Deep Fried Pop Tarts: The Ultimate Crispy & Gooey Indulgence
Prepare to elevate your snacking experience with this incredibly easy and decadent Deep Fried Pop Tarts recipe. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a crispy, golden-brown transformation of a beloved childhood classic into an irresistible, gooey indulgence. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the magic of fairground treats right in your own kitchen, delivering a burst of nostalgic sweetness that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Fried to perfection, each bite offers a delightful contrast of a crunchy exterior and a warm, molten filling. It’s truly a must-try for any Pop Tart lover!
If you’re searching for a quick yet extraordinary dessert that will impress both kids and adults, look no further. This recipe takes the familiar Pop Tart and deep-fries it to create an utterly delightful treat that’s far superior to its original form. It’s wonderfully sweet and incredibly delicious, proving that some of the best desserts are also the simplest to prepare. Our family absolutely adores these Fried Pop Tarts, placing them high on our list of favorite deep-fried desserts. Just like our other popular fried delights such as Deep Fried Nutella and Deep Fried Honey Buns, these sweet pastries are guaranteed to be a hit. For more sweet inspiration, check out our 25 Best Cotton Candy Desserts too!
What’s in this post: Deep Fried Pop Tarts
- Why You’ll Love This Deep Fried Pop Tart Recipe
- Ingredients for Deep Fried Pop Tarts
- Deep Fried Pop Tart Variations
- How to Make Deep Fried Pop Tarts: Step-by-Step Guide
- Creative Topping Ideas for Your Fried Pop Tarts
- Expert Tips for Perfectly Fried Pop Tarts
- How to Store Leftover Deep Fried Pop Tarts
- More Irresistible Deep Fried Desserts
- Deep Fried Pop Tarts Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Deep Fried Pop Tart Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Deep Fried Pop Tarts, making them an instant family favorite and a go-to dessert for any occasion. First and foremost, they are deep-fried to absolute perfection, resulting in a crispy, golden shell that encases a warm, gooey, and flavorful filling. This textural contrast alone makes them infinitely better than any store-bought Pop Tart straight from the box or toaster.
This recipe transforms a simple pastry into such a beautiful and impressive dessert, yet it remains incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. It’s highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it for the ultimate dessert experience. The enhanced flavor profile, combined with the delightful texture, ensures every bite is pure gooey-perfection. It’s a wonderful way to bring back cherished childhood memories, but with a delicious, grown-up twist that elevates the nostalgic treat to a whole new level of deliciousness. From a spontaneous midnight snack to a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert for guests, these Deep Fried Pop Tarts always hit the spot.
Ingredients for Deep Fried Pop Tarts
You’ll be delighted by how few ingredients are needed to create this amazing treat. Most items are likely already in your pantry!
For the Pop Tarts:
- Hot Fudge Sundae Pop Tarts: These offer a rich, chocolatey base, but feel free to experiment with your favorite flavor!
- Pancake Mix: A simple boxed pancake mix works perfectly for the batter, providing that classic fried dough flavor.
- Egg: Helps bind the batter and gives it a nice, fluffy texture.
- Milk: Used to thin the pancake mix to the ideal dipping consistency.
- Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep frying, ensuring a crispy, golden crust. You’ll need enough to fill your pot to about 3 inches.
Toppings:
- Whipped Cream: Adds a light, creamy contrast to the warm pastry.
- Sprinkles: For a pop of color and fun, especially if serving to kids (or the young at heart!).
- Cherries: A classic finishing touch, adding a vibrant color and a hint of fruity sweetness.
You can find the complete, precise ingredient list with measurements in the detailed recipe card at the very bottom of this post.
Deep Fried Pop Tart Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Pop Tart Flavors: While Hot Fudge Sundae is fantastic, this recipe truly shines with *any* of your favorite Pop Tart varieties. Imagine the possibilities with Strawberry, Blueberry, Brown Sugar Cinnamon, S’mores, or even Chocolate Fudge. Each flavor will offer a unique and exciting deep-fried experience, so feel free to experiment and find your personal favorite!
- Deep Fryer vs. Stovetop: For those who own a deep fryer, this recipe can absolutely be made using it for consistent temperature control and often less mess. If you don’t have one, a large pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop works just as effectively, as outlined in our step-by-step instructions. Just be sure to use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for best results and safety.
- Batter Alternatives: For a slightly different flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your pancake batter. For a more adult twist, some people enjoy using a simple beer batter for an extra crispy and savory-sweet combination.
- Extra Glaze or Drizzle: Beyond the standard toppings, you could whisk together a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar + milk) to drizzle over the fried Pop Tarts. Or, use chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or even a fruit compote for an extra layer of flavor.
- Savory-Sweet Twist: While not a Pop Tart, this concept can be applied to other pastries. Think about frying sweet rolls or even certain fruit tarts for a similar indulgent experience.
How to Make Deep Fried Pop Tarts: Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to create this incredible dessert in just a few simple steps. Be sure to read through all instructions before you begin!
Step 1. Prepare the Oil. Carefully add about 3 inches of vegetable oil to a large, heavy-bottomed pot, a large saucepan, or a Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). Using a deep-fry thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy and safety.
Step 2. Mix the Batter. In a large mixing bowl, gently whisk together the pancake mix, one egg, one cup of milk, and two teaspoons of vegetable oil until just combined. The batter should be smooth but not overmixed. A few small lumps are fine. Ensure the consistency is thick enough to coat the Pop Tarts evenly, but thin enough to drip off slowly.
Step 3. Confirm Batter Consistency. (This step combines and clarifies the previous Step 2 and 3 into one coherent batter preparation, assuming a standard pancake mix.) Ensure your batter is well-mixed but not over-agitated. The image shows ingredients being combined, which is crucial for a smooth coating. The batter should be slightly thicker than regular pancake batter to adhere well to the Pop Tarts.
Step 4. Dip the Pop Tarts. Carefully take each Pop Tart and completely dip it into the prepared pancake batter, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. Allow any excess batter to drip off slightly before gently placing the coated Pop Tart into the hot oil. Work in batches of one or two at a time to avoid overcrowding the pot and lowering the oil temperature too much.
Step 5. Fry Until Golden. Cook the Pop Tarts in the hot oil for approximately 3-4 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (after about 1.5-2 minutes), carefully flip each Pop Tart with tongs to ensure both sides brown evenly to a beautiful golden-brown color. The batter should look crispy and delicious.
Step 6. Drain and Serve. Once perfectly golden, carefully remove the fried Pop Tarts from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Transfer them immediately to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Allow them to cool for just a minute or two before serving warm, generously topped with whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, and that quintessential cherry on top. Enjoy your freshly made, irresistible treat!
Creative Topping Ideas for Your Fried Pop Tarts:
While the classic whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherry are always a hit, don’t be afraid to experiment with other delicious toppings to customize your Deep Fried Pop Tarts. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh, homemade whipped cream or a generous swirl from a can is a light and creamy classic that perfectly balances the rich fried pastry.
- Cherries: Maraschino cherries add a vibrant pop of color and a sweet, slightly tart finish. For a more sophisticated touch, try fresh pitted cherries when in season.
- Sprinkles: Rainbow sprinkles instantly make these treats more festive and fun, especially for kids’ parties or celebrations. Chocolate sprinkles or even edible glitter could also be used!
- Chocolate Syrup: A drizzle of rich chocolate syrup over the top is a no-brainer, especially if you’re using chocolate-flavored Pop Tarts.
- Caramel Syrup: For a buttery, sweet, and slightly salty kick, a generous swirl of caramel syrup is absolutely divine.
- Ice Cream: Turn your fried Pop Tart into an à la mode dessert! A scoop of your favorite ice cream – vanilla bean, strawberry, or even a complementary flavor like coffee or mint chocolate chip – makes this a mega-sweet, extra-indulgent treat. The contrast of warm pastry and cold ice cream is heavenly.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) can provide an elegant finish and a subtle extra layer of sweetness.
- Fruit Compote: A warm berry compote (made from strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) offers a fresh, fruity contrast and a touch of homemade elegance.
- Nut Butters: For an extra layer of richness and protein, a drizzle of warm peanut butter or almond butter can be surprisingly delicious, especially with chocolate or cinnamon Pop Tarts.
Expert Tips for Perfectly Fried Pop Tarts:
Achieving the perfect Deep Fried Pop Tart is simple with these expert tips, ensuring a golden, crispy, and delicious result every time:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When preparing your pancake mix batter, stir it gently until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, less fluffy fried coating. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and won’t affect the final texture.
- Fry Immediately After Dipping: For the best results, dip your Pop Tarts into the batter and immediately transfer them to the hot oil. This prevents the batter from becoming soggy or separating from the Pop Tart, ensuring a uniform, crispy coating.
- Flip for Even Browning: It’s crucial to flip each Pop Tart halfway through the frying process. Doing so ensures that both sides cook evenly, resulting in a beautifully golden brown and uniformly crispy outer layer. Use tongs for easy and safe flipping.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to keep the oil temperature consistent (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C). If the oil is too cool, the Pop Tarts will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside warms up properly. Adjust heat as needed between batches.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry Pop Tarts in small batches (1-2 at a time). Overcrowding the pot will drastically lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy Pop Tarts and inconsistent cooking. Give each Pop Tart enough space to fry properly.
- Drain Excess Oil: Always transfer freshly fried Pop Tarts to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps to absorb any residual oil, keeping your treats crispy and less greasy.
- Serve Warm: Deep Fried Pop Tarts are absolutely best served warm, shortly after frying. This is when the crust is at its crispiest and the filling is at its most wonderfully gooey.
- Safety First: When working with hot oil, always exercise caution. Keep a lid nearby to smother any potential oil fires, never leave hot oil unattended, and keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
How to Store Leftover Deep Fried Pop Tarts:
While Deep Fried Pop Tarts are undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can certainly store any leftovers. To keep them at their best, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For optimal freshness and to prevent them from sticking together, layer them with wax paper between each Pop Tart. The wax paper will also help absorb any lingering excess oil. Reheating them briefly in an air fryer or oven can help restore some of their crispiness, though they may not be quite as perfect as when freshly made.
More Irresistible Deep Fried Desserts:
If you’ve fallen in love with these Deep Fried Pop Tarts, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our fantastic deep-fried dessert recipes. These treats bring the fun and deliciousness of fairground foods right into your home, perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a special indulgence. Give some of these other delightful fair food favorites a try today:
- Deep Fried Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Easy Fried Oreos
- Fried Cookie Dough
- Deep Fried Snickers Recipe
- Deep Fried Cookie Dough (Yes, it’s so good it’s listed twice!)
- Funnel Cake with Pancake Mix
We hope you enjoy transforming these simple pastries into a truly extraordinary dessert. Don’t forget to come back and leave a star recipe rating to let us know what you think!
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Deep Fried Pop Tarts
Ingredients
For the Pop Tarts:
- 4 Hot Fudge Sundae Pop Tarts
- 1 1/2 cups Pancake Mix
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 tsp Vegetable Oil plus more for Frying
For the Toppings:
- Whipped Cream
- Sprinkles
- Cherries
Instructions
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Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
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In a large bowl, gently mix together the pancake mix, egg, milk, and 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Dip each Pop Tart into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Carefully place them into the hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning them halfway through (after 1.5-2 minutes) to brown both sides evenly until golden.
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Remove the fried Pop Tarts and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Serve warm, topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry. Enjoy your delicious homemade fair treat!
Recipe Notes
For the best taste and texture, these Deep Fried Pop Tarts are best served immediately after frying. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layering them with wax paper can help prevent sticking and absorb any lingering oil.
Nutrition Facts
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