If you have a soft spot for nostalgic breakfast treats with a homemade twist, this Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Pop Tarts Recipe will instantly become your new favorite. These flaky, golden pastries are bursting with tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, all wrapped in buttery crust and finished with a sweet, cinnamon glaze. Making these from scratch is surprisingly easy and turns your kitchen into a warm, inviting haven filled with the irresistible aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. Whether you’re serving them up for a cozy weekend brunch or a special weekday morning, these pop tarts bring comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly to create layers of flavor and texture that shine in each pop tart. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the crisp apples that provide freshness and tartness to the sturdy pie crust that guarantees flaky perfection.
- Pie crusts: Two standard pie crusts provide that flaky, buttery base and top for your pop tarts.
- Firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji): These bring a bright, slightly tart flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to the apple filling.
- Light brown sugar (optional): Offers a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that enriches the filling.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice gives the filling and glaze that classic warm, cozy flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice: A splash to brighten the apples and keep their color vibrant.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple filling to a perfect, no-runny consistency.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for the smooth, sweet glaze on top.
- Milk: Any type works here, adding creaminess to the glaze.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet notes in the glaze with a subtle aroma.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Pop Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small pieces to ensure every bite is packed with tender fruit. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar if you like extra depth, aromatic cinnamon, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Cooking this mixture gently over medium heat softens the apples while the sugars and spices meld perfectly into a fragrant, cozy filling.
Step 2: Thicken the Filling
Once your apples have softened, it’s time for a little magic with cornstarch. Whisk cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry and stir it into the warm apple mixture. Cook for another minute or two, stirring to thicken everything into a luscious, jam-like filling. After this, remove it from heat and let it cool completely so it’s easy to work with.
Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut them into neat rectangles about 3 by 4 inches, just the right size for perfectly portioned pop tarts.
Step 4: Assemble the Pop Tarts
Place half of your dough rectangles onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling into the center of each, making sure to leave a border around the edges to seal everything inside.
Step 5: Seal Them Up
Moisten the edges of the dough rectangles with a little water, then top each filled rectangle with a second piece of dough. Press down on the edges and use a fork to crimp and seal the pop tarts, ensuring the filling won’t peek out during baking.
Step 6: Vent and Bake
Create small vent holes in the tops of each pop tart with a fork to let steam escape, which helps the crust bake evenly. Bake on the center rack for 15 to 18 minutes until the pop tarts are beautifully golden and flaky. Transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool seasoned with anticipation.
Step 7: Prepare and Glaze
While the pop tarts cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a silky glaze. Once your pop tarts are completely cool, drizzle or spread this glaze over the tops. Let it set for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to achieve a perfect glossy finish.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Pop Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or finely chopped toasted nuts on top of the glaze. A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a lovely, delicate look and a hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your pop tarts with a side of fresh fruit or a small bowl of yogurt for a balanced and colorful breakfast spread. A cup of hot coffee or a chai latte complements the warm flavors beautifully and makes your morning feel like a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your pop tarts into bite-sized squares for a fun finger food at brunch gatherings. Or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the evening for a delightful dessert twist. You can also sandwich them with a thin layer of cream cheese inside for added richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Pop Tarts Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling fresh without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze fully cooled pop tarts by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To warm your pop tarts, bake them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly until heated through. This revives the buttery crust and makes the filling wonderfully gooey again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust brings a personal touch and can be tailored to your favorite texture and flakiness. Just make sure it’s chilled well before rolling out for the best results.
What varieties of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are ideal because they hold their shape during cooking and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness, perfectly complementing the cinnamon.
Can I make these pop tarts gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free pie crust substitute works well. Just keep in mind that baking times and texture might slightly differ, so watch them closely during baking.
Is it possible to prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! The apple filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling your pop tarts for easier handling.
How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or a splash more milk to thin it out until you reach your desired drizzle or spreadability.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Pop Tarts Recipe that transforms an ordinary morning into a moment worth savoring. The blend of crisp pastry, warmly spiced apple filling, and sweet glaze all coming together is simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch it become a beloved classic in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.
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Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Pop Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Pop Tarts are a delightful homemade treat perfect for starting your day. Featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling encased in flaky pie crust and topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze, these pop tarts combine classic flavors with a homemade touch. Easy to prepare, they bake to golden perfection and make for a comforting breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 standard pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
Apple Filling
- 3–4 firm, slightly tart apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- Granulated sugar, to taste (approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup)
- Light brown sugar, optional, to taste (about 2 tablespoons)
- Ground cinnamon, to taste (about 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Fresh lemon juice, a splash (about 1 teaspoon)
- Cornstarch, for thickening (1-2 tablespoons)
Glaze
- Powdered sugar (about 1 cup)
- Milk (any type, about 2-3 tablespoons)
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples with granulated sugar, light brown sugar if using, ground cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until the apples soften slightly and release their juices.
- Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch together with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the apple mixture, continuing to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely before using.
- Roll Out and Cut the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a floured surface, unroll the pie crusts and cut them into rectangular pieces approximately 3 by 4 inches.
- Assemble the Pop Tarts: Place half of the dough rectangles onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each rectangle, leaving a border around the edges to seal.
- Seal Them Up: Lightly moisten the edges of the filled rectangles with water. Place a second rectangle of dough on top of each filled piece and press down firmly to seal the edges. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely.
- Vent and Bake: Prick the tops of each pop tart with a fork to create vents for steam to escape while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Prepare and Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled pop tarts and allow them to set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your apples and personal preference.
- Allow the apple filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- Ensure edges are sealed tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Store leftover pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- These pop tarts can be reheated in a toaster oven or microwave for a warm treat.
