Rice Paper Pop Tarts

If you grew up eating pop tarts you’re already cooler than us. As an immigrant kid, we didn’t discover pop tarts until well into our teens, but once we did geeeez – we totally got the hype! That flakey crust and fruity filling…we meannnn. Now that we're all grown up and read ingredient labels, we can’t bring myself to toss a box into our cart, let alone commit to them at checkout (even at the judgement-free self checkout counter). So naturally, we made our own slightly more sophisticated, but just as flavorful, grown-up version. Introducing: Rice Paper Pop Tarts – where childhood nostalgia meets adult cravings. They’re crispy, fruity and perfectly sweet. And at 130 calories per serving, they are as close to guilt-free as dessert gets.

What stands out

The air-fried rice paper shell? What crispy dessert dreams are made of. The warm, juicyjammy filling? Pure seduction. Think of this as a hybrid between a spring roll and a toaster strudel, where every bite is a mix of wafer-thin crispy edges and a soft, chewy center. We're a sucker for light desserts and these Rice Paper Pop Tarts are just that. Macro-friendly, quick and straightforward to make, and no essay long ingredient list that has you pretending the font’s too small to read (be for real). Just a dip, fill, roll and air-fry situation that yields healthy pop tarts in 10 minutes. Because, life’s too short to let your palate sleep.

Rice Paper: Naturally gluten-free rice paper crisps up nicely in the air fryer making it the wrapping for handheld snacks.

Jam: Whether you’re team homemade or store-bought, any flavor jam will work to give your pop tart that gooey center you know and love.

Shortbread Cookies: They mimic the crumb of the pastry and add a touch of vanilla sweetness to your rice paper pop tarts. We used Siete shortbread cookies but any cookie you love will work.

Frozen Blueberries: Add juicy bursts of flavor into every bite.

Egg: Use a pastry brush to add egg wash to your rice paper for a crispy golden crust.

Powdered Sugar: The snowy finish for that classic pop tart flavor.

Kitchen tip

If you want extra crunch let the rolled pop tarts rest for 2–3 minutes before air frying so the rice paper can firm up slightly. It crisps even better!

Flavor Combinations to Try

Strawberry jam + fresh strawberries shortbread cookies powdered sugar

Raspberry chia jam Biscoff cookies white chocolate drizzle

Nutella + banana slices graham crackers cocoa powder dusting

Lemon curd vanilla wafers powdered sugar + lemon zest

Blueberry jam + fresh blueberries gluten-free cookies icing + sprinkles

Peach preserves + diced peaches butter cookies cinnamon sugar

Peanut butter + mini chocolate chips chocolate wafer cookies dark chocolate drizzle

Fig jam + goat cheese shortbread cookies honey drizzle

Apple butter + diced apples oat cookies caramel sauce

Mango puree + shredded coconut graham crackers toasted coconut flakes

Swaps

1. Any flavor of jam works in this recipe. It would also be fun to make a ‘variety pack‘ with strawberry, blueberry, fig, and cherry.
2. No rice paper? No problem! Feel free to make these with any type of wrapper, such as phyllo dough, lumpia wrappers, or empanada dough. However, keep in mind some variations won’t be gluten-free and nutrition will vary.
3. Dust with cinnamon and sugar for a spicy-sweet finish. Additionally, drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for a decadent touch.
4. Swap frozen blueberries for other frozen fruits, for example raspberries or strawberries.
5. Replace shortbread with other cookie varieties i.e., vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or Biscoff cookies.

Serve it with

• A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for the ultimate hot-and-cold dessert contrast.
• A drizzle of melted dark chocolate or caramel sauce.
• A dollop of whipped cream or coconut whip.
• Our Iced Coffee with VanillaBanana Milk Latte or Affogato.

Questions

Can we use regular cookies instead of Siete shortbread?

Yes! Any shortbread-style cookie or even graham crackers will work. Just make sure it crumbles nicely.

Do we have to use chia jam?

Not at all. Use any jam you love, store-bought or homemade. Chia jam just adds a bit of fiber and texture.

Can we swap the blueberries for another fruit?

Certainly! For example, frozen raspberries, strawberries, or chopped cherries all work beautifully.

We don’t have an air fryer. Can we bake these instead?

Of course! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway if needed, until crispy and golden.

What’s the purpose of the egg wash?

It helps give the rice paper a golden, glossy finish and extra crispiness. However, you can skip it or use a plant-based milk if vegan.

Can we make them ahead of time?

These are best fresh out of the air fryer, but you can prep and roll them ahead. Just air fry right before serving for max crispiness.

Ingredients

Makes 4 pop tarts

• 4 pieces rice paper
• 4 tablespoons jam, chia or any
• 4 Siete shortbread cookies, any will work
• 4 tablespoons frozen blueberries
• 1 egg, egg-wash for colour
• powdered sugar, for dusting

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Measuring Cups + Spoons
• Pastry Brush

Method

1. Dip one rice paper sheet into water until soft but still pliable and lay it flat on a clean surface.
2. In the center, spread a layer of jam (any flavor you like). Crumble one cookie over the jam and add a small handful of frozen blueberries on top.
3. Fold it up Option 1: Mini burrito style – fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly.Option 2: Envelope style – fold all four edges into the center to create a square or rectangular packet, sealing the filling inside.
4. Brush with egg wash for a golden finish. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, or until crispy and lightly browned.
5. Dust with powdered sugar before serving and enjoy!

Kitchen notes

• Jam: Any flavor of jam works in this recipe. It would be fun to make a ‘variety pack’ with strawberry, blueberry, fig, and cherry.
• Wrappers: Feel free to make these with phyllo dough, lumpia wrappers, or empanada dough. Just keep in mind some variations won’t be gluten-free and nutrition will vary.
• Finishing touches: Dust with cinnamon and sugar for a spicy-sweet finish. Or, drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for a decadent touch.
• Fruit filling: Swap frozen blueberries for other frozen fruits, like raspberries, strawberries, or a berry mix.
• Cookies: Replace shortbread with vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or Biscoff cookies. You could also use your favorite gluten-free cookie of choice.
• Extra crunch: Let the rolled pop tarts rest for 2–3 minutes before air frying so the rice paper can firm up slightly. It crisps even better!