Homemade Apple Pop Tarts

Introduction

There’s just something magical about biting into a flaky, golden pastry bursting with warm apple pie filling. These apple pop tarts are a nostalgic treat with a homemade twist—think cozy fall flavors wrapped up in a buttery crust and topped with a sweet maple glaze. Whether you’re craving a warm breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or a satisfying dessert, these hand pies will hit the spot every time.

I first started making these apple pop tarts during a chilly weekend when I had leftover pie dough and an open can of apple pie filling—what a happy accident! Since then, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen. And the best part? You can whip up a batch in just 30 minutes.

If you’re looking for more cozy and creative breakfast ideas, check out these heart-shaped grilled cheese sandwiches or this simple classic French toast recipe—they pair wonderfully with a warm mug of tea or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick & easy: Only 30 minutes from start to finish
• Kid-friendly: Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or even breakfast-on-the-go
• Budget-conscious: Uses pantry staples and store-bought pie crust for convenience
• Make-ahead friendly: Store or freeze for future cravings

Taste & Texture

Each bite of these apple pop tarts delivers:

• A crispy, golden crust
• Sweet, cinnamony apple pie filling
• A smooth, maple-vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth
• Optional crunch from sparkling sugar for that bakery-style finish

Dietary Attributes

This recipe is vegetarian and easily adaptable:

• Use gluten-free pie crust for a GF version
• Swap in a vegan egg wash and glaze to make it fully plant-based
• You can control the sugar and customize the glaze to fit your needs

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

For the Apple Pop Tarts:

• 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
• 1 box (2 crusts) refrigerated pie crusts, or 2 homemade crusts
• 1 large egg + splash of water (for egg wash)

For the Glaze:

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup

Optional Toppings:

• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
• 1 tablespoon sparkling white sugar

Notes on Quality

You can absolutely use homemade pie crust for extra flavor and flakiness, but store-bought works great when you’re short on time. When it comes to apple pie filling, look for one with visible chunks and warm spice flavor. You can also make your own by sautéing diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and a splash of lemon juice.

Possible Substitutions

• No pie filling? Use fresh chopped apples cooked with cinnamon and sugar.
• No egg? Use milk or plant-based milk for brushing the tops.
• No maple syrup? Try honey or a dash more vanilla in the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructionsµ

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Roll out the crust on a lightly floured surface. If using refrigerated crusts, unroll them as-is. Cut 8 circles from one crust using a 3 1/4-inch biscuit cutter.
3. Add the filling: Place 1 1/2 tablespoons of apple pie filling in the center of each circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
4. Top with the second crust: Roll and cut 8 more circles from the second crust. Place over the filling.
5. Seal and crimp: Pinch the edges, then use a fork to crimp and poke the tops to vent.
6. Brush with egg wash and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Cool slightly, then glaze. Mix the powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and maple syrup. Drizzle or spoon over the warm pop tarts.
8. Optional: Sprinkle with turbinado and sparkling sugar while the glaze is still tacky.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Chill your pie dough slightly before cutting to get cleaner shapes.
• Let pop tarts cool before glazing or the frosting will melt right off.
• Don’t overfill—too much filling will cause the pop tarts to burst open.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the fork crimp can lead to leaking during baking.
• Using cold filling can prevent the crust from sealing properly.
• Overbaking can dry out the crust; check for a light golden color.

Time-Saving Tips

• Make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
• Use pre-portioned apple filling if you’re meal-prepping.
• Freeze unbaked pop tarts and bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a warm drink like chai, coffee, or spiced cider.
• For brunch spreads, serve alongside this French omelette with fines herbes for a sweet-and-savory combo.

Presentation Ideas

• Stack on a tiered cake stand for a cozy brunch table.
• Drizzle glaze in zig-zag patterns for a modern bakery look.
• Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for a cute grab-and-go treat.

Beverage Pairings

• Try with an oat milk latte, vanilla chai, or even apple cider.
• For a grown-up pairing, consider a crisp glass of sparkling wine.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Countertop: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Keep for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze on a baking tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Use parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating Methods

• Toaster Oven or Oven: Bake at 350ºF for 5–7 minutes.
• Microwave: 15–20 seconds for a quick warm-up (note: crust may soften).
• Air Fryer: 300ºF for 4–5 minutes for a crispier finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use homemade pie filling?
Yes! Sauté diced apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice for a fresh alternative.

Can I make mini versions?
Definitely. Use a smaller cutter and reduce baking time by a few minutes.

Can I use puff pastry?
You can, but it will puff more and might not hold the filling as well—still tasty, though.

Troubleshooting

Why is my filling leaking out?
You may have overfilled or didn’t seal the edges tightly enough.

My crust didn’t brown—what happened?
Make sure you used an egg wash; it helps achieve that golden finish.

The glaze is too thick or too runny—how do I fix it?
Add more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar to thicken.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Vegan: Use plant-based pie crusts, a flax egg or vegan milk for the wash, and plant-based milk in the glaze.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and check the pie filling for hidden gluten.
• Low-Sugar: Make your own apple filling with reduced sugar and skip or lightly drizzle the glaze.

Flavor Twists

• Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for spiced flavor.
• Try a caramel drizzle instead of glaze for a rich topping.
• Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans with the filling for crunch.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Use heart-shaped cookie cutters for Valentine’s Day.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over the glaze for a fall vibe.
• Decorate with red and green sprinkles for a festive holiday pop tart.

Conclusion

These homemade apple pop tarts are warm, sweet, flaky, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you serve them for a quick weekday breakfast or impress your brunch guests, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home. Try them out, and when you do, don’t forget to tag us in your photos—we love seeing your creations!

Follow along and pin your favorites on Pinterest for more recipes like this one, and let us know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you glaze them warm or cold? Add extra crunch? We’d love to hear all about it.

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