Malted Milk Chocolate Robin’s Egg Pop Tarts

These Malted Milk Chocolate Robin’s Egg Pop Tarts are a festive and fun treat inspired by the classic Robin’s Egg Whoppers candy. Featuring a buttery, flaky crust, a rich malted milk chocolate ganache filling, and a beautiful pastel glaze with a speckled finish, these homemade pop tarts are a perfect Easter indulgence. They’re as delicious as they are beautiful, and you can customize the glaze colors to suit any occasion!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 4-6 tbsp ice water
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash)

Filling:

  • 6 oz milk chocolate, finely chopped (use high-quality chocolate, not chips)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup malted milk powder (such as Horlick’s or Carnation)
  • Pinch of salt

Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4-6 tbsp water
  • Pinch of Himalayan pink salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract, divided
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • Food coloring of choice (e.g., robin’s egg blue, peach, pink, off-white)

Directions

Make the Crust:

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender (or pulse in a food processor) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Add egg yolks and 4 tbsp of ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Add additional water if needed.
  3. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Make the Filling:

  1. Place chopped milk chocolate and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream and malted milk powder over medium-high heat until it just comes to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes before stirring until smooth.
  4. Let the ganache firm up until scoopable, then place tablespoon-sized dollops onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 2 hours.

Assemble and Bake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Roll out one dough disc on a lightly floured surface to ⅛-inch thick. Cut rounds using a 2-3 inch round cookie cutter and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Brush half the circles with egg wash, then place a frozen ganache dollop in the center. Top with another dough round and crimp the edges with a fork.
  4. Poke small holes on top for steam release. If the dough gets warm, chill the assembled pop tarts for 10-15 minutes in the freezer.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before glazing.

Decorate:

  1. Whisk powdered sugar, water, salt, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
  2. Divide glaze into bowls and tint with food coloring.
  3. Dip or drizzle the cooled pop tarts with glaze.
  4. In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Use a dry pastry brush to flick speckles onto the glaze.
  5. Let set, then enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Protein: 4g

The Classic Pop Tart, Reimagined

While the traditional pop tart is a beloved snack, this homemade version takes it up a notch. The flaky, buttery crust is light and perfectly golden, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, rich filling. Inside, the malted milk chocolate ganache brings a creamy, slightly nutty flavor, reminiscent of the chocolate malted milk candies we all know and love. The use of high-quality milk chocolate ensures the ganache is smooth and velvety, while the malted milk powder adds a signature malted flavor that sets these pop tarts apart from the regular crowd. The sweet glaze adds the finishing touch, both in taste and appearance, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or a special breakfast treat.

The Perfect Crust: Buttery, Flaky, and Light

The crust of a pop tart is one of its most important components, and this recipe ensures that the crust is buttery, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The key to achieving this texture is using cold butter and minimal handling. The dough comes together easily with just a few ingredients—flour, butter, and egg yolks—and chilling it before rolling ensures it doesn’t become too soft, keeping the crust light and flaky when baked. The addition of the egg wash gives the crust a golden, glossy finish, making it even more appetizing. Once baked, the pop tarts have a satisfying crunch on the outside, which perfectly balances the creamy, rich interior.

The Malted Milk Chocolate Ganache: A Decadent Filling

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the malted milk chocolate ganache. This indulgent filling is made by combining high-quality milk chocolate with heavy cream and malted milk powder, creating a rich, creamy texture with a delightful malt flavor. The ganache is allowed to firm up before being placed in the center of the pop tarts, ensuring it stays thick and smooth while baking. As the pop tarts bake, the ganache filling melts just slightly, giving the pop tart a perfect gooey consistency that pairs beautifully with the crunchy crust. The malted milk powder not only adds flavor but also a sense of nostalgia, evoking the delicious taste of malted milk balls and milkshakes.

Customization: Glazes and Speckles for Fun and Festivity

One of the most fun aspects of making these Robin’s Egg Pop Tarts is the ability to customize the glaze colors to fit any occasion. The glaze, made with powdered sugar and water, can be tinted with food coloring to create any shade of pastel, from soft robin’s egg blue to peach, pink, or off-white. This makes the pop tarts ideal for Easter celebrations, but also for baby showers, springtime gatherings, or birthday parties. The glaze is applied generously over the top, covering the pop tarts in a beautiful, glossy finish that sets as it cools.

To further elevate the aesthetic, the pop tarts are finished with chocolate speckles, which are achieved by brushing a mixture of cocoa powder and vanilla extract over the glazed surface. This gives the pop tarts their signature speckled look, reminiscent of Robin’s eggs, making them not only delicious but visually stunning. The speckles add a fun and festive touch that’s perfect for any special occasion, especially when served as part of an Easter brunch or dessert table.

Easy to Make and Perfect for Any Occasion

Despite their elegant appearance and rich flavors, these Malted Milk Chocolate Robin’s Egg Pop Tarts are surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward, with the most time-consuming step being the chilling of the dough and the freezing of the ganache. This makes the recipe manageable even for beginner bakers. The beauty of these pop tarts lies in their versatility: they are not only perfect for holiday celebrations, but also a fun, creative option for everyday breakfasts or snacks.

The fact that this recipe uses readily available ingredients like milk chocolate, malted milk powder, and sourdough bread makes it practical for anyone who wants to try their hand at making homemade pop tarts. The use of fresh ingredients also guarantees a higher-quality treat compared to store-bought pop tarts, which are often packed with preservatives and artificial flavors. By making these at home, you get to control the ingredients and the quality, ensuring a fresher and more satisfying end result.

Nutritional Information and Health Considerations

Although these Malted Milk Chocolate Robin’s Egg Pop Tarts are indulgent, they still offer some nutritional benefits. The malted milk chocolate ganache is rich in protein due to the use of milk chocolate and cream cheese, and the dough contains a moderate amount of fat from the butter. Additionally, the fresh fruit and the glaze add a touch of sweetness while keeping the portion size manageable.

If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider reducing the sugar in the glaze or using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the ganache. You could also substitute part of the butter in the crust for a healthier fat option like coconut oil or avocado oil to reduce the saturated fat content. While these modifications may alter the flavor slightly, they can still result in a satisfying and lighter version of this indulgent treat.

Conclusion: A Fun and Festive Treat for Any Occasion

These Malted Milk Chocolate Robin’s Egg Pop Tarts are the perfect combination of fun, festivity, and indulgence. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion like Easter, a spring brunch, or just as a treat to enjoy with your family, these pop tarts are sure to impress. With a flaky, buttery crust, a creamy malted milk chocolate filling, and a beautiful pastel glaze, they are both a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The addition of the chocolate speckles and the customizable glaze colors make them a standout dessert that’s both delicious and visually appealing.

Not only are these pop tarts a fun way to celebrate special occasions, but they also provide a creative outlet for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, you’ll enjoy the process of making these from scratch and sharing them with friends and family. So go ahead, try these Malted Milk Chocolate Robin’s Egg Pop Tarts for your next gathering or simply as a way to enjoy a nostalgic treat with a twist.

Leave a Comment