DIY Frosted Grape Pop-Tart Recipes: Recreate the Discontinued Classic!
Ah, the Frosted Grape Pop-Tart. A nostalgic treat, a burst of artificial grape goodness encased in flaky pastry, topped with a sugary glaze and those iconic sprinkles. For many, it was a childhood staple, a quick breakfast, or a sweet afternoon snack. Then, tragically, it disappeared from shelves, leaving a grape-flavored void in the hearts of its fans. It staged a comeback, briefly gracing our pantries once more, only to be discontinued AGAIN! The heartbreak is real. But fear not, fellow grape enthusiasts! While Kellogg’s might have abandoned us, we can take matters into our own hands. This blog post is dedicated to recreating the beloved Frosted Grape Pop-Tart in your very own kitchen. We’ll explore several recipes, from simple hacks to more involved, from-scratch versions. Get ready to unleash your inner baker and bring back the grapey goodness!
Why Recreate the Frosted Grape Pop-Tart?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s consider why recreating this discontinued treat is so appealing:
* **Nostalgia:** Food is a powerful memory trigger. Recreating the Frosted Grape Pop-Tart is a way to reconnect with childhood memories and simpler times.
* **Control over Ingredients:** Store-bought Pop-Tarts contain a laundry list of ingredients, many of which are artificial. Making your own allows you to use higher-quality ingredients and avoid unwanted additives.
* **Customization:** Want a richer filling? A flakier crust? More sprinkles? When you make your own, you can customize the recipe to your exact preferences.
* **The Challenge:** Baking can be a fun and rewarding challenge. Recreating a classic treat is a great way to improve your baking skills.
* **Because Grape is Awesome:** Let’s be honest, the artificial grape flavor is what many crave! And we’re going to deliver.
Recipe 1: The Easy Hack – Grape Jelly Pop-Tarts
This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and easy fix without a lot of fuss. It utilizes store-bought pie crust and grape jelly for a simplified approach.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boxes (14.1 oz each) refrigerated pie crusts
* 1 jar (10-12 oz) grape jelly
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk (or water)
* Purple food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant glaze)
* Sprinkles (optional, but highly recommended!)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Roll out the Crust:** Unroll one of the pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out to flatten it slightly, making it easier to work with. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut out rectangles, approximately 3×4 inches in size. You should get about 8-10 rectangles per crust.
3. **Add the Filling:** Place half of the rectangles onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a tablespoon of grape jelly onto the center of each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Be careful not to overfill them, as the jelly will bubble and leak during baking.
4. **Top with Crust:** Unroll the second pie crust and repeat the rectangle cutting process. Carefully place each rectangle on top of the jelly-filled rectangles, pressing the edges firmly with a fork to seal. This is crucial to prevent the filling from escaping.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown.
6. **Cool:** Remove the Pop-Tarts from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This is important, as the glaze will melt if applied to warm pastries.
7. **Make the Glaze:** While the Pop-Tarts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or water) until smooth. Add a drop or two of purple food coloring if desired. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the Pop-Tarts but thin enough to spread easily.
8. **Glaze and Sprinkle:** Once the Pop-Tarts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze, or spread the glaze evenly with a spoon. Immediately sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles before the glaze sets.
9. **Set and Enjoy:** Let the glaze set completely before serving. This will take about 30 minutes.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Flavor Boost:** Add a tiny pinch of salt to the grape jelly for a more complex flavor.
* **Crust Enhancement:** Brush the crust with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) before baking for a shinier, more golden-brown finish.
* **Homemade Jelly:** For a truly homemade experience, use your own homemade grape jelly. The flavor will be far superior to store-bought.
* **Different Shapes:** Use cookie cutters to create different shapes instead of rectangles.
* **Double the Fun:** Use two different colors of sprinkles for a more festive look.
Recipe 2: Semi-Homemade Grape Pop-Tarts with a Simple Dough
This recipe takes a step up from the previous one by introducing a simple homemade dough, giving you more control over the texture and flavor of the crust.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Dough:**
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 4-6 tablespoons ice water
* **For the Filling:**
* 1/2 cup grape jam or preserves (look for a high-quality brand)
* 1/4 teaspoon grape extract (optional, for extra grape flavor)
* **For the Glaze:**
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk (or water)
* Purple food coloring (optional)
* **For Decoration:**
* Sprinkles
**Instructions:**
1. **Make the Dough:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** In a small bowl, mix together the grape jam or preserves and grape extract (if using). Set aside.
3. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out rectangles using a pizza cutter or knife (approximately 3×4 inches).
5. **Assemble the Pop-Tarts:** Place half of the rectangles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the grape filling onto the center of each rectangle, leaving a small border. Top with the remaining rectangles, pressing the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown.
7. **Cool:** Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
8. **Make the Glaze:** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or water) until smooth. Add purple food coloring if desired.
9. **Glaze and Sprinkle:** Dip the tops of the cooled Pop-Tarts into the glaze, or spread the glaze evenly with a spoon. Immediately sprinkle with sprinkles.
10. **Set and Enjoy:** Let the glaze set completely before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Butter Temperature is Key:** Using cold butter is crucial for creating a flaky crust. Make sure the butter is very cold before you start.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix only until the dough comes together.
* **Egg Wash:** Brush the tops of the unbaked Pop-Tarts with an egg wash for a shinier crust.
* **Dock the Crust:** Use a fork to prick the tops of the unbaked Pop-Tarts several times. This will help prevent them from puffing up too much during baking.
* **Different Extracts:** Experiment with other extracts, such as vanilla or almond, in addition to the grape extract.
Recipe 3: From-Scratch Frosted Grape Pop-Tarts: The Ultimate Challenge
For the adventurous baker, this recipe involves making both the dough and the filling from scratch. It’s a bit more time-consuming, but the results are well worth the effort. This version allows for the most control over flavor and texture.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Dough:**
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/2 cup cold shortening, cut into cubes
* 6-8 tablespoons ice water
* **For the Grape Filling:**
* 2 cups fresh grapes (Concord grapes are ideal for a classic grape flavor)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon grape extract (optional)
* **For the Glaze:**
* 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
* 3-4 tablespoons milk (or water)
* Purple food coloring (optional)
* **For Decoration:**
* Sprinkles
**Instructions:**
1. **Make the Dough:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. **Make the Grape Filling:**
* Wash and stem the grapes. Place them in a saucepan with the sugar and lemon juice.
* Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the grapes release their juices and the mixture comes to a simmer. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry.
* Pour the cornstarch slurry into the grape mixture and stir constantly until the filling thickens. This should only take a minute or two.
* Remove from heat and stir in the grape extract (if using). Let the filling cool completely.
3. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out rectangles (approximately 3×4 inches).
5. **Assemble the Pop-Tarts:** Place half of the rectangles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the grape filling onto the center of each rectangle, leaving a small border. Top with the remaining rectangles, pressing the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown.
7. **Cool:** Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
8. **Make the Glaze:** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or water) until smooth. Add purple food coloring if desired.
9. **Glaze and Sprinkle:** Dip the tops of the cooled Pop-Tarts into the glaze, or spread the glaze evenly with a spoon. Immediately sprinkle with sprinkles.
10. **Set and Enjoy:** Let the glaze set completely before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Grape Variety:** Experiment with different grape varieties for different flavor profiles. Concord grapes provide the most authentic flavor but other dark grapes will also work.
* **Strain the Filling:** For a smoother filling, strain the cooked grape mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before adding the cornstarch slurry.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the grape filling for a brighter flavor.
* **Brown Butter Dough:** Use brown butter in the dough for a richer, nuttier flavor. Brown the butter in a saucepan until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, then let it cool completely before using.
* **Lattice Top:** Cut the top crust into strips and weave them together to create a lattice pattern.
Achieving That Authentic Grape Flavor
The key to recreating the Frosted Grape Pop-Tart is capturing that distinct artificial grape flavor. Here are a few tips:
* **Grape Extract:** A high-quality grape extract is essential. Look for one that specifically mentions “artificial grape flavor” if you want to mimic the original.
* **Grape Jelly/Jam:** Choose a brand of grape jelly or jam that you enjoy the flavor of. Some brands have a more artificial grape taste than others.
* **Kool-Aid:** Yes, you read that right! A small amount of unsweetened grape Kool-Aid powder can be added to the filling or glaze for an extra boost of grape flavor. Start with a very small amount (1/4 teaspoon) and add more to taste.
* **Artificial Grape Flavoring Oils:** These are highly concentrated and can provide a very strong artificial grape flavor. Use sparingly!
Troubleshooting Your Pop-Tarts
* **Filling Leaking:** Make sure the edges of the Pop-Tarts are sealed tightly with a fork. Avoid overfilling the Pop-Tarts. If the filling is still leaking, try chilling the assembled Pop-Tarts in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking.
* **Crust Not Flaky:** Use cold butter and shortening in the dough. Don’t overmix the dough. Chill the dough before rolling it out.
* **Crust Too Tough:** Overmixing the dough develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix only until the dough comes together. Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
* **Glaze Too Thin:** Add more powdered sugar to the glaze. Start with a tablespoon at a time and whisk until you reach the desired consistency.
* **Glaze Too Thick:** Add more milk (or water) to the glaze, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
* **Burnt Edges:** Lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees and bake for a longer time. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated.
Beyond Grape: Other Discontinued Pop-Tart Flavors to Recreate
Once you’ve mastered the Frosted Grape Pop-Tart, why not try recreating other discontinued flavors?
* **Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:** Use chocolate chip cookie dough as the filling.
* **Frosted S’mores:** Use marshmallow fluff, chocolate, and graham cracker crumbs as the filling.
* **Frosted Strawberry Cheesecake:** Use a mixture of cream cheese, strawberry jam, and graham cracker crumbs as the filling.
* **Frosted PB&J:** Peanut Butter and your favorite jelly!
Conclusion: Grape Expectations Met!
The Frosted Grape Pop-Tart may be gone (again!), but it’s not forgotten. With these recipes and tips, you can recreate this beloved treat in your own kitchen and relive the nostalgic flavors of your childhood. Whether you choose the easy hack, the semi-homemade version, or the from-scratch challenge, the end result will be a delicious and satisfying reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are worth recreating. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bring back the grapey goodness! Happy baking!