Envision the delightful flakiness of a traditional pop tart, now with a twist for those mindful of carbohydrates. It’s the moment to guiltlessly relish each mouthful. Immerse yourself in the irresistible realm of low carb pop tarts.
Ingredients for Low Carb Pop Tarts
After some trial and error, I have come up with the ultimate recipe for low carb Pop Tarts that satisfy my cravings without sabotaging my diet. Here are the ingredients that I use to make my ultimate low carb Pop Tarts:
Dough
- Almond flour: This is a great low carb alternative to traditional wheat flour. It is high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a perfect choice for a low carb diet.
- Coconut flour: This flour is also low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Xanthan gum: This ingredient helps to bind the dough together and give it a chewy texture.
- Sweetener: I use a natural sweetener like erythritol or stevia to keep the carb count low.
- Butter: A small amount of butter adds richness and flavor to the dough.
Filling
- Sugar-free jam: Look for a jam that is sweetened with a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Raspberry and strawberry are classic Pop Tart flavors, but you can use any flavor you like.
- Cream cheese: This adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the filling.
Glaze
- Powdered sweetener: I use powdered erythritol to make a sweet glaze without adding any carbs.
- Heavy cream: A small amount of heavy cream gives the glaze a smooth texture.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
I’m excited to share with you my ultimate low carb pop tarts recipe. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make these delicious treats.
Ingredients
First, let’s gather the ingredients that we will need:
- Almond Flour
- Coconut Flour
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Melted coconut oil
- Butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- Sugar substitute
- sugar-free jam
Pastry Dough
To make the pastry dough, mix almond flour, coconut flour, xanthan gum, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. In another bowl, mix melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Then, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and pliable.
Filling
For the filling, choose a sugar-free jam of your choice. I prefer strawberry jam, but you can use any flavor you like. I often use bought jam for time-reasons, but you can make them easy on your own. Spread the jam on one-half of the pastry dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Assembly
Fold the other half of the pastry dough over the jam and press the edges with a fork to seal. Cut the pop tarts into rectangles and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Glaze
For the glaze, mix powdered sweetener with a little bit of almond milk until it forms a thick paste. You can add different tastes and colors with jam, cacao powder, cinnamon, etc. Drizzle the glaze over the pop tarts and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Baking Tips and Tricks
Baking low carb pop tarts can be tricky, but with some tips and tricks, you can achieve the perfect guilt-free indulgence. Here are some things to keep in mind when baking low carb pop tarts:
Use the Right Flour
Low carb pop tarts require a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to get the ideal pastry dough. Almond flour gives the dough a nutty flavor and a crumbly texture, while coconut flour helps to bind the dough together. Be sure to use blanched almond flour, which is finer and has a lighter color than almond meal.
Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough is essential to prevent it from sticking to the rolling pin and to make it easier to handle. After mixing the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. If the dough becomes too soft while rolling it out, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Don’t Overfill the Pop Tarts
When filling the pop tarts, be careful not to overfill them, as the filling may leak out during baking. Use a teaspoon to measure the filling and leave a 1/4-inch border around the edges. Brush the edges with egg wash to help seal the pop tarts.
Serving Suggestions for Low Carb Pop Tarts
As a lover of low carb pop tarts, I have experimented with different ways to enjoy them. Here are some serving suggestions that I have found to be the most satisfying:
1. Toasted
Toasting low carb pop tarts brings out their flaky texture and makes them even more delicious. Simply pop them in the toaster or toaster oven for a few minutes until they are golden brown. You can also toast them over an open flame for a campfire treat.
2. With a cup of coffee
Low carb pop tarts are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee. The sweetness of the pop tart pairs well with the bitterness of coffee, making for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
3. Topped with whipped cream
For an extra indulgent treat, top your low carb pop tarts with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness that takes the pop tarts to the next level.
4. With a side of berries
To balance out the sweetness of the low carb pop tarts, serve them with a side of fresh berries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the pop tarts and adds some much-needed fiber and nutrients to your meal.
5. On-the-go
Low carb pop tarts are the perfect on-the-go breakfast or snack. Simply grab one and enjoy it on your way to work or school. They are easy to pack in a lunchbox or backpack and make for a satisfying and guilt-free treat.
Variations of Low Carb Pop Tarts
If you’re looking for a new twist on traditional pop tarts, you’re in luck! Low carb pop tarts can be made in a variety of flavors and styles to suit your own taste. Here are a few variations to try out:
Fruit Filled Pop Tarts
Fruit-filled pop tarts are a classic flavor that you can easily make low carb. You can use any type of fruit filling that you like, keep in mind to use fruits with low carb counts such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Simply mix the fruit with a low carb sweetener and a thickener such as xanthan gum or arrowroot powder. Then, spread the filling onto the pop tart dough and bake until golden brown.
Chocolate Pop Tarts
If you’re a chocolate lover, you can make low carb chocolate pop tarts by adding cocoa powder to the dough and filling. You can also add a chocolate glaze on top for an extra decadent treat.
Savory Pop Tarts
Who says pop tarts have to be sweet? You can make savory pop tarts by filling them with ingredients like cheese, bacon, or spinach. These make a great breakfast or snack option for those who prefer savory over sweet.
Icing and Toppings
Don’t forget about the icing and toppings! You can make a low carb icing by mixing powdered low carb sweetener with a little bit of heavy cream or almond milk. You can also add toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles for a fun and colorful touch. Try out some low carb cottage cheese ice cream variations as topping too.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Once you have made your low carb pop tarts, you might wonder how to store them and reheat them to enjoy later. Here are some tips to help you keep your pop tarts fresh and delicious.
Storing Tips
- Store your low carb pop tarts in an airtight container or a zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to separate each pop tart with a piece of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- You can also freeze your pop tarts for up to 3 months. Wrap each pop tart individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them as desired.
Reheating Tips
- Because it’s simple and fast to make, I like to use a toaster to reheat. But keep an eye on the thickness of the pop tarts. You aren’t the first one, who destroys his snack by trying to get it out of the toaster 😉
- To reheat your low carb pop tarts, place them in a regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy. If you prefer a softer texture, microwave them for 15-20 seconds.
- If you want to add some extra flavor to your pop tarts, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle them with cinnamon and sweetener before reheating.
- You can also enjoy your low carb pop tarts cold, straight from the refrigerator or freezer. They make a great on-the-go snack or breakfast option.
FAQ
What are Low Carb Pop Tarts?
Low Carb Pop Tarts are a modified version of the traditional pastry, designed with reduced carbohydrates. They typically use alternative flours like almond or coconut flour and sugar substitutes to achieve a lower carb content.
Can I make Low Carb Pop Tarts at home?
Yes, you can make Low Carb Pop Tarts at home. There are various recipes available that use low-carb ingredients, allowing you to customize flavors while keeping the carbohydrate content in check.
Are Low Carb Pop Tarts healthier than regular ones?
Low Carb Pop Tarts can be considered a healthier option for those aiming to reduce their carbohydrate intake. However, it’s essential to balance overall nutrition and not rely solely on the “low carb” label for a healthy diet.
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Low Carb Pop Tarts
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sugar substitute
- sugarfree jam like strawberry or blueberry for filling
- powdered sweetener with a bit of almond milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, almond milk, melted coconut oil, egg, vanilla extract, and sugar substitute. Mix until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out each part between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangular shape.
- Cut the rectangles into smaller, equal-sized rectangles. These will be the top and bottom of your Pop Tarts.
- Spoon a small amount of sugar-free jam onto half of the bottom rectangles, leaving space around the edges.
- Place the matching top rectangles over the jam-covered ones, pressing the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges.
- Transfer the assembled Pop Tarts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Optional Icing: Mix powdered sweetener with a bit of almond milk and something to add color and flavour like strawberry jam, cacao powder or cinnamon
- Allow the Pop Tarts to cool before icing them. Drizzle the low-carb icing over the top.
