This 1-Ingredient Upgrade to Pop-Tarts Is 'So Frickin' Good,' According to Reddit

Pop-Tarts were introduced to supermarkets as a way to make a delicious toast and jam breakfast into a toaster-ready rectangle that could go anywhere. The Pop-Tart became a favorite of busy mornings and after-school snacks with the signature frosting that somehow doesn't melt off in the toaster. It's so beloved that people have petitioned for the return of their favorite flavors and even made their own homemade versions.

But we've never thought of adding anything to a package of Pop-Tarts—they've always seemed perfect just as they are. Well, until we came across a Reddit thread where a discussion on how people should enjoy their Pop-Tarts got heated: Just add butter.

Adding Butter to Pop-Tarts

Fans of the toaster treat are sharing their tips about putting butter on a Pop-Tart inspired by an episode of Family Guy. In the episode, Peter Griffin and Quagmire sing a song saying it will change the way you satisfy a craving for Pop-Tarts:

“Have you ever put butter on a Pop-Tart? It’s so frickin’ good! Have you ever put butter on a Pop-Tart? If you haven’t then I think you should!” the characters sing.

But not everyone got the idea from "Family Guy," many commenters mentioned their moms and grandmas introduced them to the butter-on-a-Pop-Tart practice. Fans of this Pop-Tart butter hack say that the addition of this ingredient adds to the rich buttery flavor of the pastry part of the tart. Think of the taste of fresh-baked pie crust right out of the oven.

How to Add Butter to Pop-Tarts

Pop-Tarts are already baked, so the product is perfectly fine to eat without heating, but if you're adding butter, it's best to toast them first so the butter melts on top. But from there, everyone has a different opinion on the best way to add the butter to the Pop-Tart.

One commenter explained, “Flip it over frosting down after it’s been toasted, take a butter knife and cut an 'X' on the back, not going all the way through, then butter over the back so the butter melts into the Pop-Tart." While others argue it's best to put it on top of the Pop-Tart or by pricking holes into the pastry and then adding the better on top, giving multiple spots for the butter to seep into the treat.

Even more debated than how to add the butter, is which Pop-Tarts you should add the butter too. Some commenters feel you should only add butter to Pop-Tarts without frosting while others had strong opinions on which flavors deserve the butter treatment.

"Only on the blueberry flavor. Tastes like blueberry muffins," said one. "Brown Sugar cinnamon is excellent with butter too, just get unfrosted," commented another. Other users weighed in with the statement that “a toasted Brown Sugar Pop-Tart with melted butter makes the perfect snack.” 

What did the no-butter folks have to say? They argue that the toaster pastry–frosted, unfrosted, toasted or untoasted—is already sweet enough with the variety of available frostings and fillings. The addition of creamy butter might just be too much for some fans. 

According to the Pop-Tarts FAQ, a pat of butter can make your favorite toaster pastry better for an unforgettable breakfast or snack.

 “Can you put butter on a Pop-Tart?”

“Yes!.” says the Pop-Tarts official site. ‘Our fans love to put butter on their Pop-Tarts®, which many say creates a whole new level of mouthwatering flavor.” Personally, we can't wait to give it a try.