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Pop Tart Gingerbread House is my go to family holiday project for a sweet and easy gingerbread style creation using everyday treats. With bright colors and plenty of room for creativity these edible houses always become the centerpiece of our December celebrations.
This was the first recipe my youngest confidently assembled alone. The pure joy on her face as she stuck gumdrops and chocolates to the roof is now a treasured memory in our house.
Ingredients
- Strawberry Pop Tarts: adds a pop of color and is sturdy enough for building. Check for unbroken tarts by gently shaking the box before you buy
- Decorating Icing: acts as edible glue that holds everything together. I recommend a thicker icing for best results
- Halloween Candy: use up any leftover or grab an assortment for endless creativity. Choose candies that are light enough to stick and do not melt quickly. Gummy shapes peppermints or little chocolates all work great
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Lay out a large piece of parchment paper for easy cleanup and nonstick building. Parchment keeps the house from sticking especially once icing sets
- Trim the Pop Tarts for Roof Peaks:
- Take one Pop Tart and place it vertically. Use a small knife to carefully find the midpoint at the top and make two angled cuts to create a roof peak. Repeat with a second Pop Tart so you have two pointed pieces for house ends
- Cut Matching Roof Pieces:
- Stack the two pointed Pop Tarts you just made on another uncut Pop Tart. Trace and trim so each side of the house matches perfectly. This makes sure the roof and walls align
- Assemble the House Walls:
- Position a vertical Pop Tart at the center with trimmed Pop Tarts on either side so the bottom edges match. Use piping icing along the edges then gently press the Pop Tarts together. Hold for several seconds. Give the icing a few minutes to set before moving
- Attach the Roof:
- Once the walls are secure pipe a line of icing along the top edges and press your roof pieces on. Hold until stable then let dry fully so the house stands up to decorating
- Decorate the House:
- One at a time pipe icing where you want to add candy and press each piece gently so it sticks. Let each section dry a few seconds before moving on. Decorate the roof sides door and yard space with fun patterns or plenty of color
- Display and Enjoy:
- When finished let everything dry for at least half an hour. Your gingerbread house is now ready for admiration or snacking
Nothing beats the first bite of a fully decorated Pop Tart house. My favorite part is passing around the bowl of candy and watching everyone’s eyes light up as they create their own edible masterpiece.
Storage Tips
Keep your Pop Tart house in a cool dry spot away from direct heat. If you want to enjoy it for several days store it loosely covered with foil or plastic wrap but avoid sealing it tightly as excess moisture can cause the candy decorations to get sticky or colors to run. The house will stay fresh and pretty for about three days before the icing begins to soften
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find strawberry Pop Tarts try another flavor with a similar bright frosting. Sugar wafer cookies or graham crackers can stand in if you want a different color or shape. Decorating icing can be swapped for royal icing or even thick homemade buttercream if you have a piping bag handy
Serving Suggestions
Set up decorating stations with different bowls of candy for friends or kids’ parties. The houses also make great table centerpieces for a holiday dinner or can be wrapped up as a whimsical edible gift for neighbors
Cultural and Historical Context
The gingerbread house tradition dates back to German fairy tales and became popular in the US as a fun holiday craft. Using Pop Tarts puts a modern twist on the classic by skipping the baking yet keeping all the hands on charm
Seasonal Adaptations
Choose green and red candies for Christmas. Try orange and purple decorations for a Halloween haunted house. Go for pink white and red for Valentine’s Day fun.
Enjoy making your Pop Tart Gingerbread House and watch as it becomes the sweetest memory of the season. Happy building!
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of Pop Tarts work best for building the house?
Strawberry Pop Tarts are recommended for their vibrant color and stable texture, but other flavors can be substituted if desired.
- → How do I make sure the walls and roof stay together?
Use decorating icing as edible glue. Allow each section to set and dry fully before adding additional pieces for stability.
- → Can I use different candies for decorating?
Absolutely! Any favorite holiday or colorful candies, such as gumdrops or chocolate pieces, work for decorating your house.
- → Is this project suitable for kids?
Yes, assembling and decorating the house is a fun, hands-on activity that’s great for children with adult supervision.
- → How long does the Pop Tart structure last?
If kept in a cool, dry place, the assembled house stays intact for several days, though it's best enjoyed soon after assembly.