These Raspberry Protein Pop Tarts offer a healthier take on the classic childhood treat. With a protein-rich dough, a chia jam filling, and a delightful raspberry frosting, they are the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and nutritional benefits. These pop tarts are perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome snack or a post-workout treat with a fun, nostalgic twist.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Dough

  • 3/4 cup almond flour

  • 3/4 cup tapioca starch

  • 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder

  • 1 tbsp coconut sugar

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or vegan butter)

  • 1 egg

• For the Filling

  • 1 cup organic raspberries

  • 2 tbsp water

  • 2 tbsp chia seeds

  • 2 tbsp collagen powder

• For the Frosting

  • 2 tbsp raspberry juice

  • 3/4 cup powdered monkfruit sweetener (Lakanto)

Directions

1. Make the Dough: In a food processor, combine almond flour, tapioca starch, vanilla protein powder, coconut sugar, and butter. Process until it forms a crumbly texture. Add the egg and process again until it forms a dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Jam: On the stove, heat the raspberries and water until the berries begin to break down. Add chia seeds and stir, then remove from heat and mix in the collagen powder. Set aside or refrigerate until ready.

3. Roll out the Dough: Sprinkle tapioca flour on parchment paper and roll out the dough into a rectangle. Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 10 rectangles.

4. Assemble the Pop Tarts: Lay a dollop of chia jam in the center of 5 dough pieces. Place the remaining dough pieces on top, sealing the edges with a fork and poking holes in the top for steam to escape.

5. Bake: Place the assembled pop tarts on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Let them cool completely.

6. Prepare the Frosting: Strain fresh or frozen raspberries to extract the juice. Mix with powdered monkfruit sweetener to make the frosting.

7. Frost and Serve: Spread the raspberry frosting over the cooled pop tarts and enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 210 kcal per pop tart

• Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 24g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 13g

• Protein: 3g

• Cholesterol: 30mg

• Sodium: 150mg

Why Raspberry Protein Pop Tarts Are a Game Changer

These homemade pop tarts take the classic, sugary breakfast treat and give it a healthier makeover. Instead of refined sugar and a plain pastry dough, this recipe uses almond flour and tapioca starch for the dough, providing a gluten-free option. The dough is further enriched with vanilla protein powder and collagen powder, making it a satisfying choice for those looking for a protein boost. The chia jam filling offers the fruity sweetness of raspberries with the added benefits of chia seeds, which provide fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Finally, the raspberry frosting made with powdered monkfruit sweetener keeps things naturally sweet without the added sugars, making it a healthier dessert or snack.

With only 210 calories per pop tart, these are an ideal choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a sweet treat while maintaining a balanced diet. They are also easy to make and customizable based on your taste preferences.

Making the Dough: A Protein-Packed Base

The base of these Raspberry Protein Pop Tarts is made from a combination of almond flour, tapioca starch, and vanilla protein powder. Almond flour provides a nutty flavor and a source of healthy fats, while tapioca starch helps to bind the dough and give it a smooth texture. The addition of vanilla protein powder adds a boost of protein, making these pop tarts a great choice for anyone looking to increase their protein intake in a fun way.

To form the dough, you’ll need to combine the dry ingredients with butter and egg, which creates a crumbly texture. Once everything is mixed together, the dough is wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and roll out, ensuring you get those perfect, flaky pop tart layers.

Making the Chia Jam Filling: A Sweet and Nutritious Surprise

The filling of these pop tarts is made from organic raspberries, water, chia seeds, and collagen powder. The raspberries are heated on the stove until they break down, and the chia seeds are added to thicken the jam. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, providing additional nutritional value to the filling.

The collagen powder adds a protein boost to the filling, further enhancing the health benefits of this treat. Once the jam is ready, you can set it aside to cool or refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the pop tarts.

Assembling the Pop Tarts: Layering the Goodness

Once your dough has chilled and the chia jam is prepared, it’s time to assemble the pop tarts. Begin by sprinkling some tapioca flour on parchment paper to prevent the dough from sticking. Roll the dough out into a rectangle shape, and then use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 10 smaller rectangles.

For each pop tart, place a dollop of chia jam in the center of half of the dough rectangles. Then, place the remaining dough rectangles on top, pressing the edges together to seal them. Using a fork, poke holes in the top of each pop tart to allow steam to escape while baking, ensuring a flaky, light texture.

Baking the Pop Tarts: Perfect Golden Brown

Once the pop tarts are assembled, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly. Allow the pop tarts to cool completely before frosting them, as this helps the frosting set better and prevents it from melting off.

Making the Raspberry Frosting: Sweet and Tangy

The frosting for these Raspberry Protein Pop Tarts is made by extracting juice from fresh or frozen raspberries and mixing it with powdered monkfruit sweetener. Monkfruit sweetener is a natural, low-calorie sweetener that provides sweetness without the added sugars, making it perfect for this healthier treat.

The frosting is light and tangy, with the fresh raspberry flavor shining through. Spread the frosting over the cooled pop tarts for a pop of color and an extra layer of sweetness that ties everything together.

Nutritional Benefits of Raspberry Protein Pop Tarts

These pop tarts offer a variety of nutritional benefits. Each pop tart contains approximately 210 calories, with 12 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. The protein comes from the vanilla protein powder and collagen powder used in the dough and filling, providing a satisfying and muscle-supporting component to the treat.

The 24 grams of carbohydrates are balanced with 1 gram of fiber, mostly from the chia seeds in the filling. The chia jam adds omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, and the almond flour provides healthy fats and fiber. The raspberry frosting, made with monkfruit sweetener, provides sweetness without the sugar overload, making these pop tarts a much healthier option than traditional ones.

Serving Suggestions: Enjoy Anytime

Raspberry Protein Pop Tarts are versatile enough to enjoy at any time of day. They make an excellent breakfast treat, providing a quick and nutritious option that’s easy to take on the go. They’re also a perfect post-workout snack, giving you a protein boost and satisfying your sweet cravings without the guilt.

For a complete breakfast or snack, pair these pop tarts with a side of fresh fruit, yogurt, or a smoothie for an extra nutritional boost. They can also be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a delightful accompaniment to your morning routine or afternoon break.

Conclusion: A Healthier Take on a Classic Favorite

Raspberry Protein Pop Tarts offer a fun and healthier twist on the classic pop tart, providing a delicious balance of sweetness, crunch, and nutritional benefits. With a protein-rich dough, chia jam filling, and raspberry frosting, they offer a satisfying and wholesome snack that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re enjoying them as a breakfast treat, a post-workout snack, or a sweet indulgence, these pop tarts are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the nostalgic flavors of a pop tart with a wholesome, protein-packed twist!