Description
These Chocolate Fudge Pop Tart Bars are an indulgent treat featuring a rich chocolate fudge filling sandwiched between two layers of cocoa-infused cookie dough. Finished with a luscious chocolate-cocoa frosting and a sprinkle of coarse salt or sugar, they are the perfect baked dessert to satisfy any chocolate lover’s craving.
Ingredients
Chocolate Fudge Filling
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, cubed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cookie Dough
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Cocoa Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons water (plus extra 1-2 tablespoons if needed)
- 3.2 ounces dark or milk chocolate, melted
Topping
- Coarse salt or sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Make the filling: In a bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup cocoa powder. Heat the milk or heavy cream in a pot over medium heat until steaming, about 5 minutes. Pour the hot milk over the chocolate mixture and whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Whisk in the cubed salted butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the cookie dough: Using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the egg and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; beat until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- Shape and layer dough: Divide the dough in half. Press one half evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer. On a separate sheet of parchment paper, trace a 9×9 inch square. Roll out the remaining half of the dough slightly larger than this square. Set this rolled dough aside carefully.
- Assemble bars: Spread the cooled chocolate fudge filling evenly over the pressed dough in the baking dish. Carefully invert the rolled dough square over the filling and press down gently to seal the edges and secure the top layer. Trim any excess dough from the edges.
- Freeze and bake: Place the assembled bars in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up. Then bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the filling is just set and the edges are firm. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the baking dish.
- Prepare the frosting: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons water until smooth. Stir in the melted dark or milk chocolate. If the frosting is too thick, thin it with 1 to 2 additional tablespoons of water until spreadable.
- Frost and finish: Spread the chocolate cocoa frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Let the frosting set for a few minutes, then sprinkle the top with coarse salt or sugar for added texture and flavor. Allow the frosting to dry completely before slicing into bars.
- Serve or store: Cut the pop tart bars into 16 squares. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Using whole milk will result in a creamier filling, but heavy cream can be used for a richer texture.
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing when preparing the dough.
- Freezing the assembled bars before baking helps maintain the structure and prevents the top layer from sliding.
- Letting the bars cool completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter, but be sure to add a pinch of extra salt to balance flavors.
- Adjust the amount of water in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency for easy spreading.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
