Strawberry Hearts

Introduction

Strawberry Hearts are delightful, heart-shaped treats bursting with sweet, fresh strawberries and a touch of creamy filling. These dainty desserts are as visually stunning as they are delicious, making them the perfect choice for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a romantic, sweet indulgence.

I first made these treats for a special celebration, and they quickly became a favorite in our house. The combination of light, flaky pastry and juicy strawberry filling is truly irresistible. The creamy filling adds just the right amount of richness, while the fresh strawberries provide a burst of natural sweetness.

Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, Strawberry Hearts are sure to impress. These little indulgences are the perfect way to share a bit of love with anyone who has a sweet tooth!

Perfect for:

• Valentine’s Day
• Romantic celebrations
• Afternoon tea
• Homemade gifts
• Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Hearts

Here’s why Strawberry Hearts will steal your heart:

• Visually Appealing: Shaped like hearts, these treats are perfect for romantic occasions.
• Sweet and Fruity Flavor: The fresh strawberry filling adds a naturally sweet, fruity burst in every bite.
• Flaky and Tender Texture: A buttery pastry base ensures a crisp and tender texture.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the size, filling, or design to fit your preference or theme.
• Quick to Prepare: With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these treats in no time.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 12 strawberry hearts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Vitamin C, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Strawberry Hearts:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Optional: whipped cream or cream cheese filling

Ingredient Highlights

• Puff Pastry: A buttery and flaky base that provides the perfect structure for these heart-shaped treats.
• Fresh Strawberries: Juicy, ripe strawberries bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the filling.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry mixture, creating a luscious filling.
• Egg Wash: Helps the pastry achieve a golden, shiny finish.
• Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness of the strawberries with a hint of tartness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Hearts:

Prepare the Filling:

1. Cook the Strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries break down, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Assemble the Pastry:

2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth any creases. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of heart shapes (about 24 hearts, depending on size).
4. Layer the Filling: Place half of the hearts on the prepared baking sheet. Add a small spoonful of the cooled strawberry filling to the center of each heart, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Seal the Hearts: Brush the edges of each filled heart with a little water, then place another heart-shaped piece of puff pastry on top. Gently press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.

Bake the Hearts:

6. Apply the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the tops of the pastry hearts with the egg wash for a golden finish.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the hearts are puffed and golden brown.
8. Cool: Allow the pastries to cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes.

Add the Finishing Touches:

9. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the cooled strawberry hearts with powdered sugar for an elegant look.
10. Optional Filling: If desired, pipe whipped cream or cream cheese filling into the hearts for added creaminess.

How to Serve Strawberry Hearts

Strawberry Hearts are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As a Romantic Dessert: Serve these heart-shaped treats at a Valentine’s Day dinner or anniversary celebration.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair them with your favorite hot beverage for a sweet afternoon snack.
• As Party Favors: Wrap them in decorative bags or boxes for charming party favors.
• With Ice Cream: Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• In a Parfait – Layer strawberry hearts with yogurt, granola, and other fruits for a delicious parfait.
• With Ice Cream – Add strawberry hearts as a topping for vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Hearts

Here are some tips to make your Strawberry Hearts perfect:

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Keep the Pastry Cold: Work quickly with the puff pastry to ensure it stays cold. This helps achieve a flaky texture.
• Seal Properly: Make sure the edges of the hearts are sealed well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
• Experiment with Fillings: Try using other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or a combination of berries.
• Size Options: Adjust the size of the hearts based on your preference or occasion. Smaller hearts make great bite-sized treats.
• Golden Finish: Don’t skip the egg wash—it helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Hearts

Try these variations to add your own twist to Strawberry Hearts:

1. Chocolate Strawberry Hearts: Add a piece of dark chocolate with the strawberry filling for a decadent surprise.
2. Cream Cheese Strawberry Hearts: Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese on the pastry before adding the strawberry filling.
3. Berry Medley Hearts: Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful and flavorful filling.
4. Nutella Strawberry Hearts: Add a dollop of Nutella along with the strawberries for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
5. Lemon Strawberry Hearts: Add a teaspoon of lemon curd with the strawberries for a tangy flavor boost.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Hearts: Sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar before baking for added sweetness and spice.
7. Savory Strawberry Hearts: Combine strawberries with goat cheese or brie for a sweet and savory appetizer.
8. Vegan Strawberry Hearts: Use vegan puff pastry and skip the egg wash for a plant-based version.
9. Glazed Strawberry Hearts: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the baked hearts for extra sweetness.
10. Almond Strawberry Hearts: Sprinkle slivered almonds on top before baking for added crunch and flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Hearts

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked strawberry hearts on a tray until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store baked pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a crisp texture.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Hearts

Here are some tools to make preparing your Strawberry Hearts easier:

• Heart-shaped Cookie Cutter – For cutting strawberries into heart shapes.
• Pastry Brush – To apply a thin layer of glaze or syrup on the strawberries.
• Sharp Paring Knife – For delicate trimming and shaping of strawberries.
• Small Melting Pot – For melting chocolate or other coatings.
• Piping Bags – For decorating with icing or whipped cream.
• Silicone Baking Mat – To prevent strawberries from sticking to surfaces.
• Food Processor – To puree strawberries for fillings or sauces.
• Cooling Rack – To let coated strawberries cool and firm up.
• Candy Thermometer – To check the temperature of chocolate or sugar coatings.
• Decorative Sprinkles or Edible Glitter – For adding a festive touch to your strawberry hearts.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Hearts

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the hearts and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours.
3. Can I use pie dough instead of puff pastry?
   Yes, but the texture will be less flaky and more like a pie.
4. How can I make them gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe gluten-free.
5. Can I add other flavors to the filling?
   Absolutely! You can add vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Hearts are a sweet and simple way to show your love through baking. Their adorable heart shape and delicious strawberry filling make them perfect for special occasions or just as a thoughtful treat for loved ones. With their flaky texture, fruity flavor, and endless customization options, these pastries are sure to become a favorite.

This recipe is as easy to prepare as it is charming, making it perfect for everything from casual family moments to romantic gestures. Whether you’re sharing them with someone special or enjoying them on your own, these strawberry hearts are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Hearts turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!