Spooky Pop-Tarts: A Fun Halloween Breakfast

This year, we’re giving a classic breakfast favorite a spooky makeover with our homemade Halloween Pop-Tarts—perfect for adding a fun, festive twist to your breakfast, class party, or snack!

If one snack has been a constant in our household over the years, it’s the classic strawberry-frosted Pop-Tart. Matthew has been a devoted fan since he was little—those sugary, strawberry-filled pastries have always been his go-to safe food. Even today, it’s common to find a box (or two) tucked away in our pantry, ready to satisfy any sudden cravings or keep hunger at bay when we know we won’t eat for a few hours. Honestly, with the sheer number we’ve gone through, I sometimes think I should have bought stock in Kellogg’s years ago!

As much as we adore the convenience and nostalgic taste of store-bought Pop-Tarts—especially since they are nut-free (something I double-check every single time)—I’ve often wondered about the ingredients listed on the back of the box. It only took me 21 years to get to this point, but with Matthew 21 and Halloween approaching, I decided it was finally time to experiment in the kitchen. Why not recreate his favorite treat with a spooky twist and healthier ingredients?

Why You’ll Love This Spooky Pop-Tart Recipe

Making Pop-Tarts at home is fun (and likely less expensive) and allows you to control what goes into them. You can opt for whole grain flours, natural sweeteners, and real fruit fillings—all without sacrificing taste. Plus, decorating them with Halloween-themed designs adds an extra layer of festivity that’s perfect for the season. 

• Delicious Pumpkin Goodness: These homemade pop-tarts capture fall flavors with a rich pumpkin pie filling that’s both sweet and savory.
• Easy and Accessible: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it great whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro.
• Festive Fun: With colorful frosting and playful sprinkles, these pop-tarts are a hit for class parties, family get-togethers, or a special breakfast treat.
• Versatile Delight: They’re not just for breakfast! These pumpkin pie pop-tarts make excellent snacks or desserts, adding a touch of seasonal joy any time of the day.

Ingredients for Spooky Halloween Pop-Tarts

• Pie Crust: Two rolls of ready-to-bake refrigerated pie crust (I use the Pillsbury brand; you can find it in the refrigerated section).
• Pumpkin Filling: A can of pumpkin, one tablespoon of pumpkin spice, one egg, and 1/4 cup of milk. These combine to create a rich and flavorful pumpkin filling.
• Orange Frosting: You’ll use orange frosting to decorate the pop-tarts.
• Halloween Sprinkles: For a festive and spooky touch on top.

These homemade spooky Pop-Tarts are more like a dessert bursting with a rich, creamy pumpkin filling made from pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, egg, and milk—all wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. 

If you prefer a fruitier option or want something more suited for breakfast, substitute the pumpkin filling with fresh strawberry flavor or any jelly you like, and add frosting on top instead. The best part? They’re made with ingredients you can feel good about. 

If you replace the pumpkin filling with a jam flavor, you can frost the pop-tarts with vanilla icing and adorn them with orange and purple sprinkles.

From Skepticism to Delight: The First Bite

Matthew was skeptical at first, but after one bite, he was hooked—and even admitted they might rival the store-bought ones he’s loved for so long.

So gather your ingredients this Halloween and prepare to bake up these delightful treats. Whether you’re making them for a class party, as a fun family activity, or just to have a healthier snack, these spooky Pop-Tarts will undoubtedly become a new favorite.

How to Make Homemade Spooky Halloween Pop-Tarts:

1. Preheat your oven to 350º F and lightly grease a cookie sheet with olive oil.
2. Roll out both pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Keep the dough chilled for best results. Cut the pie crust into large rectangles or use your favorite Halloween-themed cookie cutter for a fun shape.
3. In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, egg, and milk together to create the pumpkin filling.
4. Place half of your cut-out pie crust pieces on the prepared cookie sheet. Spoon a small amount of the pumpkin filling onto the center of each piece, making sure to keep the filling away from the edges to prevent leakage.
5. Carefully place the remaining pie crust pieces on top of the filled ones. Use the tines of a fork to press the edges together, sealing the Pop-Tarts.
6. Poke a few small holes in the top of each Pop-Tart with a fork to allow steam to escape and avoid puffing.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
8. Once the Pop-Tarts have cooled completely, coat them with orange frosting.
9. For the final festive touch, sprinkle on your Halloween sprinkles.

Enjoy your spooky Halloween Pop-Tarts!

Recipe Tips

• Elevate the Appearance: Brush the Pop-Tarts with an egg wash before baking for a fancier look and a glossy finish. This will not change the flavor but will make them look extra special.
• Try Powdered Sugar: Sprinkling powdered sugar on top is a delicious alternative if you prefer something other than frosting.
• Mix Up the Filling: Feel free to use jelly or jam for the filling—I love using strawberry jam.
• Pie Crust Options: You can make your pie crust if you’re up for it, but I often stick with refrigerated crust to keep things simple (and to avoid dragging out the food processor).
• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover spooky Pop-Tarts, refrigerate them in an airtight container. If you’re stacking them, put parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking.
• Alternate Decorations: Feel free to change up the color depending on the holiday or event. You can frost your pop-tarts with vanilla and add red and green sprinkles for Christmas, for example.