Healthier Pop Tarts

Healthier Homemade Pop Tarts

Makes 8 tarts

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• 1 c. whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 c. unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 t. baking powder
• 1/2 t. salt
• 1/4 c. coconut oil or vegan margarine (i.e. Earth Balance)
• 1/3 c. agave or maple syrup
• 1 t. vanilla extract
• 1-2 T. cold water
• 1/4 c. all fruit strawberry preserves
• 1 c. organic powdered sugar (optional)
• 1-2 T. non-dairy or organic milk (optional)
• all-natural sprinkles (i.e. Let’s Do Sprinkelz brand) (optional)

In a food processor (or adjustable-speed blender), combine flours, baking powder, salt and coconut oil.  Process just until the mixture becomes coarse and starts to hold together and transfer mixture to a large bowl.

You can also do this by hand, you’ll just need a pastry blender and a little patience.

I own neither.

Pour in agave or maple syrup and vanilla.

Add just enough water that a dough starts to come together.

Divide dough in two and form each half into a thin rectangle on a sheet of plastic wrap.  Wrap up each rectangle and transfer to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

After dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 325 degrees.  Remove one rectangle of dough from the fridge at a time, removed it from the plastic wrap and on a lightly-floured board, roll the rectangle out slightly thinner (approximately 1/4-1/2 in. thick) and cut it into eight sections.

Spoon about a small spoonful of preserves in the center of four of the smaller rectangles.

Be a little stingy.  If you put too much in the middle of each rectangle, it’ll be hard to seal the tarts.

Carefully take each “lid” and place it on top of the preserves-filled rectangles, crimping and sealing the edges of each tart with a fork.

Repeat with remaining dough.

Transfer each tart to a baking sheet that has been lightly greased or lined with a Silpat or parchment paper.

Bake for 17-20 minutes, until tarts are golden brown.  Allow to cool on pan for one minute before transferring to a cooling rack.

For icing, if using, place powdered sugar in a small bowl and combine with just enough milk to make icing drizzleable.  Spoon icing over the top of each tart and top with sprinkles, if desired.

I told you it was the most incredible day ever.

Thanks Peas and Thank You!