Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Pop-Tarts.
Something about the month of September makes me think of Pop-Tarts.
Really, I don’t know why that is. Maybe it’s the whole back to school thing, or maybe it’s because September to me means back to baking decadent things?? I don’t know, but either way I always think about Pop-Tarts in September. Do you remember way back, like two years ago when I made the chocolate fudge version of these pop-tarts? That recipe is one of the most popular on this site and… with good sticking reason…they are simply the best! I mean, the fudge filling is everything.
With all that said, I have been wanting to try out a peanut butter fudge version for a while now, and when September rolled around, my brain said “ok, Tieghan, it’s time!”. So happy about this, because the peanut butter fudge situation is one for the books. Meaning, it’s equally awesome to the chocolate fudge version.
One version isn’t any better than the other, you’re just either in a chocolate, chocolate mood or chocolate peanut butter mood. Make sense??
Here’s the deal, don’t be afraid of making homemade Pop-Tarts, it’s actually a lot easier than you may think. Yes, you do have to make pie dough and roll it out, but I promise, you can do it!!
And just remember, the Pop-Tarts do not have to look perfect. Perfection is so overrated anyway. I am quickly learning this the hard way, but I am learning!!
The other day, I totally failed miserably at a bread recipe I was trying out. Like I burnt the top, almost to the point of blackness, but everything underneath was still totally doughy. This was my second try on this loaf of bread. Basically when I realized what I did I almost broke down in tears. BUT, I pulled myself together and bingo! I had the best idea. I just pulled off the top piece and put it back in the oven (covered with foil this time) and baked it till it smelled amazing. It wasn’t all that pretty, but it tasted amazing and was a total hit. AND, I didn’t end up wasting all those ingredients. So see, perfection is not always the best thing, you know?
WAIT… MAJOR RANDOM TALK: My brother Kai and Blake (I hope you all know who Blake is by now…) just walked in with pictures of cats. Like they really want me to get this cat. They keep bugging me to come to the shelter and look at the cats and I keep turning them down. I am still on the fence about whether or not I REALLY want a cat. I mean, I know they are easy, but I don’t know. I am WAY over thinking this thing. I should probably just get that cute all black cat before he is gone from the shelter. I’m sure getting a cat would take care of my mice problem, and let’s be honest, you know I would fall in love with it. I’m thinking his name will be either Killer (because that is what the boys keep calling him) or Crookshanks (…like Hermione Granger’s cat…because I am Harry Potter obsessed). I am leaning towards Killer, since the cat I want is black and looks nothing like Hermione’s fluffy tan cat…but oh my gosh, I would really love to have a cat named Crookshanks, so I don’t know. The decision struggle is REAL.
I guess I better actually get the cat before I start stressing about the name. Guys. I just don’t know what to do here. I want the cat, I don’t want the cat? UGH. My mind.
It is CRAZY. Like I am a full on crazy person and I know it. What do you think? Cat? No cat?
Do you think cats like peanut butter? Like I know that dogs do, but I have never heard of cats being into human food. Is that a thing?
If it is, I need to know because if this new Killer cat is going to be getting into my Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Pop-Tarts, we are going to have issues. No one messes with my chocolate, peanut butter goodness. It sounds a little serious, but I think you guys know by now, I am pretty serious about my chocolate.
This cat needs to have a diet of mice. But um, I am totally freaking that he will leave the mouse by my pillow or something. Eew.
Ok, stopping with the cat talk now. But really, I think I kind of want this cat now. After seeing the picture I really want to cuddle with it. See, I knew they should have never showed me the picture. Once you see an animal, you just have to HAVE it. Puppies are the worst though. Like how do you walk away from a fluffy puppy? You just can’t.
Ok, I am done. I swear. No more from me.
Or well, after this…
Make some homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Pop-Tarts, feel like a kid again and be all happy inside. Yes, DO IT.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Pop-Tarts.
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate, fudge, peanut butter, pop tart
A homemade take on the classic treat - so chocolatey!
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Fuge Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sticks cold butter cut into 1/2 inch pieces, 12
- 1/2 cup ice cold water
Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3-6 tablespoons water
- 2 ounces dark or milk chocolate melted
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter warmed
- coarse salt or sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
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Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
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To make the peanut butter fudge filling, beat together the peanut butter, 2 tablespoons butter, powdered sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar and salt. Add chunks of the butter and mix with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture is crumbly. Gradually add the water until the mixture is moistened and a dough forms. Place the dough in between two large sheets of parchment paper or onto a lightly floured surface. Then roll out into a 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into rectangles, about 6 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches. Place a heaping tablespoon of the peanut butter filling on one half of the rectangle. Lay the other half of the dough over the filling and seal the edges by crimping with the back of a fork. Repeat until all the dough has been used, saving the scraps and re-rolling to make more rectangles. Cover the baking sheets and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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Bake the pop-tarts for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.
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While the pop-tarts cool make the frosting. In the bowl of stand mixer, mix the powdered sugar, meringue powder, vanilla, cocoa powder and 3 tablespoons water for about 7-10 minutes on medium speed, until peaks begin to form. Stir in the melted chocolate. If your frosting seems too thick, add water to thin. I found 5 tablespoons of water was good.
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Spoon a thin layer of the frosting on top of the cooled pop-tarts. Allow frosting to harden 10 minutes and then if desired drizzle with warmed peanut butter and sprinkle with course salt or course sugar. Place on a baking sheet and allow the tart to harden uncovered, about 2 hours. Store in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Recipe Notes
*I do not recommend placing frosted pop-tarts in the toaster as the frosting will melt. If you want to toast, leave the frosting off the pop-tarts, toast and then add the frosting just before eating. *Recipe adapted from my [Homemade Chocolate Fudge Pop-Tarts | https://dev.halfbakedharvest.com/homemade-chocolate-fudge-poptarts/].
Oh, and enjoy these with a big glass of cold milk. Yes. DO THIS too.
girl, these look all kinds of amazing!!!
http://bloglairdutemps.blogspot.pt/
Oh I could eat these right now especially spoonfuls of the peanut butter.
I will have to have peanut butter today.
Get the cat! We have two. I always thought people with cats were slightly crazy about their pets, but now I understand. Our cats have enriched our lives. These pop tarts look amazing, btw!
Get the cat but name him Cruller…starts with cr like crookshanks, sounds like killer, but with a baker girl vibe 🙂
And also…these look amazing! Will be making as soon as it isn’t 97 degrees.
Can’t wait to try these. I know all the boys in my house will devour them in a heartbeat! Get the cat, no mice on the pillow but maybe on your doorstep. We have 2 and they are great. However, with any pet there are pluses and minuses….. just like people 🙂
I don’t think you will regret it.
Get the cat! I rescued two a couple years ago from the shelter and they are the little loves of my life. Fair warning, you will probably get the dead mice as a “present” when you wake up. We have these toy mice and they always end up around our bed in the morning. Twice, we even woke up to the kitchen sponge in the bed (gross!!!).
I just had to stop by. These photos were calling me from Twitter and Google+. These are incredible with the perfect combo of flavors. I’ve got to try them for the kids. I’d probably win ‘Mom of the Year’ then. 🙂
Hope all is well with you Tieghan!
Oh wow. Those are seriously gorgeous.. These would last all of 1 second at my house. We had a cat that went nuts for red licorice. Nuts! If it were up to me I’d be a crazy cat lady. Thankfully my loved ones made sure I had an early intervention. 😉
Whoa these pop tarts are so cool!! And they look deliciously chocolatey and fudgey 😉 Also I vote to get the cat!! It’s a lot of work having a pet, especially if you live alone, but I’ve found it to be so worth it!! 🙂
Tieghan, these look soooooo good!! I think you should get the cat! My boyfriend and I are talking about getting a cat when we get our own place. And by talk, I mean I want a cat and he’s generously putting up with the idea of it. Crookshanks is an awesome kitty name, just sayin’.
I love the things your brain thinks of – these look fantastic – want one now!
Get a cat cause you want a cat – not all cats are mousers – many will ignore them – I’m all for getting a cat – but not just for the mice 🙂
These are so cute/beautiful! They look like the gourmet, infinitely more delicious version of what I grew up eating sometimes before school. Bravo!
Best of luck deciding on adopting a cat (and the name of said cat!)
xx Sydney
These poptarts look delicious. I am afraid to try making poptarts but I do have a couple recipes saved so I will try them..eventually.
On the cat thing. You could try fostering a cat and see if you like it. Our humane society here have people who foster the cats and dogs so your shelter might too.
Adding unneeded information – my fiancé wants a cat (a fat one with a squished face along with a turtle and big dog). But every time I think of cats I think of having hair everywhere ahhh.
Please get the cat and name him Crookshanks!!! Like that would literally make me soooo happy!! I love Harry Potter too, plus it doesn’t matter if he’s not ginger, any cat will do!! Love the look of these Pop Tarts, I’m definitely gonna have to make them before school starts!:)
Wow, these look decadent indeed!
Get the cat! They truly are supremely easy to take care of, as long as you know it’s personality. It’s like having a fuzzy roommate, who never cleans, but you love anyway. It’s 100% worth it if you’re an animal person.
Also poptars – yes please!
Get the cat! I got two (brothers) about six months ago, and it has totally changed my mood when I am at home. I absolutely adore them, and have turned into a total cat lady. Also, I named them Remus and Percy. HP for life. 🙂
Oh my gosh. This made my day. Remus and Percy! I am dying. that is amazing! 🙂
I cannot wait to try these…like tomorrow morning!
-Jessica
http://www.wearitforless.com
These look amazing! Is there any substitute for the meringue powder in the frosting, or is it possible to omit it?
HI! You can just omit. The frosting will not get that shininess to it, but it is totally fine! 🙂
I am pinning this to make soon. Who can resist poptarts!
xoxoBella | http://xoxobella.com
PB fudge tarts, that sounds delicious and they look amazing too! A belated congratulations on the new book! It will be beautiful and I can’t wait to check it out when it comes out.
These look insane! I’m going to have to try making these very soon (minus the peanut butter)!
PS I don’t think you would regret getting a cat they are so easy to look after and so affectionate!
& Projects
Love these poptarts…I’m going to have to try to make them…Get the cat..you’ll save him from a life in a shelter and he’ll save you from a home full of mice…and all that unconditional love it’s a win win
I’m seriously blown away just looking at these poptarts, they look like pop-tarts you buy at the store! and this combo of flavors has my heart. Anything with chocolate and peanut butter is my favorite. Gotta love that these are made with real wholesome ingredients and not preservatives! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Get the cat!!!!! Just sayin’ 😉 Kitties bring so much love and happiness.
Also, homemade poptarts sound amazing! For some reason, they sound slightly intimidating, but you have encouraged me to give them a try.
Tieghan, your Peanut Butter Fudge Pop Tarts look amazing, so making these 🙂
and definitely….get the cat, they are so lovable, you will not regret it :-). All our pets are rescues (3 dogs and four cats) all with different personalities and they are the best !
Hope we see a pic of Killer or Crookshanks or whatever cool name your choose, soon. 🙂
I am definitely making these for my family next weekend. Chocolate+ PB= Life.
And by the way, I vote for the name Crookshanks!
Just wondering where we might get that cute little cutter you used to form the pop tarts. Could you direct us to a seller? Thanks!
These look incredible!! They’re finished so beautifully. Oh, where can I buy that pop-tart sealing tool? It would really come in handy…
Pop tarts were my CHILDHOOD! These look sooooooooo much better though!
These pop tarts look like the best ever, love the peanut butter fudge filling!
I just made pop tarts this weekend! These look amazing…need to try the chocolate peanut butter version for sure!
I made these this weekend and they are amazing!!! Thanks for the recipe!
I think pets are a wonderful addition to a household. While we’re more dog people, I think there are some really great, loving cats that are definitely nice to have around.
So, I haven’t consumed pop tarts in years… but my favorite was definitely the chocolate (whose wasn’t?). These look magical!
I was wondering on how to store any potential leftovers? ☺
Cats are a big responsibility :). These look amazing, and I’m not even a big pop tart fan!
Thank you!
Seriously! This is awesome! I can make my own pop tarts. I’m making these and those white chocolate strawberry ones. Question, where can I get myself one of those pop tart maker tools I see in your picture?
haha! That is actually just a ravioli cutter! I order it on Amazon I believe and I only used it to crimp the edges. Link below! 🙂
https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Run-Ravioli-Cutters-Set/dp/B00BGR7C2U/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1491970930&sr=8-5&keywords=ravioli+stamp
Could you use something else other than powdered sugar?
Hi Jenn,
Sorry but the powdered sugar is key. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I’m so excited to try this recipe! Quick clarification question: how much butter is needed for the dough? I’ve been searching for a pop tart recipe and I saw that other pop tart recipe of yours called for sticks so i was going to assume this was suppose to say sticks of butter, not tablespoon sticks, but I also didn’t want to assume and have the recipe turn out wrong ☺️. Chocolate and peanut butter are my favorite thing so this will obviously have to be the pop tart recipe I try first! Thank you and I just feel the necessity to say that I LOVE all your recipes!
Hi Caryn,
Sorry for the confusion, it is 1 1/2 sticks of butter. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Can’t wait to try these! Another quick question on the butter, I see that there’s a ’12’ after the sticks of butter for the pie dough. Just to clarify, is it 12 of the 1 1/2 inch sticks that are needed? Even better, do you know approximately how many grams of butter are needed?