Australia’s love affair for decadent desserts has blossomed in recent years, with many Australian chefs looking to take desserts to the next level. Leading this charge is Andy Bowden, pastry chef at Hartsyard, who’s out to create a fresh take on the ice cream sandwich using Pop-Tarts as the inspiration.

Famous in Sydney’s food scene for his wicked cakes and delectable soft serves, Bowden has created two Pop-Tarts ice cream sandwich recipes which dessert-loving Aussies can recreate at home. And for a limited run later this month and in February, Bowden will also be dishing out two Pop-Tarts inspired soft serves at Hartsyard.

“Aussies definitely have a soft spot for dessert and there’s a big nostalgic trend happening right now. I like to reflect on my own childhood memories when I’m creating a recipe and make something epic and over the top, which is what I’ve done with Pop-Tarts ice cream sandwiches. The recipes will look and taste decadent - I like people to eat with their eyes before their mouth,” said Bowden.

“The key is to keep it interesting and I’ve created recipes which highlight some of my favourite flavour combinations. For example, salted white chocolate ice cream with coconut jam sandwiched between Strawberry Sensation Flavour Pop-Tarts. Then there’s fresh banana ice cream with dark chocolate ganache, potato chips and dark chocolate caramel sauce sandwiched between Chocotastic Pop-Tarts. I hope people are going to love them as much as I do when making them at home,” Bowden added.

Well-documented for his creative take on the classic soft serve, Bowden is uncharacteristically quiet when quizzed about the ingredients that he will be using to build the Pop-Tarts soft serves. “I want to keep these as a surprise, but I’ve definitely had a lot of fun in the kitchen recently experimenting with different flavour combinations.”

Pop-Tarts caravan takes to the road in Sydney

To help combat the hot and humid weather recently, the Pop-Tarts #CrazyGood caravan will also be hitting the road this weekend and setting up shop at Sydney’s Wet ‘n’ Wild, the first of four destinations in its tour to make Sydney just that little bit more delicious.

Take your pick between the Frosted Chocotastic Pop-Tarts ice cream sandwich and the Frosted Strawberry Sensation Flavour Pop-Tarts ice cream sandwich, both served with vanilla ice cream. And then, put your wallet away – all you need to do is follow @PopTartsAU on Instagram, and post an image with #CrazyGood as the hashtag to receive one (limited to one sandwich per person).

Marcela Diaz, Brand Manager for Pop-Tarts, is excited to share the deliciousness of Pop-Tarts ice cream sandwiches.

“Pop-Tarts are going to delight people throughout summer with the Pop Tarts caravan tour and our delicious Pop- Tarts ice cream sandwiches. We hope people get the chance to try Pop-Tarts if they haven’t before; or to relive their childhood favourite in a new and refreshing way, because they’re crazy good!”

Pop-Tarts caravan locations

• Wet ‘n’ Wild, Sydney – Saturday 24 January, 3pm – 10pm
• Australian Open of Surfing, Manly Beach – Saturday 7 February & Sunday 8 February, 10am – 5pm
• Australian Open of Surfing, Manly Beach – Saturday 14 February & Sunday 15 February, 10am – 5pm
• Bondi Beach, Bondi – Saturday 21 February, 10am – 4pm
• Good Life Music Festival, Randwick – Sunday 1 March, 11am – 7pm

Pop-Tarts Chocotastic and Pop-Tarts Strawberry Sensation Flavour are available from Coles, Woolworths, Costco and leading independent supermarkets nationwide at RRP $4.99 for 400g pack.

Follow us on Instagram @PopTartsAU, join the conversation using the hashtag #CrazyGood and tell us your favourite flavour #PopTartsChoco or #PopTartsStrawb!