Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful and festive treat that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of fall, these Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts are about to become your new favorite. Crispy, flaky pastry envelopes a sweet and spiced pumpkin filling, all topped with a luscious pumpkin glaze that’s simply irresistible. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or a charming dessert, these pop tarts bring joy with every bite and are wonderfully plant-based and dairy-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for these Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts are simple, wholesome ingredients that combine to create incredible flavor, texture, and autumnal warmth. Each element plays an essential role from the buttery, flaky crust to the rich, spiced pumpkin filling and the sweet glaze finishing touch.

• 240g of all purpose / plain flour: The base for your dough, providing structure and the perfect tender crumb.
• 2 tablespoons of caster sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the spices in the pastry.
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice: The magical blend that infuses the dough with that unmistakable fall character.
• 220g of dairy-free block butter (cold and cut into small cubes): Essential for flakiness and that classic buttery mouthfeel without any dairy.
• Ice-water: Helps bring the pastry dough together without melting the butter, keeping it perfectly flaky.
• 100g of pumpkin puree: The star of the show, offering natural sweetness and vibrant color in the filling and glaze.
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice: Gives the filling its warm, spicy depth.
• 50g of maple syrup: Sweetens the filling naturally while adding a cozy, caramel-like undertone.
• 2 teaspoons of cornstarch / cornflour: Thickens the filling so it stays perfectly contained inside the pastry.
• Dairy-free milk: For brushing the pastry and adjusting glaze consistency, keeping the recipe entirely vegan.
• 100g of icing sugar: Sweetens and thickens the spicy pumpkin glaze on top.
• 1 teaspoon of maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness to the glaze, complementing the pumpkin.
• 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin puree: Infuses the glaze with color and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin spice: Gives the glaze a warming finishing touch.

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

Start by sifting together the flour, caster sugar, and pumpkin spice into a medium bowl to evenly distribute all those warm spices. Next, add your cold, cubed dairy-free butter and use your fingers or a food processor to mix until the mixture looks like coarse sand. This step is key for flaky dough because the butter pieces create steam and lift during baking.

Step 2: Bring the Dough Together

Gradually stir in ice water, half a tablespoon at a time, just until the dough clumps together. You want it to be smooth and slightly sticky but not wet or overly dry. Wrap it tightly in greaseproof paper and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes so it firms up, making it easier to roll out later.

Step 3: Roll and Cut Your Pop Tarts

Preheat your oven to 180°C fan and line baking trays with greaseproof paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll your chilled dough between two sheets of flour-dusted greaseproof paper into a thin rectangle. Use a fun pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes—each one will become a little pocket of fall bliss. Re-roll any scraps as needed to make sure nothing goes to waste.

Step 4: Make the Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, maple syrup, and cornstarch, mixing until silky smooth. This vibrant filling is the heart of your Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts, bursting with flavor yet just thick enough to stay inside your pastry parcels.

Step 5: Assemble the Pop Tarts

Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of half of your pumpkin-shaped dough cutouts. Leave at least a 1/3 inch border around the edges. Brush those edges with dairy-free milk, then top with the remaining dough cutouts. Press the edges together gently with your finger, then seal firmly using a fork. To prevent splitting, prick a few small holes on top with a fork for steam to escape.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Brush the tops of the pop tarts with dairy-free milk for a beautiful golden finish, then bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes until the edges are lightly browned and the pastry is beautifully crisp. Let them cool completely before moving on to the glaze.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

Whisk together icing sugar, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice until you achieve a thick toothpaste-like consistency. Adjust with dairy-free milk if necessary. Drizzle or spread this glorious glaze over the top of each cooled pop tart. While still wet, sprinkle a little extra pumpkin spice and sugar for sparkle and crunch. Let the glaze set at room temperature or chill until firm.

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts

Garnishes

These Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts are already bursting with flavor, but a tiny sprinkle of crushed pecans or a dash of cinnamon on top of the glaze can add an extra punch of texture and aroma. For a festive touch, add some edible gold dust or festive sprinkles that complement the autumn theme.

Side Dishes

Pair your pop tarts with a steaming cup of spiced chai, pumpkin spice latte, or a creamy vanilla almond milk latte. For brunch, they also go wonderfully alongside dairy-free yogurt topped with granola and fresh berries, balancing sweetness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these pop tarts on a rustic wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks and miniature pumpkins to set the mood. You can also line a basket with a cozy tea towel and stack the pop tarts for a charming grab-and-go autumn treat at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them dry to maintain their lovely crispness; if your kitchen is warm, it’s better to keep them refrigerated for up to 4 days to prevent spoilage.

Freezing

These pop tarts freeze beautifully! Lay them on a baking tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Freeze before glazing if you prefer, then add glaze fresh once thawed to keep that shine.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, reheat refrigerated or thawed pop tarts in a preheated oven at 160°C for 5–7 minutes or until the pastry crisps back up. Avoid the microwave for reheating if you prefer the crust crispy rather than soft.

FAQs

Can I make these Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring your blend includes xanthan gum for structure. The dough might be a bit more delicate, so handle with care during rolling and cutting.

What can I substitute for dairy-free butter?

You can try a solid coconut oil or vegan margarine that behaves similarly during baking. Be sure it’s cold and solid to get those flaky layers. Keep in mind that coconut oil has a subtle flavor that may come through in your pop tarts.

How long do Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts last?

Stored properly, they last about 2 days at room temperature or up to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is the best option and preserves flavor and texture well.

Can I make the dough and filling ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be refrigerated wrapped in greaseproof paper for up to 24 hours before rolling out. The filling can be made and stored in the fridge in an airtight container for a couple of days too, making assembly easier when you’re ready.

What if I don’t have a pumpkin cookie cutter?

No worries at all! You can use any fun cookie cutter or simply cut rectangles or squares for classic pop tarts. You could even get creative with leaf shapes to keep the autumn vibe strong.

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts are an absolute joy to make and eat—perfectly cozy, sweet, and spiced just right for celebrating all things pumpkin. Whether you’re new to baking vegan treats or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress with buttery layers and luscious filling. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the comforting flavors of fall wrapped up in these delightful little parcels. You simply have to try making Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts; they just might steal your heart and your taste buds!

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