Elevate Your Nostalgia: Simple Toaster Tarts that will Transport you Back to Childhood
If you were a kid of the 80’s and 90’s, toaster tart pastries were a part of your mornings, or if you’re like me, any time of the day they were readily available to devour especially after school. I want you to rediscover your favorite childhood desserts with this elevated recipe for homemade Toaster Tarts featuring buttery puff pastry, juicy strawberries, a hint of lemon, and irresistible icing topped with rainbow sprinkles. You’ll be transported back to the days of no cell phones, no social media, cartoons morning and afternoon, and the sweetest novelty treats you still dream of today.
Nostalgia at its Finest
Do you remember those Saturday mornings filled with the comforting aroma of freshly toasted pastries? Most of us want to be transported back to simpler times and what better way to do it than with a sweet treat? Today, we’re elevating this childhood favorite of mine with a homemade twist that combines buttery puff pastry, homemade strawberry puree, and the perfect icing that’s not too sweet. It’s THE exact thing we need right now for satisfying those sweet cravings while still capturing that childhood charm.
Why Homemade Toaster Tarts?
While store-bought treats are quick and convenient, there’s something special about crafting these classic goodies at home. Here are some reasons to try making your own elevated version of Toaster Tarts:
Simple Ingredients: You only need a few basic ingredients to create a mouthwatering treat.
Fresh Flavors: Experience the difference of juicy strawberries and a hint of lemon in every bite.
Customizable: Tailor your Toaster Tarts with your favorite fillings and toppings.
Crowd-Pleaser: These homemade delights are sure to impress at brunches, parties, or even as a quick dessert.
How to Make Your Own Elevated Toaster Tarts
Making your own Toaster Tarts is easier than you might think. With a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these nostalgic treats that feel both familiar and sophisticated. Here’s what you need:
Homemade Toaster Tarts
Ingredients
For the Toaster Tarts
- Puff Pastry Sheets I use Pilsbury, but you can find a variety of brands of puff pastry from most grocers these days.
- 1 quart Fresh Strawberries Finely chopped
- 1 Lemon Juiced & zested
- 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 1 tbsp Heavy Cream to brush on pastry before baking
For the Icing
- Icing Sugar
- Milk Whole, 2%, or non-dairy will work!
- Vanilla Extract
- Rainbow Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Mix the chopped strawberries with lemon juice, zest, and sugar. Cook on the stovetop until the ingredients combine and the mixture is gooey. This will take about 5 minutes. Cool the mixture at room temp or in the fridge before you start your assembly line.
- Assemble the Tarts: Cut the puff pastry into rectangles and spoon the cooled strawberry mixture onto one half. Cover with another rectangle and seal the edges with a fork.
- Bake to Perfection: Brush a small amount of heavy cream on the tops of each tarte and bake in a preheated 425 degree oven until the pastry is golden brown and flaky. All ovens are different so keep an eye out to ensure these lil’ babies don’t burn!
- Finish with Icing: Once cooled, drizzle with a homemade icing made from icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. I like to add just a bit of my strawberry filling for that pink hue. Top with rainbow sprinkles for that classic touch.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Toaster Tarts
To make sure your Toaster Tarts turn out beautifully every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Use Cold Pastry: Keep the puff pastry chilled until you’re ready to use it to ensure it bakes up flaky and crisp.
Don’t Overfill: A little goes a long way with the filling. Overfilling can cause leakage and affect the tart’s shape.
Seal Edges Well: Press firmly with a fork to seal the edges, preventing the filling from escaping during baking. You don’t want all that goodness seeping out!
Get Creative with Flavors: Experiment with different fruits or even savory fillings for a unique twist. With fall upon us you could do an amazing cinnamon pumpkin puree filling with a maple icing.
Why These Tarts are a Crowd-Pleaser
These homemade Toaster Tarts are not just delicious, they’re also a visual delight. The buttery, flaky puff pastry, juicy strawberry filling, and vibrant icing with rainbow sprinkles make them an irresistible treat for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting friends like me here in Charlotte or sharing a cozy moment in another bustling city, these elevated nostalgic sweets are sure to win hearts.
Give it a try, and watch as these buttery, gooey treats become a staple in your home! Let me know in the comments what you think.
