Homemade Vegan Apple-Cinnamon Pop Tarts
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Homemade Vegan Apple-Cinnamon Pop Tarts
These Homemade Vegan Apple-Cinnamon Pop Tarts are pure cozy magic—flaky, perfectly sweet, and packed with warm spice in every bite. Topped with a dreamy maple frosting, they’re a vegan twist on a nostalgic favorite that’s sure to win over any apple lover. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a snack break, these pop tarts are guaranteed to steal the show (and your heart). Completely Vegan, Dairy-free + Gluten-Free option.
Pop-Tarts—a true childhood favorite! Growing up, I loved them, but let’s be honest—the crust was bland, and the icing overly sweet. That’s why I created these Homemade Vegan Apple-Cinnamon Pop Tarts. Filled with warm spiced apples and topped with maple frosting, they’re cozy, perfectly sweet, and packed with nostalgic flavor. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these flaky treats are a delicious upgrade you’ll love!
These are a breeze to make + has a mouthwatering taste that's on par with the store-bought version. It's a hit with kids and adults, making it a family favorite that's sure to please any crowd. Once they're baked, they can be eaten ALL week long.
If you're a fan of pop tarts or want to try more, I've got you covered! From the classic Strawberry Pop Tarts, Blueberry Pop Tarts to these big beauties—Giant Pop Tarts filled with Orange Marmalade and Wild Blueberry Almond, there's a flavor for everyone.
Jump to:
- Why You Will LOVE Apple Cinnamon Pop Tarts
- Are Pop Tarts Vegan?
- How To Make Homemade Blueberry Vegan Pop-Tarts
- Ingredients
- How To Make Buttermilk
- Tips For Perfect Pop Tarts EVERY TIME.
- How To Reheat Homemade Apple Cinnamon Pop-Tarts
- Vegan Apple-Cinnamon Pop Tarts Q + A's
- More Vegan Breakfast + Brunch Recipes
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Homemade Vegan Apple-Cinnamon Pop Tarts
Why You Will LOVE Apple Cinnamon Pop Tarts
- Irresistible warming cinnamon apple flavor in every bite.
- A great portable, hand-held treat for those busy days or back-to-school runs.
- Homemade goodness with a nostalgic twist.
- The perfect fun breakfast + snack.
- Quick + easy 35-minute recipe.
- Family-friendly + kid-approved.
- Plus the most important reason... They are downright delicious.
Are Pop Tarts Vegan?
Traditionally, the OG classic pop-tarts from Kellogg’s are not vegan at all. Most flavors contain gelatin and cow's milk which we all know can be quite harsh on the stomach for my lactose-intolerant peeps. Not to mention all the other questionable ingredients in there, so it's best to avoid store-bought pop-tarts, but that doesn't mean you have to give up the childhood classic!
How To Make Homemade Blueberry Vegan Pop-Tarts
It's as simple as making your 'vegan' buttermilk by mixing your choice of milk with a bit of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Then, you whip up the flaky crust, apple cinnamon filling, and maple glaze. Assemble, bake, and ice, and you'll have the perfect handheld treat to enjoy all week long!
Ingredients
The Crust:
- All-purpose flour. I use organic all-purpose flour from Bob's Red Mill. See FAQ for GF options.
- Pastry flour. Adds tenderness to the crust. Again I love using Bob's Red Mill.
- Cane sugar. Sweetens the crust!
- Sea salt. Just a pinch of finely ground sea salt to bring out the flavor.
- Ground cinnamon. Adds a hint of warm spice.
- Vegan butter sticks. Cold + cubed. I love the brand Earth Balance.
- Vegan buttermilk. Almond milk, very cold + apple cider vinegar. See below for how to make vegan buttermilk. (You can also use a different kind of vegan milk if you prefer)
FILLING:
- Apples. Peeled + diced. I love to mix together Honey crisp + Granny Smith apples.
- Vegan butter.
- Sugar. A mix of brown sugar + cane sugar.
- Spices. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg + pinch of sea salt.
- Lemon juice. Freshly-squeezed.
- Cornstarch + warm water. This will help to thicken the filling.
- Vanilla extract. Use pure vanilla extract for the best vanilla flavor.
GLAZE + TOPPING:
- Powdered sugar. Sifted is best for the smoothest consistency.
- Pure maple syrup. The delicious not-so-secret ingredient that makes these SO GOOD!
- Almond milk. You can use store-bought or make your own Almond Milk without soaking! (You can also use your fave plant-based milk!)
- Vegan rainbow sprinkles. Not all sprinkles are vegan ---- See my fave natural + vegan sprinkles here.
How To Make Buttermilk
In a bowl, whisk together the milk (regular milk or plant-based works fine) and add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, and set aside for 5-10 minutes until everything "activates" to create the "buttermilk".
SHOP MY FAVORITE BAKEWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES!
Here, I’ve curated a list of bakeware essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baking treats, especially with this vegan pop-tart recipe. Everything from my fave baking sheets, parchment paper, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Tips For Perfect Pop Tarts EVERY TIME.
TIP #1: MAKE YOUR FILLING FIRST!
Yes, I know. You’re probably wondering why I said this, however, when making your filling from scratch, it definitely helps to make your filling ahead of time so that it cools completely.
Also, this gives you enough time to ensure that it comes out as perfect and thick as you’d like before having to use it in your recipe.
TIP #2: MORE PASTRY FLOUR = MORE FLAKINESS!
OK, so this one is a HUGE MUST, especially if you want to have an extremely flaky crust! Much like other pastries (i.e. Hand Pies, Pie Crusts, etc.), using pastry flour more heavily than All-Purpose Flour helps to create a nice outer-layer.
Granted, cold cubed butter does help with this as well, however, I’ve discovered that adding pastry flour to the mix creates a better situation!
TIP #3: DIMENSIONS MATTER!
I must admit that in my previous attempt to make Pop Tarts, I randomly cut the squares, which obviously came out super uneven.
However, with this recipe, I did a bit of research and found that cutting them 3” x 4” worked magic and made them so even and perfect!
Also, keep in mind that when rolling out your dough, making sure that it’s at least ¼” thick is super important. This ensures that your filling stays inside and everything doesn’t fall a part.
TIP #4: LET THEM COOL, COOL, COOL!
Now, if you’re anything like me then you’re probably just as impatient to try these goodies before they fully cool, so that means that you might also prematurely add the glaze and watch it melt off like a snowman in heat. Haha.
BUT you must let your Pop Tarts FULLY cool (place them in a cool room or open window to speed things up!) before glazing them. No exceptions!
How To Reheat Homemade Apple Cinnamon Pop-Tarts
If you're someone who, like me, enjoys baking in large batches to savor later, here are some helpful tips for reheating your frozen pop tarts.
OVEN METHOD (RECOMMENDED FOR BEST RESULTS):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pop tarts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Heat them in the oven for about 5-10 minutes or until they are warmed through and the crust is slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before enjoying.
TOASTER OVEN METHOD:
- Preheat your toaster oven to a low to medium setting.
- Place the pop tart in the toaster oven and heat for 2-4 minutes or until warm.
- Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning.
MICROWAVE METHOD (NOT RECOMMENDED FOR THE CRUST, BUT FOR A QUICK OPTION):
- If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be aware that the crust may become soft rather than crispy.
- Place the pop tart on a microwave-safe plate.
- Heat in short 15-20 second bursts, checking after each burst until they reach your desired temperature.
- Be cautious not to overheat, as the filling can become very hot.
Remember that the oven method is the best way to reheat pop tarts as it helps maintain their crispy texture. However, the microwave or toaster oven can be used for a quicker option when in a pinch!
Vegan Apple-Cinnamon Pop Tarts Q + A's
Leftover pop tarts can be stored in an airtight container for 1-3 days. To serve warm, heat in the microwave, or flat in a toaster oven.
To make these GF, simply substitute All-Purpose Flour with 2 cups Gluten-Free Flour (Bob’s Red Mill has a great one!) and the Pastry Flour with ½ cup coconut flour. If your GF Flour doesn’t have Xanthan Gum included, add 1tsp in the recipe. Also, reduce vegan butter to 1 ¾ sticks instead of 2. Simply continue the recipe per usual after that.
Yes!!! For longer storage–pop tarts can be stored in the freezer. After they have baked and are completely cooled, simply place your pop tarts onto a baking sheet (spaced apart) and freeze them for 2-3 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip loc bag and reheat when ready to eat!
Yes, if you're short on time, you can use store-bought pastry dough. Just make sure it's vegan if you're keeping the recipe fully vegan. I like the DUFOUR brand.
Absolutely ---- you can prepare the dough ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
Absolutely! The dough is versatile, so feel free to use any fruit filling like strawberry, apricot or blueberry!
More Vegan Breakfast + Brunch Recipes
If you are a breakfast/brunch lover and enjoyed this Homemade Vegan Apple-Cinnamon Pop Tarts recipe be sure to try out these delicious recipes too!
- Fluffy Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes
- Sweet Potato Berry Breakfast Boats
- Fluffy Banana Oat Pancakes
- Peach Cobbler Baked French Toast
- Vegan Apple Bread
- Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes
- Healthy Vegan Blueberry Donuts
- Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried Homemade Vegan Apple-Cinnamon Pop Tarts recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Homemade Vegan Apple-Cinnamon Pop Tarts
Ingredients
CRUST:
- 1 cup organic all-purpose flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill; See Notes for GF version!)
- 1 ½ cups organic pastry flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill; See Notes for GF version!)
- 2 Tbsps organic cane sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of sea salt
- ¾ cup vegan buttery sticks or vegan butter (cold + cubbed or in pieces)
- 1 cup Almond milk, Very COLD! (You can use your fave plant-based milk!)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Vegan egg wash (You'll need 2 Tbsps of milk + 1 tablespoon maple syrup whisked together)
FILLING:
- 3 cups apples, peeled + diced (I love to mix together Honey crisp + Granny Smith apples; That's about 4 large apples)
- 2 Tbsps vegan butter
- 3 Tbsps organic brown sugar
- 3 Tbsps organic cane sugar
- 1 ½ tsps ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 2 Tbsps cornstarch + 2 Tbsps warm water (You can sub with 1 tablespoon of arrowroot, if preferred)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
GLAZE + TOPPING:
- 1 ½ cups organic powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Almond milk (You can use your fave plant-based milk!)
- Vegan rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
TO MAKE THE VEGAN BUTTERMILK:
- In a measuring cup, add the cold milk and apple cider vinegar and set aside.
TO MAKE THE CRUST:
- In a bowl, add the all-purpose flour, pastry flour, salt, cinnamon, and sugar, whisking them all together until combined.
- Add the cubed vegan butter sticks (or regular vegan butter) and using a pastry blender, blend butter into dry ingredients until the mixture becomes “peas-like” and crumbly.
- Slowly pour the cold apple cider vinegar-milk mixture (using ½ cup initially and adding more as you feel the dough become moist enough) and stir (working it together with one hand) until the dry ingredients are moistened. NOTE: If the ingredients feels a little too dry, add 1 tablespoon of cold water at a time, until it’s moistened BUT not too wet! If too wet, add 1 tablespoon more flour at a time until the dough can be formed into a ball easily.
- Now, shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap and flatten it slightly and chill for at least 1 hour.
- In the meantime, make the Apple Filling.
TO MAKE THE FILLING:
- In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, add the butter and heat until melted. Add the brown sugar, cane sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and sea salt and stir until combined and everything begins to bubble a bit, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the apple chunks, lemon juice, water, and vanilla and stir everything until apples are well coated. Also, add in cornstarch mixture and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until apples are tender and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
ASSEMBLY + BAKE:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and place on a lightly floured surface, rolling it out into a large rectangle (about 3 mm thick). Cut into small-medium rectangles (3″ wide and 4″ long), until all dough it used.
- On all rectangular cuts, lightly brush vegan butter to ensure that they close together best! On one cut dough, add 1 tablespoon or so of the apple filling and carefully cover it with another rectangular piece, gently pressing the edges down. Using a fork, carefully “crimp” around the edges and place on the baking sheet.
- Repeat until all pop tarts are made.
- Once all are laid flat on the baking sheet, gently prick a set of holes on the tops using a fork. To make the vegan 'egg wash', mix together 2 Tbsps milk + 1 tablespoon of maple syrup until combined.
- Lightly brush all pop tart tops with vegan 'egg wash' mixture and bake in the oven 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and the filling begins to become bubbly and begins to slightly seep out.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool COMPLETELY!
TO MAKE THE MAPLE GLAZE:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. NOTE: For more thickness, add additional powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. If too thick, add almond milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Once pop tarts have cooled completely, spoon 1-2 Tbsps of maple glaze atop each and sprinkle with vegan sprinkles. Let pop tarts sit for another 1-2 minutes so that frosting hardens. Enjoy.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Leftover pop tarts can be stored in an airtight container for 1-3 days. To serve warm, heat in the microwave, or flat in a toaster oven.
- FREEZE: For longer storage--pop tarts can be stored in the freezer. After they have baked and are completely cooled, simply place your pop tarts onto a baking sheet (spaced apart) and freeze them for 2-3 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip loc bag and reheat when ready to eat!
- APPLES: Best apples to use for these pop tarts are: Granny Smith, Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, etc.
- FOOD PROCESSOR FOR CRUST: If using a food processor to incorporate water to flour/butter mixture, ONLY ADD ¼ cup of water AT A TIME to your dough, keeping it on “pulse” to avoid the dough from breaking down too much and it becoming “watery”. With this method, you may not need the entire 1 cup of water.
- TIPS FOR PERFECT POP TARTS: Be sure to read tips within the post!
- FLOUR: If you don't have Pastry Flour available, simply substitute for All-Purpose Flour.
- GLUTEN-FREE VERSION: To make these GF, simply substitute All-Purpose Flour with 2 cups Gluten-Free Flour (Bob's Red Mill has a great one!) and the Pastry Flour with ½ cup coconut flour. If your GF Flour doesn't have Xanthan Gum included, add 1tsp in recipe. Also, reduce vegan butter to 1 ¾ sticks instead of 2. Continue all other steps!
Nutrition
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Made these this weekend from apples from my local farmers market - so yummy! Thanks for the great recipe!
Hi Christine! OMG---I'm so happy that you enjoyed these! Definitely one of my faves! 🙂
Question regarding the gluten free flour option. I have Bob's Red Mill but I didn't realize when I bought it that it was the one with garbanzo beans on top of the other flours in the blend. Am I still able to use it? Or do I need to get the regular gluten free blend?
For the flour, can I use whole wheat all purpose flour? That's all I have on hand 🤞.
Hi Amber! Yes, of course! If using that flour, I might start with 2 cups in total and slowly add up to 2 1/2 cups, depending on the thickness of the dough! Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Thanks so much for responding! I did not get a notification that you responded until now, so odd. So my apologies on my late response lol.
Wondering how much cinnamon goes into crust and how much cinnamon, nutmeg go into filling since both were omitted from list of ingredients. Also what are the measurements for the maple icing glaze ingredients? I did make these and they were delish but I had to guess on amounts. TY!
Hi Cindy!
I do apologize for the missing parts! I definitely didn't realize this! Thanks so much for pointing this out! I've updated everything and you should see them reflected! I'm so happy that it came out great! 🙂
ummm maple glaze!!! YES, PLEASE!!!!!!!! Looks so great, I need these in my life!
My son is always asking for pop tarts and I refuse to buy them. I suppose I might be pretty awesome if I make some homemade!
Haha! Yes! Making homemade ones in my house has been a game-changer, especially with my little one!
I love these! Perfect for a fun dessert. 🙂
OMG I need this! Sounds so much better than your standard pop tarts. I find that really love homemade pop tarts over the commercial ones. Delicious!
These pop tarts look amazing and I definitely will be trying the recipe!!
Definitely bookmarking this recipe. I’ve wanted to try my hand at making homemade pop-tarts for awhile now! I’ll let you know how it goes! 😅
These are so perfect for the fall weather ahead! I love how pretty they are, too!
You read my mind, Shanika! I was on my way looking for a pop tart recipe and here you have the perfect one! Thanks for sharing!
It is so good to know that these classic treats can be easily made at home - and made vegan too! That apple cinnamon filling is to die for
Oh these pop tarts look and sound divine! I would love to start my day with these! Simply delicious!
100% yes in my book! I love that these are vegan and oh so delicious!
Looking forward to starting my day off right with this recipe tomorrow! Looks delicious and easy too; yum!
We love any kind of baked apple dessert here and these sounds fantastic! I love the sprinkles too - makes them so bright and cheery!
What a great way to start my day with these sweet treats! My kids will enjoy these to celebrate going back to school!
Those pop tarts look so delicious and perfect for the upcoming Fall season. Saving for later!
Yum! These look so good. My kids will love them.
These tarts are such a lovely food present. I could make a bunch of them, serve in small boxes and them ready for those times I meet my friends. Really like how they look!
Wow the apple filling and maple frosting are so delicious! Great flavors!