Mardi Gras Pop Tarts

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Mardi Gras Cinnamon Sugar & Cream Cheese Pop-Tarts

Makes 6 pop tarts

Mardi Gras Pop-Tarts 🎭

Mardi Gras season calls for a bit of indulgence—and a lot of color. These Cinnamon Sugar & Cream Cheese Pop-Tarts are a fun, festive twist on a nostalgic favorite, made easy with premade pie crusts and dressed up in classic Carnival colors. Flaky pastry, creamy vanilla-kissed filling, and warm cinnamon sugar come together under a sweet glaze and a sparkle of purple, green, and gold. Whether you’re celebrating Twelfth Night, hosting a parade-watching brunch, or just craving something playful and sweet, these Pop-Tarts are a simple way to bring the spirit of Mardi Gras into your kitchen.

Ingredients

Pop Tarts

• 2 premade pie crusts, room temperature

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decoration

• Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make the Fillings
   In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.

3. Cut the Crusts
   Lightly roll out the pie crusts to smooth. Cut into 3 x 4-inch rectangles, making 12 total. Re-roll scraps as needed.

4. Assemble the Pop-Tarts
   Place 6 rectangles on the prepared baking sheet. Spread 1–1½ teaspoons of cream cheese filling in the center of each, leaving a border. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar over the cream cheese.

5. Seal the Edges
   Brush edges with egg wash. Top with the remaining rectangles. Press edges with a fork to seal and poke a few holes in the tops for venting.

6. Bake
   Brush tops with egg wash. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.

7. Glaze and Decorate
   Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle or spread glaze over cooled pop-tarts. Immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars in sections to create classic Mardi Gras stripes.

8. Serve and Celebrate
   Let the glaze set for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy and laissez les bons temps rouler!

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How to Make Your Own Colored

Sugar

Making colored sugar at home is quick, inexpensive, and lets you customize the exact shades you want—perfect for Mardi Gras or any celebration.

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What You’ll Need

• Granulated sugar

• Gel food coloring (recommended for vibrant color)

• Small bowl or zip-top bag

• Spoon or spatula (if using a bowl)

Instructions

1. Add Sugar
   Place 1/2 to 1 cup of granulated sugar in a bowl or zip-top bag.

2. Color the Sugar
   Add 1–2 drops of gel food coloring. Start with less—you can always add more.

3. Mix Thoroughly

   • If using a bowl, stir and press the color into the sugar with the back of a spoon.

   • If using a bag, seal and knead until the color is evenly distributed.

4. Dry the Sugar
   Spread the colored sugar in a thin layer on parchment paper. Let it air-dry for 15–30 minutes, stirring once or twice to break up clumps.

5. Store
   Once completely dry, store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Baker’s Tips for Best Results

• Use Gel Coloring: Liquid food coloring can make the sugar clumpy and muted in color.

• Adjust the Shade: Add color gradually—sugar darkens slightly as it dries.

• Make Multiple Colors: Divide sugar into separate bowls or bags for purple, green, and gold.

• Add Sparkle: Mix in a small amount of clear sanding sugar or edible glitter for extra shine.

• Shelf Life: Properly dried colored sugar will keep for months in an airtight container.

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