Get ready for a playful baking adventure with this Strawberry Pop Tart Pie—a dessert that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly fun! Imagine the tender, flaky layers of traditional pie crust enfolding a juicy, jammy strawberry compote, all crowned with a swoosh of glossy royal icing and a lively scatter of rainbow sprinkles. The combination captures your favorite childhood treat, but in a format that’s ideal for sharing at family gatherings or special celebrations. Whether you adore pop tarts or just love strawberry desserts, this pie is bound to delight everyone lucky enough to snag a slice.

Strawberry Pop Tart Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the magic behind every bite—each ingredient in this Strawberry Pop Tart Pie plays a starring role in taste, texture, and color. It’s a short and sweet list, but every item packs a punch, from plump fresh strawberries to the crunchy, sugary finish.

Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, flavorful strawberries for a naturally sweet and vibrant filling.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the compote and balances strawberry tartness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling to the perfect, spoonable consistency.
Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and creates a smooth, glossy compote.
Lemon (Juice and Zest): Adds brightness and a subtle zing to highlight the fruit’s flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, cozy depth to the strawberry layer.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens and enhances all the flavors.
Pie Crusts: Store-bought for ease, or homemade for that personal touch—a flaky golden base and top.
Half and Half: Gives the crust a beautiful shine and helps seal those classic pop tart edges.
Powdered Sugar: Turns into a dreamy, sweet glaze reminiscent of icing-topped pastries.
More Half and Half (or Milk): Loosens the glaze to a pourable consistency—it should drizzle smoothly!
Rainbow Sprinkles (Nonpareils): The final flourish, adding pops of color and crunch—absolutely essential for that pop tart look.

How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently fit one pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, guiding it into the corners and smoothing out any cracks—think of it as rolling out the red carpet for your strawberry filling. Set the second crust aside for the top.

Step 2: Cook the Strawberry Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Stir frequently as the mixture heats, watching it bubble and thicken into a luscious, jammy compote—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once thick, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly; this will prevent a soggy bottom crust.

Step 3: Fill and Assemble

Pour that vibrant strawberry compote into your prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Drape the second crust over the top and gently press to seal the edges with your fingers or a fork—classic pop tart style! For venting, cut a few slits in the top crust so the filling can bubble and breathe. Brush the edges and top with half and half for a lovely golden finish.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Carefully transfer the assembled pie to the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling happily through the vents. The aroma is pure summer nostalgia! When it’s done, set the pie aside to cool completely—this patience pays off for neat, beautiful slices.

Step 5: Glaze and Decorate

Once your pie is completely cooled, prepare the royal icing glaze: whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and half and half (or milk) until smooth and pourable. Spread the glaze generously over the top crust, and finish with a joyful shower of rainbow sprinkles. Let the glaze set up—this doesn’t take long, and then you’re ready to slice!

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Pie

Garnishes

For classic fun, nothing beats extra rainbow nonpareils after glazing. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side takes the Strawberry Pop Tart Pie from party treat to pure celebration, especially if you love that hot-and-cold dessert combo.

Side Dishes

Pair this pie with a cold glass of milk (hello, childhood!), fresh lemonade for a zingy touch, or a few crisp cookies for a playful dessert plate. If you’re throwing a brunch or picnic, cut smaller slices and serve with bowls of mixed berries.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Strawberry Pop Tart Pie into rectangles for a true pop tart look and wrap each in wax paper for a retro, grab-and-go dessert. For parties, slice into smaller bars and skewer on lollipop sticks—or serve big wedges on colorful plates for a showstopping, sprinkle-studded centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Pop Tart Pie is a treat all over again! Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days; after that, keep it in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for an additional 2-3 days. The crust stays fairly crisp, and the flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cooled pie tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Add a layer of sprinkles after thawing, as freezing can cause them to lose their crunch. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—this method keeps the filling tasting garden-fresh.

Reheating

If you like your Strawberry Pop Tart Pie warm, pop slices into a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as the crust can go soft and the glaze might melt. Add extra glaze or a dollop of whipped cream after warming, for that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Absolutely! If using frozen berries, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This helps avoid a watery filling while still keeping all that wonderful strawberry flavor.

What if I don’t have half and half?

No worries—milk or even a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk works for both the pie and the glaze. Just add a splash more if needed to reach the right consistency.

Can I make this as hand pies or mini tarts?

Yes! Roll the crust thin and cut into rectangles, spoon on filling, top, and seal for homemade pop tart hand pies. Reduce bake time to 20-25 minutes and decorate with glaze and sprinkles as usual.

How do I avoid a soggy bottom crust?

Let the filling cool slightly before adding to the crust, and bake the pie on the lower rack of your oven—it helps the bottom get crisp and flaky. Brushing the base with a bit of egg white can add extra insurance too.

Is it possible to use store-bought jam?

If you’re short on time, a high-quality strawberry jam can step in for the homemade filling. For best results, warm it slightly and add a spoonful of lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring some color, fun, and a dash of childhood cheer to your table, you simply have to make this Strawberry Pop Tart Pie. It’s as comforting as it is cheerful, a perfect conversation starter, and it might just become your next go-to party bake. Give it a try—your inner kid (and your friends) will thank you!

Strawberry Pop Tart Pie Recipe