Pumpkin Pop Tarts Recipe With Spiced Filling And Flaky Crust

Name: Pumpkin Pop Tarts
Prep time: PT-490096H28M19S
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 340 g all-purpose flour for the pie dough; – 1 teaspoon salt for the pie dough; – 230 g cold and cubed unsalted butter for the pie dough; – 140 g ice cold water for the pie dough; – 200 g canned pumpkin purée for the filling; – 100 g brown sugar for the filling; – ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for the filling; – ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for the filling; – 1 egg beaten for the egg wash; – 100 g powdered sugar for the icing; – ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for the icing; – 2 ½ teaspoons milk for the icing; – 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for the icing

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Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pop Tarts

Pumpkin Pop Tarts are a fun twist on a classic treat that brings cozy fall flavors right to your kitchen. With their flaky crust and spiced pumpkin filling, they make an easy breakfast or snack that feels special without much fuss. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a favorite for home cooks like you.

These Pumpkin Pop Tarts are deceptively simple to prepare. The filling comes together in one bowl and the pastry requires minimal rolling and sealing, so you can assemble and bake them in about 10 15 minutes of hands-on time, with total baking at 30 40 minutes. They use basic pantry staples, making this a perfect choice for busy mornings or quick desserts that keep things light and accessible for beginners.

Making these Pumpkin Pop Tarts offers some great health perks. Using pumpkin puree adds fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins like A and C, plus it has less added sugar than store-bought options. Opt for whole-grain pastry or gluten-free versions to boost nutrition while enjoying that warm autumn taste, supporting things like digestive health and immune function in a tasty way.

The recipe is super versatile too. It adapts easily for different dietary needs, such as making it vegan with plant-based butter and milk or gluten-free with a special flour blend. You can tweak the filling with various spices and mix-ins to suit your tastes or allergies. For instance, if you’re exploring other simple baking ideas, check out our guide to a blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake for more morning inspiration.

What really stands out is the bright, spiced pumpkin filling paired with a buttery, flaky crust and a simple glaze. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add a complex flavor that turns a basic pastry into something memorable and seasonal. It’s no wonder this recipe appeals to baking enthusiasts and busy parents alike, offering a homemade treat that’s both comforting and customizable.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pop Tarts
2. Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Pop Tarts
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Pumpkin Pop Tarts: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Pumpkin Pop Tarts
5. Mastering Pumpkin Pop Tarts: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Pumpkin Pop Tarts: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Pop Tarts
8. Pumpkin Pop Tarts

Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Pop Tarts

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making perfect Pumpkin Pop Tarts. This section lists everything you need, based on the detailed recipe we’ve put together. We’ll focus on precise measurements to ensure your baking goes smoothly and results in that flaky crust and delicious filling every time.

Ingredients List

340 g all-purpose flour (for the pie dough)
1 teaspoon salt (for the pie dough)
230 g cold and cubed unsalted butter (for the pie dough)
140 g ice cold water (for the pie dough)
200 g canned pumpkin purée (for the filling)
100 g brown sugar (for the filling)
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for the filling)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for the filling)
1 egg beaten (for the egg wash)
100 g powdered sugar (for the icing)
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for the icing)
2 ½ teaspoons milk (for the icing)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for the icing)

These ingredients create a balanced Pumpkin Pop Tarts recipe that’s straightforward and adaptable. For more ideas on simple baked goods, you might enjoy our rhubarb muffins recipe, which uses similar techniques for a fresh twist. Using fresh, cold ingredients helps maintain the flakiness, so keep your butter chilled until you’re ready to mix.

How to Prepare the Perfect Pumpkin Pop Tarts: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this easy guide to whip up your own Pumpkin Pop Tarts from start to finish. You’ll find clear steps that include tips from our recipe summary, like keeping everything cold for the best results. This process takes about 1 hour 30 minutes for prep, 40 minutes to cook, at least 2 hours to chill, and totals around 4 hours 10 minutes, but the wait is worth it for that homemade taste.

First Step: Preparing the Dough

Start by cutting the 230 g cold and cubed unsalted butter into the mixture of 340 g all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt until the butter forms pea-sized pieces. Make a well in the center and add the 140 g ice cold water, mixing just until a dough forms. Fold the dough onto itself 2-3 times to create layers without kneading, then divide into two discs and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step ensures a flaky crust, as mentioned in our tips for keeping the dough cold.

Second Step: Making the Filling

Mix 200 g canned pumpkin purée with 100 g brown sugar and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to create the filling. For a smooth blend, stir until everything is well combined. If you’re looking for more baking insights, remember that cold ingredients lead to better texture, just like in creating a simple breakfast bake.

Third Step: Assembling and Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out one chilled dough disc to about 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface and cut out shapes around 2.5 x 3.5 inches, needing two pieces per pastry. Place the bottom pieces on the sheet, add about 2 tablespoons of filling to each, leaving edges clear, then cover with the top pieces and seal with a fork. Brush with the beaten egg for a glaze and bake for 40 minutes until golden brown.

Final Step: Adding the Icing

Let the pastries cool before mixing 100 g powdered sugar with ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 2 ½ teaspoons milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for the icing. Drizzle it over the cooled treats for a finishing touch. Don’t overfill to avoid leaks, as per our handy tips, and enjoy the nutritional benefits like 319 kcal per serving with 40 g carbohydrates and plenty of vitamin A.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Pumpkin Pop Tarts

Everyone has different needs, so customizing your Pumpkin Pop Tarts is a breeze. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or watching your sugar, these swaps keep the recipe fun and flexible. Let’s look at some easy changes based on our earlier notes.

Use plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter for a vegan option.
Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Reduce brown sugar or use a substitute like erythritol for a lower-calorie version.

For protein boosts, add almond butter to the filling, or try butternut squash puree as a pumpkin alternative for a similar earthy flavor. These adjustments help balance taste and nutrition while keeping prep straightforward.

Mastering Pumpkin Pop Tarts: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, take your Pumpkin Pop Tarts to the next level with these pro tips. From enhancing flakiness to trying new flavors, you’ll find ways to make this recipe your own. Remember, chilling the dough is key, as it helps maintain those crisp layers we love.

Tips for Flakiness	Variations
Keep butter cold and fold dough carefully	Add maple syrup for a sweet twist
Chill assembled pastries before baking	Use chai spices for a unique flavor

Experiment with garnishes like nuts or extra cinnamon for a polished finish. Freezing unbaked pastries is a great make-ahead option, lasting up to one month.

How to Store Pumpkin Pop Tarts: Best Practices

Storing your Pumpkin Pop Tarts properly keeps them fresh and tasty. Follow these steps to maintain that flaky crust and flavorful filling. With nutritional info per serving at 319 kcal and 16 g fat, it’s smart to handle leftovers with care.

Refrigerate cooled tarts in an airtight container for 3 4 days.
Freeze unbaked tarts for up to 2 3 months and bake from frozen with extra time.
Reheat in a low oven to keep the texture crisp.

For the best results, always cool tarts completely before storing to avoid sogginess, as per our recipe tips.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Pop Tarts

Can I use store-bought pie dough for Pumpkin Pop Tarts?

Yes, store-bought pie dough can be used to make Pumpkin Pop Tarts. While homemade pie dough often provides a flakier and more flavorful crust, using frozen or refrigerated store-bought dough is a convenient option that saves time. Just make sure to roll it out evenly and handle it gently to prevent tearing. This shortcut makes the recipe quicker without sacrificing too much taste or texture.

What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling for Pumpkin Pop Tarts?

Pumpkin puree is plain, unsweetened pumpkin, while pumpkin pie filling includes added sugar, spices, and sometimes preservatives. For Pumpkin Pop Tarts, pumpkin puree is preferred because it allows you to control the amount of sugar and spices in the filling. If you use pumpkin pie filling, reduce or omit added sugar and spices in the recipe to avoid an overly sweet or spiced result.

How long should I bake Pumpkin Pop Tarts for the best texture?

Pumpkin Pop Tarts typically bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the dough. Watch them closely during the last few minutes to prevent burning. Let the Pop Tarts cool completely before adding glaze or frosting to avoid melting.

Can I make Pumpkin Pop Tarts ahead of time and store them?

Yes, Pumpkin Pop Tarts can be prepared in advance and stored. After baking and cooling, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating, warm them in a toaster oven or regular oven to retain their crisp texture.

What glaze or frosting pairs well with Pumpkin Pop Tarts?

A simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract complements the pumpkin flavor well. You can also use cream cheese frosting for a richer taste that balances the warm spices in the filling. Drizzle or spread the glaze after the pop tarts have cooled completely to create a smooth, glossy finish that adds sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin filling.

Pumpkin Pop Tarts Recipe with Homemade Spiced Filling and Flaky Crust