You’re standing in front of the microwave, Pop Tart in hand. You’re thinking to yourself, “Can I really cook this in the microwave? Is that even possible?”
You’ve seen people do it before, but you’re not sure if they just got lucky or if they actually knew what they were doing. After all, there are a lot of things that can go wrong when you’re cooking with microwaves.
But don’t worry, my article can help you out. I’ll tell you everything you need to know about cooking Pop Tarts in the microwave, from which setting to use to how long to cook them for.
So next time you’re standing in front of the microwave with a Pop Tart in hand, you’ll know exactly what to do.
Can You Cook Pop Tarts in the Microwave?
When it comes to pop tarts, there seems to be a lack of consensus on whether or not you can cook them in the microwave. On the one hand, Kellogg’s in North America recommends 3 seconds in the microwave.
But in other parts of the world, like Australia, the packaging clearly says not to microwave them. Presumably, this is because they don’t want to be liable for any damage that might occur to people’s microwaves.
So what’s the truth? Can you cook pop tarts in the microwave?
I’ve been using the microwave to cook pop tarts for years, and I’ve never had any problems. In fact, I’ve found that it’s a really convenient way to make them, especially if I’m in a hurry.
The only thing you need to be careful of is not to overcook them. If you cook them for too long, they’ll become soggy and won’t taste as good.
Is It Safe to Put Pop Tarts in the Microwave?
Microwaving pop tarts can present different risks, the most notable of which is the possibility of getting soggy.
This occurs when the moisture from the pop tart is heated and causes it to become soft and wet. However, as long as you cook them following the proper steps, this can be easily avoided.
Another myth about microwaving is that it causes food to become toxic. This is also untrue – microwaved food is just as safe to eat as food that has been cooked in a traditional oven.
In fact, microwaving can sometimes be a healthier way to cook food, since it preserves more of the nutrients than traditional cooking methods.
The only time you need to be careful is if you use non-microwave-safe containers to cook the pop tarts in.
If the container is not microwave-safe, it can release harmful chemicals into the food or worse, cause a fire. So make sure to check the label before you put anything in the microwave.
In general, though, microwaving pop tarts is a perfectly safe way to cook them.
How Long Should You Microwave Pop Tarts For?
That’s a question with a few different answers, depending on the wattage of your microwave and the type of Pop Tart you’re heating.
According to the manufacturer, 3 seconds is the recommended cooking time. But I found that it was too short for my 900-watt microwave.
I usually cook them for 7-10 seconds, which is just long enough to heat them up. If I want the inside to be fully melted, it’ll take around 15 to 20 seconds.
Ultimately, the best way to figure out the perfect cooking time is to experiment a little bit. Start with 3 seconds and then add more time until you find the sweet spot.
How To Cook Pop Tarts in the Microwave Step-By-Step
Now that you know everything there is to know about microwaving Pop Tarts, it’s time to learn how to do it. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Remove the Pop Tart from the package and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Set the microwave power level to high and cook the Pop Tart for 3 seconds.
- Check to see if the Pop Tart is heated to your liking by breaking one in half. If it’s not, cook it for additional time in 3-second increments until it is.
- Allow the Pop Tart to cool for two to three minutes before eating.
If you cook more than two Pop Tarts at a time, you’ll need to position them like a teepee.
Just like when you’re making a teepee with children, you’ll want to stand each Pop Tart on its end and space them evenly around the outside. This will help them heat evenly and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Speaking about crispy outside crust, if you want the outside of your Pop Tarts to be extra crispy, there are two ways you can achieve this.
The first is to use a microwave convection oven. This type of oven has a fan that circulates the hot air, which helps to crisp up the outside.
If you don’t have a convection oven, you can achieve a similar result by placing the Pop Tarts on a microwave crisper pan. This is a special type of pan that has raised ridges that help circulate the heat and make the outside crispy.
Don’t forget to preheat the pan in the microwave for about 2 minutes before you cook the Pop Tarts.
Safety Tips For Microwaving Pop Tarts
As with any food, there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind when microwaving Pop Tarts.
- First, make sure to remove the foil wrapper before microwaving. If left on, the foil can cause a fire in the microwave.
- Second, use a microwave safe plate. If the plate is not microwave safe, it could melt or damage your microwave.
- Finally, use an oven mitt when removing the plate from the microwave. The oven mitt will protect your hands from any heat that may be coming off the plate.
Benefits of Cooking Pop Tarts in the Microwave
Choosing to microwave your Pop Tarts comes with a few benefits.
For one thing, it’s faster than cooking them in the oven. You can have a hot breakfast in just a few minutes.
Plus, microwaving Pop Tarts is more energy-efficient than cooking them in the oven. You don’t have to heat up your whole kitchen just to make a quick breakfast.
How To Store Microwave Pop Tarts
But what do you do if you have leftovers? Can you store them in the fridge? What about the freezer?
Pop Tarts can be stored in the fridge for later. Just place them in an airtight container and they’ll be good for up to three days. You can also freeze Pop Tarts and reheat them later.
Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to two months in the freezer.
When you want to reheat them, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds and they’ll be good as new.
Alternatives To Microwaving Pop Tarts
Aside from microwaving, there are a few other ways you can cook Pop Tarts.
If you have a toaster, you can put your Pop Tarts in there. This is a pretty straightforward way to cook them, and it usually doesn’t take too long. Simply place them in the slots and wait for the beep or light telling you they’re done.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Toaster ovens typically cook food more evenly than regular toasters. I found this to be the best way to cook Pop Tarts if you’re looking for a crispy outside and a soft, warm inside.
5 Favorite Ways To Eat Pop Tarts
There are so many ways to enjoy Pop Tarts! Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Pop-Tart Cake Balls
Pop-Tart Cake Balls are one of my favorite ways to enjoy pop tarts. I love that they are so easy to make and only require three ingredients. The cake balls can be made with any flavor of Pop-Tarts, so you can customize them to your preference.
I usually make mine with strawberry Pop-Tarts, but I’ve also tried them with blueberry and raspberry. They always turn out delicious!
2. Pop-Tart Ice Cream Sandwich
There’s just something about Pop-Tart Ice Cream Sandwiches that make them irresistible. Maybe it’s the sweet and salty combination of flavors, or the way the ice cream perfectly complements the tart crust.
Whatever the reason, these sandwiches are always a hit with friends and family. I love to experiment with different flavors of Pop-Tarts when making my sandwiches.
My current favorite is Red Velvet Pop-Tarts with chocolate ice cream. The combination of flavors is absolutely delicious, and it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.
3. Pop-Tart S’mores
The combination of toasted marshmallow and chocolate is downright delicious, and it’s a great way to enjoy pop tarts.
I’ve tried making Pop-Tart S’mores with different flavors of Pop-Tarts, but my favorite combo is definitely the original S’mores flavor.
It just tastes so darn good! I like to toast my Pop-Tart in a conventional toaster, but you could also cook it over a campfire on a cooking rack.
Once your Pop-Tart is nice and toasty, roast your marshmallow to perfection and prepare the chocolate (or chocolate syrup, if you prefer). Then, cut the Pop-Tart in half and place the marshmallow and chocolate between the halves.
4. Cookies and Creme Pop-Tart Milkshake
Cookies and Creme Pop-Tarts Milkshake have quickly become one of my favorite deserts.
I love the combination of cookies and cream with the tartness of the Pop-Tart. It’s such a delicious and unique flavor combo that I can’t get enough of!
To make this milkshake, simply add a few Cookies and Creme Pop-Tarts to your blender with some milk and ice cream.
5. Pop-Tart Infused Yogurt Parfait
For those mornings when you’re craving something sweet but healthy, Pop-Tart Infused Yogurt Parfaits are the perfect solution. It is simple, easy to make and most importantly, tasty.
The yogurt parfait consists of a layer of yogurt, followed by a layer of crushed Pop-Tarts, another layer of yogurt mixed with some fresh fruit, followed by another layer of Pop-Tart crumbles and one final layer of yogurt.
The key to making a good yogurt parfait is using good ingredients. For the yogurt, I like to use either greek or regular yogurt.
I find that greek yogurt provides a thicker and creamier texture, which pairs well with the crunchy Pop-Tart crumbles. For the fruit, I like to use either fresh or frozen fruit (related: Thawing Frozen Fruit: A Microwave Step-by-Step Guide).
Fresh fruit provides a sweetness and tartness that contrasts well with the creamy yogurt and sweet Pop-Tarts. Frozen fruit also works well in this recipe and can add some extra chewiness to the parfait.
Conclusion
So, can you microwave Pop Tarts? The answer is yes – with a few caveats. Make sure to follow the proper steps to avoid getting soggy tarts, and experiment with different cooking times to find the perfect one for your microwave.
And if you ’re feeling creative, there are plenty of ways to turn Pop Tarts into delicious desserts. From simple toaster pastries to decadent desserts, these treats are sure to please everyone. So go ahead and pop one in – you won’t be disappointed.
