Description
Delicious homemade chocolate pop tarts with a rich fudge filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 rolls Store-Bought Pie Crust
- 1 batch Homemade Dough (Optional)
- 1 batch Gluten-Free Pie Crust (Optional)
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk (or Cream)
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar)
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons Milk (or Cream) (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for glaze)
- Sprinkles (Optional)
- 1 Egg (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon Water or Milk (for Egg Wash)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pastry Dough: If using store-bought pie crusts, take them out of the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before you start, so they’re easier to unroll without cracking. Carefully unroll both pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a pastry wheel, trim the rounded edges to create even rectangles. Then, cut each large rectangle into 3×5-inch smaller rectangles. You should get about 4 rectangles per pie crust, totaling 8 rectangles. Place half of these rectangles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. These will be the bottom crusts.
- Make the Chocolate Fudge Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, whole milk (or chosen alternative), unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a consistency similar to pudding. Remove from heat. If using chocolate chips, stir them in now until fully melted and smooth. Let the fudge filling cool down for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Assemble the Pop Tarts: Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled chocolate fudge filling onto the center of each of the bottom pastry rectangles. Leave a clear ½-inch border around all sides of the filling. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with a tablespoon of water or milk to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the exposed pastry borders around the fudge filling with the egg wash. Carefully place the remaining pastry rectangles over the fudge-topped ones, aligning the edges as best as you can. Using the tines of a fork, gently press down around all four edges of each Pop Tart to seal them securely. With a small fork or a toothpick, gently prick the top of each Pop Tart a few times.
- Bake the Pop Tarts: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled Pop Tarts for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Pop Tarts cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and Glaze: While the Pop Tarts are cooling, prepare the chocolate glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of milk (or chosen alternative), and vanilla extract. Add more milk, a tiny bit at a time, until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Once the Pop Tarts are fully cooled, spread a thin layer of the chocolate glaze over the top of each one. If desired, immediately sprinkle with your favorite colorful or chocolate sprinkles before the glaze sets. Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Homemade dough can be used instead of store-bought for a fresher taste.
- Gluten-free crusts can be used for dietary restrictions.
- Allowing the fudge filling to cool is crucial for assembling the pop tarts without leaking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop tart
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg