Intention.

When I make a pie or tart, I often have leftover dough. I never want to waste it, so I usually create a mini tart or pastry as a treat for Mark. I never know what the filling will be — it might  be fresh fruit, jam, Nutella, chocolate, or even a savory version with goat cheese or tapenade. It’s fun to be creative with my dough scraps and explore options for different fillings in the fridge and pantry.

Today, though, I didn’t use scraps. I set out intentionally to make a homemade version of Pop Tarts. I was inspired by host gifts from blogging friend Ingrid (Art of Natural Living) when she and her husband visited us last fall. They are treats she brought back from Hawaii: a jar of pineapple butter and the best macadamia nuts I’ve ever had. While in Paris, we watched the ridiculous but charming movie, Unfrosted, and it reminded me to make these Pop Tarts as soon as we got home. 

~ David 

28 Comments

  1. Barb

    June 15, 2024 at 4:19 am

    What a fun recipe!! Pineapple and macadamia nuts are a perfect combination. I found the pineapple butter from Hawaii online: https://likolehua.com/products/pineapple-butter

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 15, 2024 at 6:26 am

      I’ve thought about posting homemade Pop Tarts for a long time, Barb, but am glad I waited. In doing so I was able to rework the crust recipe, which I love. Glad you found pineapple butter online!

      Reply
  2. Carolyne

    June 15, 2024 at 6:13 am

    That is a fun idea and yours look much better than the commercial version that I remember.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 15, 2024 at 6:26 am

      Carolyne — In all humble immodesty (I love oxymorons), these are infinitely better! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Mad Dog

    June 15, 2024 at 6:19 am

    Brilliant and I bet they taste better than the “real” thing!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 15, 2024 at 6:27 am

      I think so, Mad Dog, but there will be purists who just won’t have it!

      Reply
  4. Tom Buchanan

    June 15, 2024 at 8:39 am

    This looks completely scrumptious, and it brings back wonderful memories of when I was a little kid “helping” my mother make pies. She always made some kind of a little tart or spiral pastry for me with the leftover scraps of pie crust dough.
    Whatever the shape, whatever the filling, I liked it even better than the main event.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 15, 2024 at 9:22 am

      I know they were than the main event because they were just for you. So special. I’m glad this post piqued some nice memories, Tom.

      Reply
  5. Mimi Rippee

    June 15, 2024 at 10:12 am

    Well they certainly look delicious! I couldn’t finish Unfrosted. Maybe I should give it another try?!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 15, 2024 at 10:25 am

      I think if you go into watching it as a silly farce, and not a work of art, you might make it through. Considering the cast, they all had to think it was just ridiculous…

      Reply
  6. sherry

    June 15, 2024 at 1:30 pm

    I must say pineapple butter sounds intriguing. Pop tarts – so, they are small pies? My mum used to make little jam tarts (no pastry top) with leftover pastry. So cute and delicious, as are yours David. Come here for fresh macadamias! As you know, they are Australian native nuts so if you come to a macadamia farm here, they are so fresh and scrumptious!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 15, 2024 at 4:43 pm

      I’m so happy you don’t know Pop Tarts, Sherry! They are a type of hand pie. Two cereal companies make them — one called PTs and the others Post Toastems. Gummy and too sweet. These are just right — and I wish I could come there for my macadamias! But Hawaiian ones will need to hold me until I can get there.

      Reply
  7. angiesrecipes

    June 15, 2024 at 8:02 pm

    I haven’t had pineapple butter in ages!! These pop tarts look so inviting, David.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 16, 2024 at 5:54 am

      I never even knew about pineapple butter until it was gifted to me — it’s delightful! Glad you like the little tarts, Angie!

      Reply
  8. Ronit

    June 16, 2024 at 1:14 pm

    I haven’t watched the movie yet, but it came to mind when I saw your post. These look perfect, and must be so tasty! I really like the filling of pineapple and macadamia nuts. They belong together! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 18, 2024 at 7:07 am

      The movie was completely ridiculous (and I assume that was their intent, considering the comedic cast), but we enjoyed it for what it was. Including the reminder that I had pop tarts to make once i returned from Paris.

      Reply
  9. Raymund

    June 19, 2024 at 8:00 pm

    David, your homemade Pop Tarts sound like a delightful treat! It’s always fun to find creative uses for leftover dough, whether it’s a mini tart for Mark or these inspired treats. The combination of pineapple butter and macadamia nuts from Hawaii must have infused them with such unique flavors.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 20, 2024 at 9:55 am

      Several people have requested specific pop tarts. I’m working on those now!

      Reply
  10. Marcelle

    June 20, 2024 at 11:47 pm

    I love the pineapple filling and the fresh made dough for your pop tarts, they look so tasty! The kids and I have made a version of homemade brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts with store-bought puff pastry before, but that’s been a long time ago. I’m gonna have to try this again with fresh pastry dough, David!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 21, 2024 at 8:46 am

      Marcelle, I know there’s a place for puff pastry, but I found it too tough in most situations. This French pastry dough is just perfect for the purpose. I think you’ll really like it! The milk and the sugar make all the difference in the dough.

      Reply
  11. Jean | DelightfulRepast.com

    June 21, 2024 at 6:53 am

    Oh David, I love making homemade pop tarts, but I’ve never made them with pineapple butter and macadamia nuts. Delightful!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 21, 2024 at 8:46 am

      Since posting this pop tart recipe, I’ve had all sorts of interesting requests for pop tarts. Who knows, maybe it will become a thing!

      Reply
  12. Velva

    June 23, 2024 at 9:23 am

    Pop Tarts-An American classic. I loved, loved pop tarts growing up. I definitely prefer the more grown up version of pop tarts these days. Your version is delightful. You show there can potentially be so many fillings to create a delicious pastry treat. A gift of pineapple butter and macadamia nuts has been enjoyed in the most thoughtful way.

    Velva

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 24, 2024 at 9:24 am

      Honestly Used to love pop tarts as a young kid. It was one of the few junk food treats that my mother let us have. But now, as an adult, I want a much better crust and more interesting fill!

      Reply
  13. 2pots2cook

    June 24, 2024 at 6:38 am

    How inspiring! I would never think of combining pineapple and macadamia! Sound delicious!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 24, 2024 at 9:20 am

      It worked out really well, and I might try that combination with some other dishes.

      Reply
  14. Valentina

    July 31, 2024 at 2:24 pm

    Not sure what I love more, the name of this treat, or the treat itself! 🙂 ~Valentina

    Reply

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