Homemade Vegan Strawberry Pop Tarts
Homemade Vegan Strawberry Pop Tarts
Homemade Vegan Strawberry Pop Tarts – A heavenly blend of flakiness, natural sweetness, and pure joy in every bite. These treats pay homage to the classic childhood favorite, featuring an abundance of strawberry goodness, crowned with a luscious maple glaze + fun vegan rainbow sprinkles. Whether you're starting your day or craving a sweet snack, this vegan pop tart recipe is the perfect, mouthwatering choice. Gluten-free option.
Why Homemade Vegan Strawberry Pop Tarts?
Pop Tarts – a true childhood classic! If you've been a loyal follower of Orchids + Sweet Tea, you already know that pop tarts held a special place in my heart growing up.
Those little flaky, square sweet treats were practically my life! But as you all know, I'm on a health-conscious journey, and many of my old habits have gone out the window...Mostly. Haha. While I no longer reach for that familiar blue box of pop-tarts, I've become quite the pop tart master at home, from Homemade Blueberry Vegan Pop-Tarts, Vegan Apple-Cinnamon Pop Tarts, and not to forget these big beauties... Giant Pop Tart filled with Orange Marmalade and Wild Blueberry Almond Giant Pop Tart.
But this Strawberry Pop Tart Recipe is such a classic flavor combo, it is 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. This homemade nostalgic treat checks all the right boxes!
Jump to:
- Why Homemade Vegan Strawberry Pop Tarts?
- How To Make Homemade Vegan Strawberry Pop Tarts
- Ingredients
- Pop Tart Filling: Real Fruits vs. Jam.
- Why You Will LOVE Vegan Strawberry Pop Tarts
- Tips For Perfect Pop Tarts EVERY TIME.
- Making Your Pop-Tarts Gluten-Free.
- Can I Use Another Plant-Based Milk?
- How To Reheat Homemade Pop-Tarts
- A Few Interesting Pop Tart Facts:
- Homemade Vegan Strawberry Pop Tarts Q + A's
- More Handheld Sweet Treats
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Homemade Vegan Strawberry Pop Tarts
How To Make Homemade Vegan Strawberry Pop Tarts
This homemade vegan pop tart recipe comes together effortlessly in just 35 minutes, making it simpler than you might imagine. The process unfolds in three straightforward steps: crafting the buttery crust, preparing the delectable filling, and finally, assembling and cooking these delightful treats!
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to make these homemade pop tarts!
For the Crust:
- Organic all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure. (See FAQ for GF option)
- Organic pastry flour: Adds tenderness to the crust. ( See FAQ for the GF option)
- Organic pure cane sugar: Sweetens the crust.
- Cinnamon: Adds a hint of warm spice.
- Sea salt: Enhances flavor.
- Vegan buttery sticks: Provides richness and flakiness.
- Very cold fresh water: Binds the dough together.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity for texture.
Filling:
- Strawberry Preserve or Filling: Adds fruity sweetness.
- Juice of a lemon: Adds a tangy, citrusy element.
- Vegan rainbow sprinkles: Decorative and adds a pop of color.
Maple Glaze/Frosting:
- Organic powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
- Warmed pure maple syrup: Infuses maple flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze's aroma.
- Almond milk: Adjusts the glaze's consistency. (Feel free to use your favorite plant-based milk)
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!
Pop Tart Filling: Real Fruits vs. Jam.
OK, so let’s talk about the filling. Usually when making my homemade vegan pop tarts recipe, I create my filling using real fruit or frozen ones.
However, you can always use your favorite organic preserves or jam.
If choosing to make your own homemade filling, that can be done easily by heating your fruit (whether fresh or frozen) in a saucepan along with a healthy sweetener (Wholesome Sweet’s pure cane sugar, organic brown sugar, Agave, etc.), followed by a touch of lemon juice (for acidity) and a little arrowroot starch or cornstarch as a thickener. It's that simple.
Why You Will LOVE Vegan Strawberry Pop Tarts
- Irresistible fruity 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 and easy 35-minute recipe.
- Family-friendly + kid-approved.
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!
Making Your Pop-Tarts Gluten-Free.
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.
Can I Use Another Plant-Based Milk?
Yes, you can use any dairy-free milk you like. Here are some easy recipes to make your own milk that’s cheaper and so easy!
- Quinoa Milk
- Sesame Milk
- Coconut Milk
- Easy Homemade Creamy Cashew Milk
- Almond Milk
- How to Make Potato Milk
- Ultra Creamy Homemade Oat Milk
- Cauliflower Milk
How To Reheat Homemade 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!
A Few Interesting Pop Tart Facts:
OK, so back to my sentiments on pop-tarts and the universal love that the world shares with them.
I previously came across an article from Delish, where they mentioned the 15 Things You Need To Know Before You Eat Another Pop Tart, which was a very interesting article I might add.
In this article, they spoke about all of the interesting things about pop-tarts that most of us might not have known. I KNOW!
- Pop-Tarts were introduced by Kellogg's in 1964.
- The original flavors were strawberry, blueberry, and brown sugar cinnamon.
- Frosted Pop Tarts were introduced in 1967, which added a sweet icing on top.
- THREE flavors outsell the rest: Froster Strawberry (whoot, whoot!!), Brown Sugar Cinnamon, and S’Mores.
- People actually debate how to eat pop tarts (Yes, it’s a thing!)
- They can REALLY shoot flames out of your toaster (Yes, it’s real!)
- Pop Tarts had it’s own cereal back in the early 90’s.
Homemade Vegan Strawberry 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.
If you don’t have Pastry Flour available, simply substitute for All-Purpose Flour.
Absolutely! For longer storage–this vegan pop tarts recipe is suitable to 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!
Of course! Feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves or even savory fillings to suit your taste!
More Handheld Sweet Treats
- Healthy Vegan Blueberry Donuts
- Chocolate Sweet Potato Cupcakes
- Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts
- Soft + Chewy Butterscotch Cookies
- Loaded Lucky Charms Cornflakes Sugar Cookies
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you make these Homemade Vegan Strawberry Pop-Tarts, be sure to Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea!
Homemade Vegan Strawberry Pop Tarts
Ingredients
For the 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 pure cane sugar (I use Wholesome Sweets)
- pinch of cinnamon
- pinch of sea salt
- 1 cup vegan buttery sticks (cold + cubbed) (That's 2 sticks!)
- 1 cup VERY COLD fresh water
- 2 Tbsps apple cider vinegar
Other:
- Strawberry Preserve or Filling (See Notes for Homemade Version!)
- ½ teaspoon juice of a lemon
- Vegan rainbow sprinkles
Maple Glaze/Frosting:
- 2 ½ cups organic powdered sugar (I use Wholesome Sweets)
- ½ cup WARMED pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 Tbsps Almond milk (You can use your fave plant-based milk!)
Instructions
For the Crust:
- In a measuring cup, add the cold water and apple cider vinegar along with an ice cube and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the all-purpose flour, pastry flour, sea salt, cinnamon, and organic pure cane sugar, whisking them all together.
- 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.
- Pour the cold apple cider vinegar-water mixture (slowly + without the ice) 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!**
- 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 Strawberry Jam Filling (See Notes in Recipe for Homemade).
For the Filling:
- In a small bowl, add 1 cup of strawberry preserves and lightly squeeze 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in it and stir together until incorporated. Set aside.
Assembly:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets 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 circles using a biscuit cutter, until all dough it used.
- On all circle cuts, lightly brush vegan butter to ensure that they close together best! On one cut dough, add 1 tablespoon of the strawberry filling and carefully cover it with another circular 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.
- Lightly brush all pop tart tops with melted vegan butter 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 for a few minutes (10 minutes or so).
For Simple Maple Glaze/Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, warmed maple syrup, vanilla, and almond milk until smooth. 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 Frosting atop each and sprinkle with vegan sprinkles. Let pop tarts sit for another 1-2 minutes so that frosting hardens. Enjoy.
- Bon Appetite!
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.
- FLOUR: If you don’t have Pastry Flour available, simply substitute for All-Purpose Flour.
- HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY FILLING: Combine 1 ½ cups strawberries, ½ cup organic pure cane sugar, 1 tablespoon of juice of a lemon, 2-3 Tbsps water, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat to simmer until the berries are soft. Now mix ½ tablespoon arrowroot starch in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon warm water until well combined and lump-free (Add more if needed). Add mixture to saucepan with strawberries and stir until syrup thickens and reduced slightly, approximately 8-10 minutes, Continue to stir occasionally. Once done, remove from heat and continue with Pop Tart Recipe.
- 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!
- 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!
- 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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This sounds like a real interesting recipe. And I like that it uses real fruit to make it. Great to make homemade rather than the store bought version with so many artificial things in it.
Thanks so much, Roxana! I couldn't agree more!
WOw these look sooo good. SO festive and delicious. I love that you used homemade strawberry jam. Makes it so much better! Saving this recipe to try. My kiddo will love these!
Thanks so much, Natalie! The homemade jam definitely makes it better! However, to make things easier, you can always use an organic store-bought version! I hope that your little one loves it! Mine sure did! 🙂
These look awesome! Great for an on the go healthy breakfast.
I so agree, Andrea!
These pop tarts look AMAZING! I would have never guessed they were vegan just by looking at them. And that strawberry glaze looks delicious!
Thanks so much, Daniela! They really are so delicious and using Vegan ingredients definitely makes things better!
I don’t eat Pop tarts anymore for obvious reasons. But these homemade one looks great!
Thanks so much, Matt!
I love homemade pop tarts! These look so delicious and I love that glaze!
Thanks so much, Natalie! This is my first time attempting homemade pop tarts and I'm now sold! Haha.