Homemade Caramel Apple Pie Pop Tarts Recipe: Tasty Breakfast Joy

Sweet memories of childhood breakfast rush back with these homemade caramel apple pie pop tarts that blend nostalgic comfort with delightful creativity.

Flaky pastry envelops warm, spiced apple filling, promising a delectable twist on the classic dessert.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of buttery crust and gooey caramel-infused fruit.

Golden-brown edges and a drizzle of caramel make these pop tarts an irresistible treat that transforms an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.

The aroma of cinnamon and apples will dance through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the table.

These pop tarts aren’t just a snack—they’re a miniature celebration of autumn’s most beloved flavors.

Let’s find out this recipe and create a breakfast masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tools for Baking Caramel Apple Pie Pop Tarts

• Pastry Blender or Two Knives: Essential for cutting butter into flour to create flaky pie crust.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients and forming dough.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps chill and store dough disks.
• Medium Saucepan: Ideal for cooking apple filling and caramel glaze.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents pop-tarts from sticking to baking sheets.
• Rolling Pin: Crucial for rolling out pie dough into thin rectangles.
• Pastry Cutter or Pizza Cutter: Helps create precise rectangular pop-tart shapes.
• Baking Sheets: Provides flat surface for baking pop-tarts.
• Fork: Used for crimping edges of pop-tarts.
• Small Saucepan: Necessary for preparing caramel glaze.
• Wire Rack: Allows pop-tarts to cool evenly after baking.
• Whisk: Helps create smooth egg wash and blend glaze ingredients.

How to Assemble Caramel Apple Pie Pop Tarts

• Pastry Base

Create a tender, flaky dough by mixing flour and butter until crumbly. Add just enough cold water to bind the mixture together, forming a smooth foundation for your delightful treats.

• Apple Filling Magic

Craft a luscious apple mixture by gently simmering fresh apples with warm spices. Let the flavors meld and intensify, creating a rich, aromatic filling that speaks of cozy autumn afternoons.

• Dough Preparation

Roll out the chilled dough into delicate rectangles, transforming the simple ingredients into a canvas for your sweet creation. Slice precise shapes that will become the exterior of your pop tarts.

• Assembly Adventure

Carefully distribute the spiced apple mixture onto half of your dough rectangles. Seal each pocket with loving care, crimping edges to lock in the delicious filling, creating little parcels of joy.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the assembled pop tarts into a preheated oven, watching them turn golden and crisp. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that promises pure comfort and deliciousness.

• Caramel Finale

Drizzle a luxurious caramel glaze over the cooled pop tarts, adding a final touch of sweetness that elevates these treats from simple to spectacular. Optional sprinkles can add a playful finishing flourish.

Tips for Better Caramel Apple Pie Pop Tarts

• Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and ensure smooth, even crusts that won't tear easily.
• Let the apple mixture cool completely before assembling pop-tarts to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain a crisp pastry texture.
• Prepare pop-tarts ahead of time by freezing assembled (but unbaked) pastries for up to one month, allowing for quick and easy baking when unexpected guests arrive.
• Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger in the apple filling, or add a handful of chopped pecans for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Switch up the classic caramel glaze by adding a splash of bourbon, a pinch of sea salt, or a dash of cinnamon to create a unique topping that elevates these homemade pop-tarts from good to extraordinary.

Serving Warm Caramel Apple Pie Pop Tarts

• Party-Perfect Plating: Serve these golden pop tarts on a beautiful rustic wooden board for an Instagram-worthy presentation that'll wow your guests.
• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these caramel apple treats with a steaming mug of cinnamon coffee or vanilla latte for a delightful morning indulgence.
• Dessert Elegance: Transform these pop tarts into an elegant dessert by drizzling extra caramel glaze and sprinkling chopped toasted pecans on top for added crunch and sophistication.
• Crowd-Pleasing Variation: Create a fun party spread by cutting pop tarts into smaller bite-sized pieces, making them perfect for potlucks, kids' parties, or casual gatherings where sharing is caring.

Storing Caramel Apple Pie Pop Tarts Easily

• Fresh Batch Strategy: Whip up these pop-tarts on weekends for grab-and-go breakfast or sweet snacks throughout the week. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their crispy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual pop-tarts in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings or quick breakfasts.
• Refrigeration Tips: Keep glazed pop-tarts in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Warm them briefly in a toaster or oven to restore that fresh-baked crispiness before enjoying.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough and filling up to 2 days in advance. Keep the dough wrapped in the refrigerator and store the filling in a separate container, assembling just before baking for maximum freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 260 kcal

Servings: 11

Caramel Apple Pie Pop Tarts Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the delicate, flaky pastry base.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and helps control gluten development in the dough.
• Chilled Butter: Creates buttery layers and ensures a tender, crisp crust when cold.
• Chilled Shortening: Adds flakiness and helps achieve a perfect pie crust texture.

• Apples: Delivers sweet-tart flavor and tender filling with natural fruit essence.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents browning and adds bright, zesty acidity to the apple mixture.
• Flour: Helps thicken the filling and absorb excess apple moisture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and enhances apple flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the apple filling.
• Nutmeg: Introduces subtle, earthy warmth and complexity to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors with rich, smooth aromatic notes.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, golden caramel base with deep molasses undertones.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth, glossy caramel sauce.
• Milk: Helps blend caramel ingredients and achieve desired consistency.
• Egg: Provides binding and creates a beautiful golden shine on the pastry surface.

Decadent Caramel Apple Pie Pop Tarts Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Homemade caramel apple pie pop tarts combine flaky pastry with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples and rich caramel. Bakers can easily recreate this nostalgic treat that promises delightful comfort in each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups apples (peeled and cubed)
• 7 tbsps butter (4 oz/113 g chilled, cut into small pieces; 2 tbsps; 3 tbsps)
• ¼ cup (57 g) chilled shortening
• ¼ cup (57 g) brown sugar
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 ¼ tsps salt
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp flour
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Blend flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut cold butter and shortening into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Introduce ice water until the dough comes together, then divide into two disks and refrigerate for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
2. Caramel Apple Filling: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add diced apples, lemon juice, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Simmer and stir for 20 minutes until apples caramelize and soften. Remove from heat, fold in vanilla, and cool completely.
3. Dough Rolling and Assembly: Flour a surface and roll out each dough disk into a 10 x 13-inch rectangle. Cut nine 3 x 4-inch rectangles. Place six rectangles on parchment-lined baking sheets, center the cooled apple filling on each, leaving a half-inch border.
4. Sealing and Preparing: Brush dough edges with egg wash, top with remaining rectangles, and seal by crimping with a fork. Apply another layer of egg wash. Chill for 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Baking and Glazing: Bake pop-tarts for 15-16 minutes, rotating midway for even browning. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Prepare glaze by heating brown sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan until boiling. Cool slightly and brush over pop-tarts.
6. Finishing Touch: Optional decorative toppings can be sprinkled over the glazed pop-tarts for added visual appeal and texture.

Notes

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the pie crust for 30 minutes helps relax gluten and firm up butter, ensuring a flakier, more tender pastry.
• Control Apple Cooking: Simmer apple filling slowly to prevent burning and achieve perfect caramelization, stirring frequently for even texture.
• Maintain Precise Borders: Leave a half-inch border when adding filling to prevent leakage and ensure clean, neat pop-tart edges.
• Egg Wash Technique: Apply egg wash twice – once to seal edges and again before baking – for a glossy, golden-brown professional finish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg