pastries chill in the fridge.

    Egg Wash Applied to Cut Pie Dough Pieces on a Parchment Lined Baking Sheet With the Bowl Next to It on the Baking Sheet. On the Counter, Two Bowls of Filling (One, Peanut Butter, and the Other, Jelly)

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
    Dollops of Peanut Butter Added to Egg Washed Pie Dough Pieces on a Parchment Paper Lined Baking Sheet

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
    Pop Tarts Topped With More Pie Squares and Crimped Using a Fork on a Parchment Paper Lined Baking Tray

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
    Egg Wash Applied to Completed Pre-Baked Pop Tarts on the Parchment Paper Lined Baking Tray

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
  7. Bake:

    Bake until golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool for several minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack until completely cooled.

  8. Make the glaze:

    Meanwhile, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, jam, and lemon juice. While whisking, add milk as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time, until smooth. 

    Adjust the thickness by adding more milk to thin, or powdered sugar to thicken. It should be thicker than heavy cream, but thin enough to “settle” back into the glaze when whisking. If it is too thin, try adding up to 1/4 cup more powdered sugar.

    Bowl of Strawberry Icing Whisked Together

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
    Powdered Sugar Whisked Into Bowl of Strawberry Icing Ingredients

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
  9. Glaze the Pop-Tarts:

    Drizzle each Pop-Tart with glaze. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts. The glaze will harden after about 1 hour, making them easier to store and transport.

    Store the PB&J Pop-Tarts in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or 5 days in the fridge.

    Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!

    Spoon Used to Drizzle Glaze Onto PB and J Pop Tarts on a Cooling Rack With a Pieces of Parchment Paper Underneath It, and in the Surroundings, a Bowl of Lightly Crushed Peanuts and a Bowl of More Glaze

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
    Lightly Crushed Peanuts Added to a Glazed PB and J Pop Tart on a Cooling Rack With a Pieces of Parchment Paper Underneath It, and in the Surroundings, a Bowl of Lightly Crushed Peanuts and a Bowl of More Glaze

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
    Glazed Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop Tarts on a Plate

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
519 Calories
30g Fat
55g Carbs
9g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 9
Amount per serving
Calories 519
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 30g 39%
Saturated Fat 15g 74%
Cholesterol 96mg 32%
Sodium 248mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 55g 20%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 26g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 2mg 9%
Calcium 35mg 3%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 177mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.