Buzz
There are numerous ways to enjoy a pop tart. While some prefer them straight from the bag or toasted, there are endless creative possibilities. Consider using pop tarts as toppings for ice cream or incorporating them into s'mores, ice cream sandwiches, or milkshakes!
Ingredients
Pop Tart Ice Cream Sandwich
- 4 pop tarts
- 1 cup (144 grams) softened ice cream
- Optional: mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for garnish
Yields 4 sandwiches
Cookies-n-Cream Milkshake
- 2 Frosted Cookies & Cream pop tarts
- 2 cups (288 grams) softened vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Yields 2 servings
Instructions
Heating and Enjoying a Pop Tart
Toaster Method: For a classic approach, toast the pop tart. Remove it from the foil pouch and place it vertically in the toaster. Toast on low for one cycle, then let it cool briefly before indulging.
- This method also applies to toaster ovens.
Microwave Method: If you lack a toaster or toaster oven, microwave the pop tart. Remove it from the pouch and place it on a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 3 seconds, then allow it to cool before eating.
On-the-Go: Enjoy a pop tart straight from the bag when time is short. Many prefer them at room temperature, and that's perfectly acceptable. Since they're pre-baked, they're safe to eat without heating.
Frozen Delight: For a chilly, delightful treat, try your pop tart frozen. Certain flavors like Cookies & Creme, Hot Fudge Sundae, and Frosted Chocolate Chip are particularly tasty this way. Simply freeze the entire bag overnight and enjoy it the next morning.
Getting Innovative
Pop Tart Ice Cream Topping: Cut or crush your preferred pop tart flavor into small pieces and sprinkle it over ice cream. The size of the pieces should be slightly smaller than bite-size. No need to heat the pop tarts for this topping.
Fun-Shaped Pop Tarts: Use cookie cutters to create entertaining shapes from pop tarts. Grease the cookie cutters lightly with butter or cooking spray before use. Aim to cut through the center where the filling is richest. No heating required.
- Use these whimsical shapes to decorate ice cream.
- Enjoy the remaining pop tart or crumble it for a delightful dessert topping.
Pop Tart Parfait: Crush strawberry pop tarts and layer them in a parfait glass with sliced strawberries and whipped cream. Top your parfait with additional whipped cream and a sprinkle of finely crushed pop tart.
Pop Tart S'mores: Substitute graham crackers with pop tarts when making s'mores. Halve a pop tart, place chocolate on one of the unfrosted sides, add a toasted marshmallow, and cover with the other pop tart half.
- While toasting is optional, it aids in melting the chocolate faster.
- For a gooier treat, microwave the entire s'more for about 3 seconds.
- Consider using s'mores flavored pop tarts, but peanut butter and brown sugar are also excellent choices!
Crafting Pop Tart Ice Cream Sandwiches
Position two pop tarts on a cutting board, with the frosted side facing down. Set aside the remaining two pop tarts for later. While any pop tart flavor can be used, popular choices for this recipe include Cookies & Creme, Frosted Chocolate Chip, and Hot Fudge Sundae.
Spread ½ cup (72 grams) of ice cream onto each pop tart. Any ice cream flavor will suffice, but cookies-n-cream, cookie dough, or vanilla are recommended. Use an ice cream scoop to portion out the ice cream, and a rubber spatula or knife to evenly spread it over the pop tart. Ensure that the ice cream extends to the edges.
Place the remaining two pop tarts with the frosted side facing up on top and gently press down. Align the edges properly. Apply slight pressure to ensure the ice cream reaches the edges. Smooth out any excess ice cream using a knife or spatula.
Divide the sandwiches in half widthwise. If necessary, use a sawing motion to cut through the pop tart crust. This will yield four smaller ice cream sandwiches.
If desired, coat the edges of the sandwiches with chocolate chips or sprinkles. Fill a bowl with mini chocolate chips or sprinkles. Take each ice cream sandwich and dip its four edges into the bowl. The chips or sprinkles will adhere to the ice cream, adding an extra crunch to your treat.
Wrap the sandwiches and freeze them for a minimum of 2 hours. Wrap each sandwich carefully in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer. This step will firm up the ice cream and hold the sandwiches together.
Crafting a Cookies-n-Cream Milkshake
Add the milk, ice cream, and vanilla extract to a blender. For a lighter option, consider using low-fat or non-fat milk. If you prefer richer milkshakes, opt for 2% or whole milk.
Blend until smooth, ensuring to pause occasionally to scrape down any clumps with a spatula. This will ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Break the pop tarts into small pieces. Keep these pieces aside. You can also try using Strawberry pop tarts to create a strawberry shortcake milkshake alternative.
Include the crumbled pop tarts, and blend for a few extra seconds. Aim for the crumbled pop tarts to be loosely mixed; there should still be some small chunks and crumbs visible.
Divide the milkshake into two tall glasses and decorate with a pop tart wedge. Utilize a spatula to assist in transferring the mixture into two tall glasses. Serve the milkshake immediately.
Pointers
-
Pop tarts are commonly enjoyed by hand, similar to a sandwich. However, you can opt for a fork and knife for a more sophisticated experience.
-
There is a wide variety of pop tart flavors available, some of which are seasonal or limited edition.
-
Heating a pop tart in the toaster or microwave will not cause the frosting to melt.
Cautions
- Allow the pop tart to cool for a few moments after heating. The filling will be extremely hot.
Essentials
Crafting Pop Tart Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Knife
- Ice cream scoop
- Rubber spatula
- Small bowl (optional)
- Cutting board
- Plastic wrap
Crafting a Cookies-n-Cream Milkshake
- Blender
- Spatula
- Two tall glasses
