EASY Gluten-free Pop Tart Bars with Frosting

These EASY Gluten-free Pop Tart Bars are a delicious homemade spin on store-bought Pop Tarts. This recipe is made with simple ingredients like almond flour, maple syrup and has a quick homemade frosting on top!

Pop Tart Bars are the perfect combination of nostalgia and homemade goodness. But unlike store-bought options loaded with artificial ingredients and excessive sugar, these bars are made with wholesome ingredients that taste just as delicious—if not better!  Also this recipe brings all the flavors you love in a classic pop tart but in an easy-to-make bar form, ideal for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. Plus, they’re gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free!

Why You’ll Love These Pop Tart Bars

• Simple Ingredients: Made with almond flour, coconut flour, maple syrup, and jam, these bars are naturally sweetened and nutrient-dense.

• Easy to Make: No need to shape individual pop tarts—just press into a pan and bake!

• Customizable: Use your favorite jam flavors and even experiment with different frostings.

• Better-for-You: These bars are made with wholesome ingredients, making them a healthier take on traditional pop tarts.

Ingredients Needed

• Almond flour – A nutrient-rich, gluten-free flour that provides a tender texture.
• Coconut flour –Helps absorb moisture and adds a slight sweetness.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture; can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Maple syrup – A natural sweetener that adds depth of flavor and keeps the bars soft.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor and adds a warm, sweet aroma.
• Jam of choice – The filling that gives the pop tart bars their fruity goodness; opt for a high-quality, low-sugar jam.
• Powdered sugar – Creates a classic, sweet frosting for the bars.
• Milk of choice – Helps achieve the right consistency for the frosting. Non-dairy or dairy milk both work.
• Sprinkles – For a fun, colorful finishing touch!

Instructions

Make the Pop Tarts:

1. First preheat oven to 350℉ and line a 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray.
2. To a large bowl, add the almond flour, coconut flour, salt, and baking soda. Whisk to combine.
3. Add the melted butter, the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Then using a rubber spatula, stir until well combined and a dough forms.
4. Next transfer half of the dough into the prepared pan and press into an even layer using a rubber spatula or damp hands. Next, spread the jam across the base, using a rubber spatula to spread into an even layer.
5. Next place one sheet of parchment paper on the counter and place the remaining dough in the center. Top with a second sheet of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 8×8 square. Carefully remove the top sheet of parchment paper from the dough.
6. Gently slide the roll dough with the bottom sheet of parchment off the counter and carefully flip on top of the jam. Next gently press down on the edges until most of the jam is covered.
7. Then bake for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden brown.
8. Next remove from the oven and let cool in the pan (I add to fridge to speed up when I am impatient). Once cooled, transfer to a baking rack to finish cooling.

Make the frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
2. Next set aside until the bars are completely cool.
3. Once bars are completely cool, add the frosting, spreading with a spatula and top with sprinkles.
4. Finally place into the fridge to allow the frosting to harden, at least 20 minutes.
5. Then slice and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Pop Tart Bars

• Use Quality Jam: The better the jam, the better the flavor! Opt for a high-quality fruit spread without added sugars.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting into the bars.

• Make It Vegan: Swap out the butter for melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

• Try Different Flavors: Use different jam varieties like raspberry, blueberry, or apricot for a fun twist.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months and thaw and add frosting before serving.

In Summary

These homemade Pop Tart Bars are a delicious, fun, and healthier alternative to the classic toaster pastries. So whether you’re making them for kids, serving them at brunch, or just craving a nostalgic treat, these bars are sure to be a hit! Try them today and enjoy a homemade twist on a childhood favorite.

A Few Other Recipes Inspired by Store-bought Treats:

Vegan Nutter Butter Cookies

Copycat Snickers Peanut Brownie Bars (gluten-free)

The BEST Gluten-free Twix Bars!

Healthier Thin Mint Cookies (gluten-free)