Easy Homemade Cinnamon-Apple Pop Tarts (For The Whole Family)
Pop tarts can seem daunting to make when they’re not coming from a box. Truth is however, they’re easy as pie (because hey, they are). The only thing differentiating a pop tart from a mini pie (in my eyes) is the thick frosting layed over the top- sealing the flavor profile of our favorite childhood breakfast. I could be wrong, but all I know is that these are definitely a sweet treat, and a pretty special recipe if I do say so myself. When I set to baking a few variations, the others didn’t stand a single chance against this one- I even tried to make them healthier (which was a sure no). But the combination of sweet apple-pie filling, flaky crust, and a cinnamon-spiced goodness will have you dreaming of the perfect Autumn day.
Fall baking is in full swing.
It’s funny because when my husband and I first started dating, we had a weird obsession with {store-bought} pop tarts. Occasionally after dinner we would run to a store nearby and get different flavors (strawberry fan through and through). Cute right? Yikes. I just laugh now at that weird fixation from us as a newly-awkardish couple. But I’m not denying that pop tarts aren’t good, I just know I’d just rather make them myself. If they seem too tedious, I promise they’re not- in fact they are so, so much easier than you think. And I’d say more delicious…
I first started seeing pop tart recipes hover around my Pinterest feed, then in nearby restaurants or cute little cafes. I thought it was such a fun idea to start making homemade versions, fill them however you want, or make it a fun activity with kiddos. It’s also just a great baking activity when you want to try something new! Little tarts, pastries, and handheld desserts have always had a special place in my heart.. (Sometimes I think that stems back from when I was a girl and I used to dream I was in a coffee shop in the city). Either way, it’s a good place to start stepping out of the box from your normal apple muffins or apple pies in Fall.
So here I give you my famed, no-fuss, Cinnamon-Apple Pop Tarts. A beautiful Fall treat- and if you want to call them mini pies, go for it.
Scroll on to snag the recipe! What pop tart filling would you like to see next?
Homemade Cinnamon-Apple Pop Tarts
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tbsp sugar (cane sugar, coconut sugar, brown sugar all work)
- 1 cup cold butter cubed
- 1/4-1/2 cup water
- 1 egg whisked
For the Apple Filling
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium apple diced (skin on)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp tapioca flour
For the Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp water
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients for the dough (except water and egg) in a standard food processor. Pulse until the dough starts to come together, then continuously add one tablespoon of water in at a time while the processor is running.
- When the dough has come together and formed a ball, take out and place in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for one hour.
- Meanwhile, make the filling. Heat the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the remaining filling ingredients and saute for 5-7 minutes (or until the apples are soft, and the mixture has reduced in to a sticky glaze).
- Take the dough out of the fridge and let sit for 5-10 minutes, then turn it out on to a floured surface. Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 16'' x 14'' approximately). Use a measuring tape to carefully cut the dough into smaller rectangles, approximately 3" x 4".
- Scoop tablespoon size balls of the apple mixture onto half of the cut dough, giving the edges some room. Brush the edges with the egg wash, then use the remaining half of the naked dough to lay over the top of each apple filled tart. Seal each pop tart by pressing down on the edges with the back of a fork.
- Brush each pop tart generously with more egg wash over the top. Then use the fork to poke a few small holes on top as well.
- **Carefully place each pop tart on to the parchment-lined baking sheet. I find that it's easier to use my hands rather than a spatula, otherwise it will crumble and fall apart in the move. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. Remove and let cool completely.
- For the frosting, whisk all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Adding more cinnamon if you'd like. Use a small spatula to spread a scoop of frosting on to each cooled pop tart. Spread it out gently so it starts to cover the top, bottom, and sides.
- Sprinkle with an additional pinch of salt or sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!
We are SOOOOO going to try these!! I wonder if we could use Nutella and marshmallow for filling ?? I know the hubs and I would really like these apple pie tarts!! Thanks for sharing!!
I’m open for all fillings! Really love this apple one for fall. Let me know how you like them. 🙂
These look amazing!!! I am going to make one of these weekends and I will let you know how they turn out! 🙂
They are so good!! Yay, let me know!