There is something utterly magical about biting into a warm, flaky pastry filled with a gooey combination of chocolate and marshmallow, with just the perfect hint of graham cracker crunch. If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing that classic campfire treat in a fun, handheld dessert, the S’mores Pop Tarts Recipe is exactly what you need. These homemade pop tarts perfectly balance crispiness, smooth chocolate ganache, and that iconic toasted marshmallow sweetness all wrapped in buttery dough. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your new favorite way to enjoy s’mores anytime you want, no campfire required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in delivering the classic s’mores experience, from the buttery crust to the rich ganache filling, and the fluffy marshmallows on top.
- 150 grams (1 ¼ cup) flour: The base for the tender, flaky pastry that holds everything together.
- 1 ½ tsp sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the crust without overpowering the filling.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances the buttery taste.
- 1/2 graham cracker, finely crushed: Adds authentic s’mores flavor and a subtle crunch to the dough.
- 4 oz (½ cup) butter, chilled and cubed: Creates that irresistible flaky texture when baked.
- 2-3 1/2 tablespoon ice water: Brings the dough together without melting the butter.
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped: For a rich, deep chocolate filling that pairs beautifully with sweetness.
- 56 grams (1/4 cup) heavy whipping cream: Transforms chopped chocolate into a luscious ganache.
- 30 mini marshmallows: The gooey, stretchy star of the s’mores filling.
- 1 egg: Used for the egg wash to give the crust a golden glaze.
- 2 tsp water: Mixed with egg for the perfect egg wash consistency.
- 170 grams (1 ½ cups) powdered sugar: Base for the glossy frosting topping.
- 10 grams (2 tbsp) unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolatey flavor of the icing.
- 1 tbsp meringue powder: Helps the frosting set with a nice sheen and structure.
- 2 ½ tbsp milk: Adds smoothness to the frosting.
- 1 tsp vanilla: A subtle warmth to round out the icing’s flavor.
How to Make S’mores Pop Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the dough
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, salt, and crushed graham cracker. This blend creates the perfect base with that signature crunch and sweetness. Next, work the chilled butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like little pea-sized crumbs—that’s the secret for flaky layers. Pour in ice water gradually just until the dough holds together. Form it into a disc, wrap, and chill it for about 20-30 minutes to relax the gluten and keep the butter cold.
Step 2: Make the chocolate ganache filling
While the dough chills, chop the bittersweet chocolate finely so it melts smoothly. Warm the heavy cream in short bursts, stirring until it’s hot but not boiling. Pour this over the chocolate and stir until it forms a smooth, shiny ganache. Let this cool and then refrigerate it so the filling thickens up enough to pipe easily into the tarts without spreading.
Step 3: Roll and cut the dough
Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness—thin enough for tenderness but thick enough to hold the filling. Cut the dough into six rectangles, approximately 4.5″ x 4″, arranging them on a parchment-lined sheet. Pop them back into the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up, which prevents shrinking during baking.
Step 4: Assemble the pop tarts
Mix the egg and water for an egg wash that will give your crust that irresistible golden-brown finish. Transfer the ganache to a pastry bag for clean, controlled piping. Pipe three lines of ganache onto three of the dough rectangles, leaving a one-inch border all around. Nestle 10 mini marshmallows between the ganache strips on each. Brush the back of the remaining dough rectangles with egg wash, then gently place them over the fillings, pressing the edges to seal.
Step 5: Seal, vent, and bake
For neatness, trim any excess dough from the edges. Use a fork to crimp all around each pop tart, sealing the filling securely inside and adding a charming pattern. Poke a few tiny holes on top of each to allow steam to escape, then brush the tops with egg wash. Bake in a preheated oven at 350º F for 30-35 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. After baking, let them cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Step 6: Frost and finish
Whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and meringue powder to create a rich chocolate frosting base. Add milk and vanilla and mix until smooth and fluffy. Carefully pipe the frosting atop each cooled pop tart, leaving edges clean for a pretty finish. Smooth it with an offset spatula if desired. Your irresistible homemade s’mores pop tarts are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve S’mores Pop Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
Top your pop tarts with a sprinkle of finely crushed graham cracker crumbs or a few toasted mini marshmallows for an extra touch of texture and visual appeal. A delicate drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder elevates the presentation and flavor to the next level.
Side Dishes
These S’mores Pop Tarts are a sweet treat all on their own but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich hot cocoa. For a brunch twist, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to balance their sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn these pop tarts into a stunning dessert platter? Arrange a batch on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker sticks for a fun DIY s’mores bar. Wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine, they also make charming homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover S’mores Pop Tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, the crust might lose some of its crispness, but warming them slightly can bring back that fresh-baked charm.
Freezing
Want to make these ahead of time? Pop the assembled but unbaked pop tarts into the freezer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to baking time.
Reheating
To bring your pop tarts back to life, warm them in a 325º F oven for about 5-10 minutes. This melts the chocolate delightfully and makes the marshmallows soft and gooey again, mimicking that just-baked experience perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Yes, but you’ll want to cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces to fit nicely inside the pop tarts. Mini marshmallows are ideal for even distribution and melting evenly.
Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend suitable for baking. Be sure to check the graham cracker ingredient or substitute with gluten-free alternatives to keep the authentic taste.
Can I substitute the bittersweet chocolate with milk chocolate?
Of course! Milk chocolate will make the filling sweeter and creamier, so adjust sugar in the dough slightly if desired to keep the balance perfect.
How long do the pop tarts last once frosted?
Once frosted, it’s best to enjoy these pop tarts within 24 hours as the frosting may soften, and the pastry may lose its crisp texture over time.
Can these be made vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like vegan butter, dairy-free cream, and an egg replacer for the wash, you can definitely adapt this S’mores Pop Tarts Recipe to suit a vegan diet!
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of baking something homemade that brings such a beloved nostalgic treat to your kitchen in a new, exciting form. The S’mores Pop Tarts Recipe offers the perfect mix of flaky pastry, luscious chocolate, and marshmallow sweetness in a way that’s easy to make and impossible not to love. Grab your ingredients, invite some friends over, and make this recipe your next showstopper dessert—you won’t regret it!
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S’mores Pop Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings (6 pop tarts, 2 per serving)
Description
Delight in these homemade S’mores Pop Tarts, a nostalgic treat with flaky, buttery pastry filled with rich chocolate ganache and gooey mini marshmallows, topped with a smooth cocoa glaze. Perfectly golden and crisp from the oven, these pop tarts offer a fun, indulgent twist on classic campfire s’mores, ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 150 grams (1 ¼ cup) flour
- 1 ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ graham cracker, finely crushed
- 4 oz (½ cup) butter, chilled and cubed
- 2–3 ½ tbsp ice water
Filling
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 56 grams (1/4 cup) heavy whipping cream
- 30 mini marshmallows
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp water
Frosting
- 170 grams (1 ½ cups) powdered sugar
- 10 grams (2 tbsp) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp meringue powder
- 2 ½ tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350º F (175º C) to prepare for baking the pop tarts.
- Make Dough Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and finely crushed graham cracker until evenly combined.
- Incorporate Butter: Using your hands or a pastry blender, blend the chilled, cubed butter into the flour mixture until the butter pieces are about the size of peas, creating a coarse texture.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually pour the ice water over the mixture and stir gently until the dough begins to come together.
- Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache Filling: Place the chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heat-safe bowl. Warm the heavy cream in short 10-second intervals in the microwave until hot, stirring between intervals.
- Combine Ganache: Pour the heated cream over the chocolate and stir until smooth. Reheat briefly if necessary until fully melted. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until cold.
- Roll Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a ruler and pastry cutter to cut a 9″ by 12″ rectangle.
- Cut Dough into Rectangles: Cut the 12″ side into three columns about 4 inches wide each, then cut the 9″ side in half, creating six rectangles roughly 4.5″ by 4″.
- Chill Rectangles: Place the six dough rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for another 15-20 minutes to keep firm.
- Make Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl to create the egg wash for sealing and glazing.
- Fill Pop Tarts: Transfer the chilled ganache to a piping bag. Pipe three even rows of ganache in the center of three dough rectangles, leaving about a one-inch border. Add 10 mini marshmallows spaced evenly between the ganache rows on each tart.
- Seal Pop Tarts: Brush one side of the remaining three rectangles with egg wash and place them egg wash-side down over the filled rectangles. Gently press around the edges to seal.
- Final Chill: Return the sealed pop tarts to the refrigerator to chill slightly before baking.
- Trim and Crimp Edges: Trim any excess dough for neat edges and press around the perimeter with a fork to fully seal each pop tart.
- Vent and Glaze Tops: Poke holes on top of each pop tart with a toothpick or fork to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops generously with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake the pop tarts for 30-35 minutes or until they turn a golden brown shade. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: Sift powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and meringue powder into a large bowl. Add milk and vanilla and mix until smooth, thick, and spreadable.
- Frost Pop Tarts: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and carefully apply it on top of each cooled pop tart, avoiding edges. Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the frosting set slightly, then serve these delicious s’mores-inspired pop tarts warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Keep the dough well-chilled to ensure flaky and tender pop tarts.
- Be sure to seal the edges well to prevent the chocolate and marshmallow filling from leaking during baking.
- You can substitute bittersweet chocolate for semi-sweet if preferred for a sweeter filling.
- If mini marshmallows are not available, regular marshmallows cut into small pieces can work.
- The frosting can be adjusted for thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
