Introduction
Indulge in a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of mixed berries with the light and flaky texture of puff pastry. This unique twist on the traditional Pop Tart is elevated with a luscious lavender glaze, making it perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat anytime. Follow this simple recipe to create a delicious homemade dessert that will impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Filling:
– 4 cups mixed frozen berries
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pastry:
– 2 sheets thawed puff pastry
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon water
For the Lavender Glaze:
– 1¼ cups powdered sugar
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– ¼ teaspoon lavender extract
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 2½ tablespoons milk
– A drop of light pink or purple food coloring
– Sprinkles for topping
– Optional: culinary lavender flowers
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
– In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the mixed berries, lemon juice, and granulated sugar.
– Cook until the berries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer.
– In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
– Stir the slurry into the berry mixture and continue cooking until it thickens.
– Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
– Allow the filling to cool completely.
Assemble the Pop Tart:
– Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry to a rectangle approximately 9×13 inches.
– Transfer the rolled-out pastry to the prepared baking sheet.
– Spread the cooled berry filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
– Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry to the same size and place it over the filling.
– Press the edges together to seal, then crimp with a fork.
– In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
– Brush the top of the pastry with the egg wash.
– Using a fork, prick the top pastry layer to allow steam to escape.
Bake:
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
– Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Prepare the Lavender Glaze:
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lavender extract, heavy cream, milk, and food coloring until smooth.
– Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
Glaze and Decorate:
– Once the pop tart has cooled, spread the lavender glaze evenly over the top.
– Sprinkle with your choice of sprinkles and, if desired, culinary lavender flowers.
– Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
Berry Filling Tips:
– You can substitute the mixed frozen berries with fresh berries if preferred, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Puff Pastry Tips:
– Ensure that the puff pastry is well thawed before rolling for easier handling.
Glaze Consistency:
– The glaze should be thick enough to stay on top but thin enough to spread easily. Adjust as needed.
Storage Instructions:
– The pop tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Filling
To make the filling, combine mixed berries, lemon juice, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the berries are juicy and simmering. Thicken the mixture with a cornstarch slurry for a perfect consistency.
Rolling Out Puff Pastry
When rolling out puff pastry, ensure your surface is lightly floured to prevent sticking. Roll it to a rectangle about 9×13 inches, which will fit well for the pop tart assembly.
Sealing the Pastry
After placing the filling on the pastry, use the egg wash to seal the edges of the top pastry. Press them together firmly and crimp with a fork to ensure no filling escapes during baking.
Baking the Pop Tart
Bake the assembled pop tart at 425°F (218°C) for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown and puffed appearance as a sign that it’s done.
Preparing the Lavender Glaze
To make the lavender glaze, whisk powdered sugar with extracts, cream, and milk until smooth. Adjust the thickness as needed to get the desired consistency for spreading.
Decorating the Pop Tart
Once cooled, cover the pop tart with lavender glaze and add sprinkles or culinary lavender flowers for an appealing finish.
FAQ
Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh berries can be used, but you may need to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the berries.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
You can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as alternatives to cornstarch for thickening the filling.
How can I make the glaze without lavender extract?
If you don’t have lavender extract, you can leave it out and add more vanilla extract for flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You can use a plant-based puff pastry and substitute the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and a touch of maple syrup.
How should I store leftover pop tarts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Conclusion
The mixed berry pop tart topped with lavender glaze is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the sweetness of berries with the floral notes of lavender. This treat not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also stands out as an exquisite dessert for any occasion. Its flaky pastry and vibrant glaze make it both visually appealing and delicious, ensuring that everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cherry Almond Pop Tart
Replace the mixed berries with cherries and add a hint of almond extract to the glaze for a delightful cherry almond flavor.
Peach Mango Tart
Use fresh or frozen peaches and mangoes for the filling, infusing the glaze with a citrus extract for a tropical twist.
Chocolate Hazelnut Puff Pastry
Swirl chocolate hazelnut spread into the filling and sprinkle crushed hazelnuts on top of the glaze for a rich treat.
Apple Cinnamon Pastry
Substitute the berry filling with spiced apple filling and add a dash of cinnamon to the glaze for a comforting dessert.
Blueberry Lemon Tart
Use blueberries in the filling and enhance the glaze with lemon zest for a refreshing flavor profile.
Raspberry Coconut Pop Tart
Incorporate coconut milk into the glaze and use raspberries for the filling, garnishing with toasted coconut flakes for added texture.
