These golden, flaky vegan apple pop tarts capture all the nostalgic sweetness of the classic breakfast treat without any animal products. Each bite delivers tender spiced apples wrapped in buttery plant-based pastry that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. These vegan apple pop tarts prove that plant-based baking can be just as indulgent and satisfying as traditional recipes.
SERVES: 4 | PREP: 20 MIN | COOK: 25 MIN | TOTAL: 45 MIN
Ingredients for Perfect Vegan Apple Pop Tarts
For the Pastry:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Vegan butter, cold | ½ cup |
| Ice water | 4-6 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
For the Apple Filling:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Granny Smith apples, diced | 2 medium |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon |
For Assembly:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plant milk | 2 tablespoons |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon |
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Vegan Apple Pop Tarts
Phase 1: Creating the Perfect Pastry Dough (15 minutes)
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Clear a large, clean surface for working. Get out a large mixing bowl, measuring cups, and a pastry cutter (or two butter knives if you don’t have one). Make sure your vegan butter is cold – take it out of the fridge just before starting. Cold fat is the secret to flaky pastry.
Step 2: Combine All Dry Ingredients In your large mixing bowl, add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Use a whisk or fork to mix these together thoroughly. This ensures even distribution of salt and sugar throughout your dough. The sugar adds a subtle sweetness that complements the apple filling perfectly.
Step 3: Cut Cold Vegan Butter Into Small Pieces Remove your cold vegan butter from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, cut the ½ cup of vegan butter into small cubes, about ½-inch in size. The smaller the pieces, the easier they’ll incorporate into the flour mixture. Keep the butter pieces cold by working quickly.
Step 4: Cut Butter Into Flour Mixture Add all the cold vegan butter pieces to your flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour with quick, pressing motions. If you don’t have a pastry cutter, use two butter knives in a crisscross motion. Continue until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces. These butter pieces will create flaky layers when baked. This process takes about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare Ice Water Fill a small glass with ice cubes and add cold water. Let it sit while you work. You need ice-cold water to keep the butter from melting. Warm water will make your pastry tough instead of flaky.
Step 6: Add Ice Water Gradually Measure 4 tablespoons of ice water (without the ice cubes). Sprinkle this over your flour-butter mixture. Using a fork, gently toss and mix the ingredients. The dough should start coming together but still look a bit shaggy. If it’s too dry and won’t hold together when pressed, add 1 more tablespoon of ice water at a time until it just holds together. Don’t add too much water or your pastry will be tough.
Step 7: Form and Wrap the Dough Gather the dough with your hands and gently press it into a flat disc shape. Don’t knead it like bread dough – just press it together. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap or place in a covered bowl. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the apple filling. This rest time allows the flour to hydrate and the butter to firm up again.
Phase 2: Creating the Apple Filling (10 minutes)
Step 8: Prepare Your Apples Choose 2 medium Granny Smith apples – they hold their shape well and provide the perfect tart-sweet balance. Wash, peel, and core the apples completely. Using a sharp knife, cut the apples into small, uniform dice about ¼-inch in size. Smaller pieces cook more evenly and distribute better in your vegan apple pop tarts. Place the diced apples in a medium mixing bowl.
Step 9: Add Sweetener and Spices To your diced apples, add ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Brown sugar adds moisture and rich flavor that complements the apples beautifully. The cinnamon provides that classic apple pie spice we all love.
Step 10: Add Thickening Agent Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cornstarch over the apple mixture. Cornstarch is crucial – it will absorb the apple juices during baking and prevent soggy bottoms on your vegan apple pop tarts. Mix it in thoroughly so every apple piece is lightly coated.
Step 11: Add Acid and Flavor Add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the apple mixture. The lemon juice prevents browning and adds brightness to balance the sweetness. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step 12: Let Filling Macerate Toss all ingredients together until evenly combined. Let the mixture sit while you prepare the dough. This maceration process allows the flavors to meld and the cornstarch to begin absorbing moisture.
Phase 3: Assembly Process (15 minutes)
Step 13: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the pastry bakes through while achieving a golden color. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 14: Prepare Your Rolling Surface Lightly flour a clean, large surface like a countertop or large cutting board. Also flour your rolling pin. Too much flour makes the dough tough, but too little causes sticking – aim for a light, even dusting.
Step 15: Roll Out the Chilled Dough Remove your chilled dough from the refrigerator. Place it on your floured surface and let it sit for 2-3 minutes if it’s very hard to roll. Roll from the center outward in all directions, turning the dough 90 degrees occasionally. Roll to about ⅛-inch thickness – thick enough to hold the filling but thin enough to bake through. If the dough sticks, add a light dusting of flour.
Step 16: Cut Uniform Rectangles Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the rolled dough into 8 rectangles, each about 3×4 inches. Try to make them as uniform as possible for even baking. You’ll use 4 rectangles as bottoms and 4 as tops for your vegan apple pop tarts.
Step 17: Add Filling to Bottom Pieces Place 4 rectangles on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Spoon exactly 2 tablespoons of apple filling into the center of each rectangle, leaving about ½ inch border on all sides. Don’t overfill – excess filling will leak out during baking and create a mess.
Step 18: Prepare for Sealing Pour 2 tablespoons plant milk into a small bowl. Using a pastry brush or your finger, lightly brush the borders of each filled rectangle with plant milk. This acts as “glue” to help seal the top and bottom pieces together.
Step 19: Add Top Pieces and Seal Carefully place the remaining 4 rectangles over the filled bottoms. Starting from one corner, gently press the edges together, working your way around each pop tart. Use a fork to press firmly along all edges, creating decorative ridges while ensuring a tight seal. Make sure there are no gaps where filling could escape.
Step 20: Create Steam Vents Using a sharp knife, cut 3 small slits (about ½ inch long) on the top of each pop tart. These vents allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the pastry from bursting open. Space the cuts evenly across the top surface.
Phase 4: Baking Your Vegan Apple Pop Tarts (25 minutes)
Step 21: Final Preparation Before Baking Lightly brush the tops of all pop tarts with the remaining plant milk. This creates a beautiful golden color during baking. Check that all edges are well-sealed – press with your fork again if needed.
Step 22: Bake Until Golden Place the baking sheet in your preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 22-25 minutes, checking after 20 minutes. The pastry should be golden brown and you should see filling bubbling slightly through the steam vents. If the tops are browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 5 minutes.
Step 23: Check for Doneness Your vegan apple pop tarts are done when the pastry is golden brown all over and sounds slightly hollow when tapped gently. The edges should be firm and crispy. If they need more time, bake in 2-3 minute increments until properly golden.
Step 24: Cool Completely Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes. Don’t attempt to move them immediately – the filling will be extremely hot and the pastry needs time to set. After 10 minutes, you can transfer them to a wire rack if desired, but they can cool completely on the baking sheet.
Phase 5: Creating the Perfect Glaze (5 minutes)
Step 25: Make the Glaze In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons plant milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Start with less plant milk and add more gradually until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to spread easily.
Step 26: Apply Glaze to Cooled Pop Tarts Make sure your vegan apple pop tarts are completely cool before glazing – hot pastry will melt the glaze instantly. Using a spoon, drizzle the glaze over each pop tart in a zigzag pattern, or spread it evenly with the back of the spoon for full coverage. Let the glaze set for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Chef’s Notes for Perfect Vegan Apple Pop Tarts
• Temperature control is everything when making pastry. Keep your vegan butter cold, use ice water, and chill the dough. These steps create the flaky texture that makes homemade vegan apple pop tarts superior to store-bought versions.
• Measure filling carefully – exactly 2 tablespoons per pop tart prevents messy leakage while ensuring plenty of apple flavor in every bite.
• Seal edges completely using firm pressure with a fork. Even small gaps can cause filling to escape, creating burned spots on your baking sheet.
• Don’t skip the steam vents – they’re essential for preventing your vegan apple pop tarts from bursting open during baking like little pastry volcanoes.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 28g
Creative Variations for Your Vegan Apple Pop Tarts
Berry Medley Version
Replace apple filling with a mixture of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries tossed with sugar and cornstarch. The tartness creates a delightful contrast, similar to how berries complement these vegan Hawaiian sweet rolls for a complete plant-based breakfast spread.
Double Chocolate Delight
Add mini vegan chocolate chips to your apple filling for an indulgent twist that kids absolutely love. The chocolate melts slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey sweetness.
Autumn Spice Pop Tarts
Replace the apple filling with pumpkin puree mixed with pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and a touch of cornstarch for seasonal appeal.
Savory Breakfast Version
Skip the sweet elements entirely and create savory vegan apple pop tarts with caramelized onions, vegan cheese, and herbs. Pair these with vegan cornmeal pancakes for an impressive weekend brunch menu.
Storage & Reheating Your Vegan Apple Pop Tarts
Room Temperature Storage: Store unglazed vegan apple pop tarts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add glaze just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Refrigerator Storage: Glazed pop tarts keep for up to 5 days when wrapped individually in plastic wrap or stored in a covered container.
Freezer Storage: Freeze unbaked assembled pop tarts on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating Instructions: Restore crispness by warming in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which makes the pastry soggy and chewy.
Troubleshooting Common Vegan Apple Pop Tart Problems
Problem: Dough Too Dry and Cracking When Rolled
Solution: Your dough needs more moisture. Add ice water one teaspoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Cold, dry weather often requires an extra tablespoon of water.
Problem: Apple Filling Leaks During Baking
Solution: You’ve likely overfilled the pop tarts or haven’t sealed the edges properly. Use exactly 2 tablespoons of filling and press edges firmly with a fork, checking for any gaps.
Problem: Pastry Comes Out Tough and Chewy
Solution: The dough was overworked or too much liquid was added. Mix just until ingredients come together, then stop immediately. Handle the dough as little as possible.
Problem: Uneven Browning on Pop Tarts
Solution: Your oven has hot spots. Rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees halfway through baking time. Consider using an oven thermometer to check for temperature accuracy.
Problem: Soggy Bottom Crust
Solution: Make sure cornstarch is thoroughly mixed into the apple filling to absorb excess moisture. Bake on the lower oven rack for better bottom browning, and ensure your oven is fully preheated.
Essential Equipment for Making Vegan Apple Pop Tarts
- Large mixing bowl for dough
- Medium mixing bowl for filling
- Pastry cutter or two butter knives
- Rolling pin (or clean wine bottle in a pinch)
- Sharp knife for cutting dough and apples
- Fork for sealing edges
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small brush for applying plant milk
- Wire cooling rack (optional)
- Small whisk for glaze
Organized Shopping List
Produce Section:
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples
- 1 fresh lemon (for juice)
Baking Aisle:
- All-purpose flour (2 lb bag)
- Brown sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Cornstarch
- Ground cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Refrigerated Section:
- Vegan butter (stick form works best)
- Plant milk of your choice (oat, almond, or soy)
Five Success Secrets for Perfect Vegan Apple Pop Tarts
1. Master the Cold Technique: Keep your vegan butter refrigerated until the moment you use it, and use genuinely ice-cold water. These cold temperatures create steam during baking, which forms the flaky layers that make homemade pastry irresistible.
2. Roll with Confidence: Apply steady, even pressure when rolling your dough, and don’t be afraid to add light dustings of flour to prevent sticking. Uneven thickness leads to uneven baking and sad, lopsided pop tarts.
3. Seal Like a Pro: Press those edges firmly with a fork and look for any gaps that could spell disaster. Even the tiniest opening can turn into a major leak, creating burned filling on your baking sheet.
4. Vent for Success: Those three little slits on top aren’t just decorative – they’re your pop tarts’ pressure release valves. Without them, steam builds up and can cause dramatic pastry explosions in your oven.
5. Practice Patience: Let your vegan apple pop tarts cool completely before adding glaze. Hot pastry melts glaze instantly, creating a messy appearance instead of that gorgeous, glossy finish that makes them look professionally made.
