Name: Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489775H58M19S
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups pumpkin puree; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 sheets vegan puff pastry, about 9 ½ x 11 ¾ inches each (use homemade or frozen gluten-free puff pastry); 3 tablespoons vegan milk, preferably high protein (44 mL); 1 teaspoon maple or agave syrup (6.75 g); 1 teaspoon regular or Dijon mustard (5 g); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons vegan milk; ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; Pinch of salt; Vanilla extract (to taste)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 21 reviews

If you adore all things pumpkin and crave a cozy, nostalgic treat, you are going to fall head over heels for this Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts Recipe. These delightful golden pastries are flaky on the outside and filled with a luscious, spiced pumpkin filling that tastes like autumn in every bite. Topped with a sweet pumpkin-spiced frosting, these pop tarts bring together the perfect balance of warm spices, creamy sweetness, and comforting textures. Whether you’re making breakfast, a snack, or a cozy dessert, these vegan pop tarts offer a delightful homemade twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds an array of ingredients in small white bowls and clear glass containers arranged neatly. Starting from the top left, there is a bowl filled with light brown sugar, next to it a bowl of light beige liquid, and another bowl with a pale yellow liquid to the right. Below these, a white mound of powdered sugar sits in a white bowl next to a white cloth folded in the middle. To the right of the cloth is a bowl filled with bright orange pumpkin puree, and a small glass container with creamy beige paste. Moving downward, a tiny white bowl with dark brown vanilla extract sits next to a bowl filled with tightly packed, light brown cinnamon powder. Near the bottom, a decorative white bowl contains thick amber maple syrup, while the bottom row features a small metal bowl of white salt and another glass bowl filled with white flour or powdered sugar, all on the white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—whether bringing richness, warmth, or that irresistible tender but flaky texture. Gather these well-balanced, plant-based ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to pop tart perfection quickly.

Pumpkin puree: Provides the creamy, classic pumpkin flavor and moist texture that is the star of the filling.
Brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle molasses note that complements the spices.
Pumpkin spice: A warming blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that delivers that signature autumn aroma.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the filling’s depth with a sweet, fragrant touch.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the pumpkin filling so it doesn’t get soggy inside the pastry.
Vegan puff pastry sheets: Flaky and buttery, these form the perfect crust to hold your luscious filling.
Vegan milk: Used in the egg wash and frosting, it enriches texture and flavor while keeping everything dairy-free.
Maple or agave syrup: Adds a subtle natural sweetness to the egg wash, giving the crust a lovely glossy finish.
Mustard: A small ingredient that helps the egg wash brown beautifully and adds complexity.
Powdered sugar: For creamy, sweet frosting that perfectly balances the pumpkin spice.
Pumpkin pie spice and salt: Critical finishing touches to the frosting for a perfectly spiced, lightly salted glaze.

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pumpkin Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your pop tarts from sticking. Then, mix your pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, vanilla, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. The cornstarch is key here because it will thicken the filling and keep it from making the crust soggy. Once combined, set this fragrant mixture aside—you’ll be spreading it over the pastry soon!

Step 2: Assemble the Pop Tarts

Roll out your puff pastry sheets so they’re about the same size and place one sheet on the baking sheet. Spread the pumpkin filling evenly across this sheet, but be sure to leave a small border around the edges; this border is important for sealing up the pop tart later. In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan milk, maple syrup, and mustard to create a “vegan egg wash”—this will give your pop tarts that gorgeous golden color. Brush this wash carefully along the edges of the first pastry sheet.

Step 3: Seal and Vent

Lay the second pastry sheet gently over the top of the pumpkin filling. Using a fork, press down around the edges to seal the two sheets together tightly. Then poke several small holes in the top pastry—this allows steam to escape, preventing your pop tarts from puffing up unevenly or bursting. Don’t forget to brush the entire top with the leftover vegan egg wash to promote a beautiful crust color.

Step 4: Bake the Pop Tarts

Pop your assembled pop tarts into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the crust is puffed up and has turned a gorgeous golden brown. Once baked, let the pop tarts cool slightly on the counter before moving on to the frosting step.

Step 5: Frost and Slice Your Pop Tarts

While the pop tarts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, vegan milk, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and a splash of vanilla for a smooth, pumpkin-spiced frosting. After your pop tarts have cooled for at least 15 minutes, spread this luscious frosting over the top. Once the frosting has set and the entire tart has cooled fully, cut it into 8 generous pieces. These slices are your individually sized, homemade vegan pumpkin pop tarts ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts Recipe

Garnishes

To really elevate your Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts Recipe, try adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of the frosting for some extra crunch and warmth. A drizzle of pure maple syrup or a scattering of pumpkin seeds can also add inviting texture and a decorative touch that impresses at first glance.

Side Dishes

These pop tarts go wonderfully with a cozy cup of spiced chai tea or a warm latte made with oat or almond milk to complement the pumpkin and spice flavors. For a heartier brunch, pair them with fresh fruit or a bowl of mixed berries to contrast the sweetness with bright, tart notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts Recipe a showstopper by serving it warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream on the side. For holiday or special occasion presentations, consider layering slices on a festive platter with autumn leaves or nuts to create a shareable, eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These pop tarts keep well for up to three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them covered so they don’t dry out and stay pleasantly soft inside while maintaining their flakiness on the outside.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these treats on-demand, pop your cooled, unfrosted pop tarts into the freezer wrapped in parchment paper, then sealed in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to one month and freeze beautifully without compromising texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your pop tarts in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and flaky again. If frozen, thaw them at room temperature first. After reheating, add fresh frosting or drizzle with your preferred topping to refresh that perfect finish.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually what most recipes recommend for convenience and consistent texture. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices already.

Is there a gluten-free option for the puff pastry?

Absolutely. You can use frozen gluten-free puff pastry brands such as Sweet Loren’s, which offer great texture and flavor while keeping the recipe vegan and gluten-free.

Can I make these pop tarts without cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps thicken the pumpkin filling and prevent sogginess, but if you don’t have it, you can try arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as substitutes. Otherwise, your filling may be a bit looser.

How long do these pop tarts stay fresh once frosted?

Once frosted, they are best enjoyed within a day or two for optimal texture and flavor. The frosting can soften the crust if stored too long, but you’re unlikely to have leftovers that last that long because they’re so delicious!

Can I make smaller individual pop tarts instead of one big one?

Yes, you can! Simply cut the puff pastry sheets into smaller rectangles before assembling. Adjust baking time slightly—smaller pop tarts will bake faster, so keep an eye on their color and puffiness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly heartwarming about making your own treats from scratch, and this Vegan Pumpkin Pop Tarts Recipe is one of those gems that makes cooking feel like pure joy. The way the spices mingle with pumpkin and flaky crust is pure comfort wrapped in a delicious package. I encourage you to try this recipe, share it with your loved ones, and make your kitchen smell like fall magic anytime you want. Trust me, once you taste one of these pop tarts, you’ll be hooked for good!