Buzz
At least once a year, I get obsessed with Pop-Tarts, and right now I’m in full-on Rockette mode. You can turn them into holiday pie crusts, a delicious ice cream sandwich, or even a decadent Pop-Tart trifle to celebrate someone special. They also make for an amazing piece of toast.
Unlike regular toast, Pop-Tarts bring something extra to the table: a rich layer of jam or frosting inside, topped with icing on the outside. Their flavors can range from the classic strawberry frosted to the more complex “French toast.” But that doesn’t mean you can’t take the flavor to another level.
It was social media that first inspired me to try buttering my strawberry frosted tart. Naturally, I chose salted butter. (Whether that’s the obvious choice is up for debate, but in general, if it’s an ingredient, unsalted butter is the way to go, and if it’s a topping, always opt for salted butter with an extra sprinkle of salt.) To say it was a revelation would be an understatement. The butter brought out the pastry’s flavor, and the extra salt made the strawberry jam truly pop. After I got over my regret for not having been spreading salted butter on Pop-Tarts all this time, I began brainstorming other possible toppings.
I like my mass-produced, pre-packaged pastries toasted, so I threw a few more in the toaster and began searching through my cabinets and fridge for additional tarts and toppings. Nutella on a strawberry Pop-Tart is reminiscent of a chocolate-covered strawberry. Adding peanut butter creates that satisfying PB&J sensation. Spreading lemon curd on a strawberry Pop-Tart feels like enjoying a refreshing summer morning at breakfast.
Here are some other combinations I’m excited to try out:
Sharp cheddar cheese on a “crisp apple” Pop-Tart
Cream cheese on a “wild berry” Pop-Tart
Bacon on an Eggo frosted maple flavor Pop-Tart
Peanut butter and sliced banana on a cherry Pop-Tart
Cinnamon and salted butter on a blueberry Pop-Tart
The possibilities for topping and tart combinations are endless. Stick with sweet toppings, or take a walk on the wild side with some savory options. The best part? Each sleeve has two tarts, so you’ve got double the opportunity to perfect your flavor pairings.
