Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts Recipe

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Hello, to all the dessert lovers. Austin Carter welcomes you all to Beyond The Bayou Blog to bring a tart and citrus twist to today’s recipe: Cranberry Orange Pop-Tarts.

Adulting all the way with these cranberry orange pop tarts! I remember sneaking boxes of pop tarts into the basket while my parents shopped.  My brothers and I would always fight over them and then find out that they are also tasty when tried with Snow Ice Cream. 

Still trying to cook out of my comfort zone, I choose cranberries because I hardly cook with them. I am trying to incorporate ingredients that I would not always grab or cook with. The only form of cranberries that I am familiar with during holiday time is the one that comes in the can. But me being me, I cannot resist making something from scratch.

So, today we will be creating this recipe along with reviving the memories of childhood. Be ready for a nostalgic ride with tasty Cranberry Orange Pop-Tarts.

Why I Love This Recipe?

What I loved most about these little pockets of deliciousness is that

• They are not super sweet 
• They are homemade! (a big plus)
• Freezer-friendlyespecially if you do not want to indulge in the whole batch at once. 

Time for The Tips!

1. Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is cold before incorporating it into the dough. Cold butter creates a flakier pastry, so resist the temptation to soften it too much.
2. Chilling Time: Let the dough chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to work with.
3. Filling Consistency: Cook the cranberry orange filling until it’s thickened but still spreadable. You want it to be thick enough to stay in place when you assemble the pop tarts, but not too thick that it becomes difficult to spread.
4. Sealing Edges: When sealing the edges of the pop tarts, press firmly to ensure a tight seal. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
5. Pricking Tops: Don’t forget to prick the tops of the pop tarts with a fork before baking. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents the pop-tarts from puffing up too much.
6. Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pop tarts towards the end of the baking time. They should be golden brown when done, but be careful not to overbake them, as they can become dry.
7. Frosting Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk or cream in the cranberry frosting to achieve your desired consistency. Add a little at a time until you reach a smooth and drizzle-worthy texture.

Storing and Managing for Further Consumption!

1. Cooling Down: Allow the pop tarts to cool completely to room temperature after baking. This helps maintain their texture and prevents moisture buildup when storing.
2. Storage Containers: Transfer the cooled pop tarts to airtight containers or resealable bags. Make sure the containers are clean and dry before placing the pop-tarts inside.
3. Refrigeration or Freezing: Depending on how soon you plan to consume them, you have two options:
   • Refrigeration: If you’ll be enjoying them within a few days, store the Pop-Tarts in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
   • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pop tarts. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
4. Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the stored pop tarts, you have a couple of options for reheating:
   • Thawing: If frozen, thaw the pop tarts overnight in the refrigerator.
   • Reheating: Once thawed or if refrigerated, you can warm them up in the toaster oven or microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become dry.
5. Enjoying Again: Once reheated, your Cranberry Orange Pop-Tarts are ready to be enjoyed all over again! Serve them alongside your favorite accompaniments, such as a hot cup of coffee or tea, for a delicious and satisfying treat.