The BEST Vegan Pop Tarts Recipe (Frosted Strawberry With Sprinkles) (Frosted Strawberry With Sprinkles)

This vegan Pop-Tarts recipe is a fun homemade twist on the classic toaster pastry you grew up loving! They have a flaky, buttery crust, a sweet, fruity filling, and a simple glaze that makes every bite extra special. They’re surprisingly easy to make and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or whenever you’re craving something sweet.

Once you try them fresh from your own kitchen, you may never want the store-bought version again! We think you’ll also love these chocolate-dipped rice krispie treats, vegan cake pops, and dairy-free ice cream cake recipes.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Fall In Love with These Vegan Pop Tarts

Super Simple. Though pastry dough can be daunting for newbie bakers, this recipe is a great way to get started. Think of it as “pie with training wheels.”
Infinitely Adaptable. Any sort of spread or fruity filling can become a prime candidate for filling inspiration.
Great for a Crowd. Each batch makes 10 – 12 pastries, but you could always cut those in half to make mini Pop-Tarts for twice the fun.
Make Ahead. You can easily make your pastries well in advance and keep them in the freezer for up to six months.
Can be Gluten-Free. You can also swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking mix.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

What makes this vegan pop tarts recipe come together and taste just like the original? Here are the star players:

All-Purpose Flour – Measure the flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid a dense dough. A 1:1 gluten-free baking flour can usually be used for a gluten-free version.
Granulated Sugar – Organic cane sugar works great, but coconut sugar can also be used (though it may result with a darker color.)
Vegan Butter – Keep the butter very cold for the flakiest results. If it starts to soften, chill the dough before rolling it out. Plant-based baking sticks are the best alternative. Refined coconut oil can work in a pinch, but the texture may be different.
Jam or Preserves – Our homemade strawberry jam would be delicious for a filling. You can also use peanut butter, DIY vegan Nutella, or speculoos (cookie butter).
Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that gives these Pop Tarts the classic bakery-style finish. Sift the powdered sugar before mixing to help prevent lumps.
Vanilla Soy Milk – Add it a little at a time until the glaze reaches your preferred consistency. Swap for almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, or any other plant-based milk can be used instead.
Vegan Sprinkles – Add color, crunch, and that fun nostalgic Pop Tart look. Add the vegan sprinkles while the glaze is still wet so they stick properly. You can also try colored sugar, freeze-dried fruit crumbs, shredded coconut, or simply leave them off for a simpler finish..

How to Make Vegan Pastry Dough

In either case, press the vegan pop tart recipe dough together into a flat round and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Let chill in the fridge for at least an hour before baking, or up to a week. To save the unbaked dough even longer, store the pieces in your freezer for up to 6 months. Don’t forget to clearly label them and add today’s date!

Food Processor (The Easy Way)

The easiest, quickest way to make a traditional pie crust is to get a helping hand from your food processor.

Place the flour and sugar in the bowl of your food processor and pulse to combine. Add the vegan butter and pulse 6–8 times, until the mixture resembles very coarsely ground almond meal. A few small chunks of butter should remain visible, but nothing larger than the size of peas.
Sprinkle the first few tablespoons of water in while pulsing to incorporate. If the dough holds together when squeezed, you’re good to go. If it remains crumbly, keep adding water while pulsing, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is cohesive.

Pastry Cutter (Old-Fashioned Way)

In case you don’t have a food processor or just don’t want to clean the darn thing afterward, the old-fashioned method is just as effective, if a bit more labor-intensive.

Place the flour and sugar in a large bowl and use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut in the pieces of vegan butter. A few small chunks of butter should remain visible, but nothing larger than the size of peas. Sprinkle in the first few tablespoons of water and stir well with a wide spatula. Sometimes it can be difficult to get the liquids properly incorporated, so it may be helpful to drop the formalities and just get in there to mix with your hands.
If the dough holds together when squeezed, you’re set. If it remains crumbly, keep adding water and mixing thoroughly, just a tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together. Do your best not to over-mix or over-handle the dough, as this will make it tough when baked.

FAQs

Are Pop Tarts vegan?

Well, some are, but not the frosted kinds. Here are the vegan-friendly flavors: blueberry, strawberry, and brown sugar cinnamon. Make sure you choose the unfrosted types.

How long do these vegan pop tarts last?

Homemade vegan Pop Tarts will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If they have a glaze, allow it to set completely before storing to help prevent sticking. They also freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them in a toaster oven for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.

What’s not vegan about pop tarts?

Many of them contain animal products such as gelatin (from animal skin and bones, rendering them not even vegetarian), whey, milk, eggs, carmine (from bugs), and confectioners’ glaze (shellac that beetles excrete).

Are other Pop Tart brands vegan?

At this time, there isn’t a brand that has an entirely vegan line of pop tarts (aka “toaster pastries”). Bobo’s has discontinued their toaster pastries line. Now, there is only the Nature’s Path strawberry flavor (unfrosted, like the Pop Tarts brand).