
When we want a cozy fall breakfast or a simple homemade dessert, these pumpkin pop tarts are an easy choice. Flaky pastry surrounds a warmly spiced pumpkin filling, while a sweet pumpkin glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. Each pastry is golden around the edges, tender inside, and filled with the comforting flavors of pumpkin, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
This easy homemade pumpkin pop tarts recipe uses refrigerated pie crusts, so we can prepare a batch without making pastry dough from scratch. The pumpkin filling comes together in minutes, and the simple glaze transforms the baked pastries into a festive fall treat.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Pumpkin Pop Tarts
For the Pastry and Filling
- 1 package (2 rolls) refrigerated pie crusts, brought to room temperature
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, pure canned pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 egg, beaten, for the egg wash
For the Sweet Pumpkin Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- Optional: Fall-themed sprinkles or a pinch of cinnamon

How to Make Pumpkin Pop Tarts
Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
- We begin by combining the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl.
- We stir until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture becomes smooth. The filling should be thick enough to sit inside the pastry without spreading excessively toward the edges.
- If the pumpkin puree contains noticeable excess moisture, we can allow it to drain briefly before mixing. A thicker filling makes sealing the pop tarts easier and helps prevent leaks during baking.

Prepare the Pie Crusts
- We allow the refrigerated pie crusts to come to room temperature according to the package directions. This makes them easier to unroll without cracking.
- We place the crusts on a lightly floured work surface and gently smooth out any creases.
- We then cut the pastry into evenly sized rectangles. Keeping the rectangles similar in size helps the pop tarts bake evenly and creates neat, uniform pastries.
- The exact number will depend on the size of the rectangles we cut and how much pastry we use for each pop tart.
Add the Pumpkin Filling
- We place one rectangle of pastry on the work surface and spoon a portion of the pumpkin filling into the center.
- It is important not to overfill the pastry. We leave a clear border around all four edges so that the top crust can be sealed securely.
- Too much filling can squeeze out while we press the edges together, making the pastry difficult to seal and increasing the chance of the filling escaping during baking.

Add the Top Pastry
- We place another pastry rectangle over the pumpkin filling.
- Using our fingertips, we gently press around the edges to bring the top and bottom layers together.
- For an extra-secure seal, we use the tines of a fork to crimp around all four sides. This creates the classic homemade pop tart appearance while helping keep the pumpkin filling inside.
Brush With Egg Wash
- We arrange the assembled pop tarts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- We lightly brush the tops with the beaten egg. The egg wash gives the pastry a beautiful golden-brown finish as it bakes.
- We can also make a few small openings in the top of each pastry with a fork or the tip of a knife. These openings allow steam to escape during baking.
Bake Until Golden
- We bake the pop tarts according to the baking temperature recommended for the refrigerated pie crust, watching them carefully toward the end of the baking time.
- The pastries are ready when the edges are golden brown and crisp, and the tops have developed a rich baked color.
- Once baked, we remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes.
- Cooling is important before glazing because a very hot pastry can cause the glaze to melt excessively and run completely off the surface.

How to Make the Pumpkin Glaze
While the pop tarts cool, we prepare the glaze.
- In a small bowl, we whisk together powdered sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and milk.
- We begin with a small amount of milk and gradually add more until the glaze reaches the desired consistency.
- For a thicker topping, we use less milk. For a thinner drizzle, we add slightly more.
- The finished glaze should be smooth and thick enough to spread over the pastry without immediately running off the sides.
- We spoon the glaze over the cooled pumpkin pop tarts, allowing some of it to naturally drip toward the edges.
- For a beautiful autumn presentation, we can add fall-themed sprinkles or a small pinch of cinnamon while the glaze is still wet.

Pumpkin Pop Tart Variations
We can easily customize this recipe while keeping the classic pumpkin flavor.
Halloween Pumpkin Pop Tarts
Turn these homemade pumpkin pop tarts into a fun Halloween treat with a spooky mummy-inspired design. The pumpkin filling stays warm and spiced, while strips of pastry create the look of mummy bandages.
How to:
- Cut the pie crust into rectangular pieces and add the pumpkin filling to the center.
- Instead of completely covering the filling with one pastry piece, cut thin strips of pie crust.
- Arrange the strips diagonally across the pumpkin filling, leaving small gaps between them.
- Crimp the edges with a fork and brush the pastry with beaten egg.
- Bake until golden brown and crisp.
- Once cooled slightly, add candy eyes between the pastry strips to create the mummy look.
- For extra Halloween color, finish with a light drizzle of glaze or cinnamon sugar.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pop Tarts With Pumpkin-Cream Cheese Filling
For a richer and creamier version, combine the spiced pumpkin filling with sweet cream cheese. The creamy center pairs beautifully with the flaky pastry and makes these pop tarts especially indulgent.
How to:
- Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Mix in pumpkin puree and a little pumpkin pie spice.
- Place a small amount of the pumpkin-cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry rectangle.
- Leave a border around the filling so the pastry can be sealed properly.
- Cover with another pastry rectangle and crimp the edges with a fork.
- Brush with beaten egg and bake until golden.
- Cool before adding a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Pumpkin Pop Tarts With Maple Glaze
Add a cozy maple twist by replacing the classic pumpkin glaze with a sweet maple glaze. The maple flavor complements the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice wonderfully.
How to:
- Prepare and bake the pumpkin pop tarts according to the basic recipe.
- Whisk powdered sugar with a small amount of pure maple syrup.
- Add a little milk if needed to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Let the baked pop tarts cool before drizzling the maple glaze over the tops.
- Sprinkle with a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice while the glaze is still wet.
- Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Mummy Pumpkin Pop Tarts With Candy Eyes
These are perfect for a Halloween party or spooky fall breakfast. The irregular pastry strips give each pop tart a cute homemade mummy appearance.
How to:
- Fill pastry rectangles with pumpkin filling.
- Cut the remaining pastry into thin, uneven strips.
- Lay the strips across the filling in different directions.
- Seal and crimp the outer edges.
- Brush the pastry strips with egg wash.
- Bake until deeply golden.
- Add two candy eyes after baking, using a small amount of glaze to help them stick.
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Pop Tarts
For a simple variation, add a little extra cinnamon sweetness to the pastry. The crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping gives the pop tarts a bakery-style finish.
How to:
- Prepare the pumpkin filling with pumpkin pie spice.
- Assemble and seal the pop tarts.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Bake until golden and crisp.
- Finish with a thin pumpkin glaze if desired.

For more pumpkin recipes try our Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies, Pumpkin Caramel Sticky Buns Recipe, or Moist Pumpkin Spice Bar .
FAQs
How thick should the pumpkin glaze be?
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the top of the pastry while still being spreadable. We can adjust it with small amounts of milk until we reach the desired consistency.
Why are my pop tarts leaking?
Leaking usually happens when the pastry is overfilled or the edges are not sealed securely. We should leave a clean border around the filling and firmly crimp the edges before baking.
Are pumpkin pop tarts difficult to make?
No. Using refrigerated pie crusts makes this recipe particularly approachable. We only need to prepare the filling, cut the pastry, assemble the pop tarts, seal the edges, brush them with egg wash, and bake.
How to Store Homemade Pumpkin Pop Tarts
Once completely cooled, we store the finished pumpkin pop tarts in an airtight container.
If the glaze is still soft, we allow it to set before stacking the pastries. We can place parchment paper between layers to help prevent the glaze from sticking.
When we want to enjoy them warm, we can gently reheat an individual pastry until it reaches the desired temperature. Reheating should be done carefully so the glaze does not become excessively hot or melt away.
These easy homemade pumpkin pop tarts combine everything we want from a fall-inspired pastry: flaky golden crust, creamy spiced pumpkin filling, and a sweet pumpkin glaze.





