Name: Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed); 1 egg (for egg wash); Powdered sugar (for dusting); 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you are on the lookout for a charming, sweet treat to brighten up any occasion, look no further than these delightful Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts. This recipe combines flaky, buttery puff pastry with a juicy, gently sweetened strawberry filling, all wrapped up in adorable heart shapes that scream homemade love. Whether you’re surprising someone special or simply treating yourself, these pastries deliver a perfect balance of crisp texture and fresh fruit flavor that’s truly unforgettable.

Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to making these strawberry puff pastry hearts stand out. Each component is simple and plays a specific role in creating a dessert that’s light, flavorful, and visually stunning.

Puff pastry sheet: The flaky, buttery base that gives these hearts their signature delicate layers and crunch.
Fresh strawberries: Provides a juicy sweetness and vibrant color that make the filling irresistibly fresh.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the strawberries just enough to enhance their natural flavor without overpowering.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic undertone that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Egg (for egg wash): Creates a glossy, golden finish that makes each pastry look professionally crafted.
Powdered sugar: The final touch for a lightly sweet dusting that elevates the appearance and taste.

How to Make Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your strawberry puff pastry hearts bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple preparation step sets the stage for perfect pastries.

Step 2: Marinate the Strawberries

Gently combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl. Letting them sit for about 5–10 minutes allows the strawberries to release their natural juices and soak up the sweet vanilla flavor, making the filling moist and luscious without any extra fuss.

Step 3: Cut Out the Heart Shapes

Lightly flour your work surface to keep the puff pastry from sticking. Unfold and roll out the pastry sheet if needed to smooth the surface. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut an even number of hearts—about 8—so you can sandwich the filling between pairs of hearts. This step is where the fun begins, as you watch the dough transform into cute, uniform shapes.

Step 4: Assemble the Pastries

Lay half of your heart cutouts onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a modest amount of the strawberry mixture onto the center of each heart, leaving a neat border around the edges. This border ensures the filling doesn’t spill out during baking. Cover each filled heart with another heart shape and press gently around the edges to seal. For an extra-special touch, crimp edges with a fork—it adds a lovely decorative pattern while keeping everything tight and tidy.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk your egg in a small bowl and carefully brush it over the top of each pastry heart. This step guarantees a beautiful golden color once baked. Bake the hearts for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are puffed up and a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that the best part is almost ready.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

After removing from the oven, allow your strawberry puff pastry hearts to cool slightly. Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar for a delicate, snowy effect that looks as lovely as it tastes. This final step adds a touch of elegance to your irresistible pastries.

How to Serve Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts

Garnishes

Garnishing your strawberry puff pastry hearts opens up an exciting world of presentation. Consider fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and freshness, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for indulgence. A few whole strawberries placed nearby on the serving plate add a natural beauty and hint at what’s inside.

Side Dishes

These strawberry puff pastry hearts shine brightly on their own but pair wonderfully with light accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream elevates them to a dessert that satisfies any sweet tooth. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a small bowl of crème fraîche can balance the sweet-tart strawberry filling for those who appreciate a little tang.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the pastry hearts on a tiered cake stand for a gorgeous, eye-catching display at brunch or dessert tables. For a festive twist, sprinkle edible glitter or color-coordinated sprinkles over the powdered sugar dusting. Use colorful plates or rustic wooden boards to add personality and charm, making your strawberry puff pastry hearts the star of the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any strawberry puff pastry hearts left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping them separate with parchment paper layers helps prevent sogginess and maintains the flaky texture you love.

Freezing

To enjoy these pastries later, freeze unbaked assembled hearts by placing them on a tray and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This is a fabulous option for prepping in advance without sacrificing freshness.

Reheating

Reheat leftover strawberry puff pastry hearts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes to refresh the flakiness and warm the filling. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy and chewy instead of crisp and light.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While frozen strawberries can be used, they tend to release more juice and may make the pastry soggy. Fresh strawberries are highly recommended to maintain the perfect texture and appearance of the strawberry puff pastry hearts.

What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?

No worries! You can use any cookie cutter shape you like or simply cut squares or circles with a knife for a different but just as delicious presentation. The heart shape adds charm but is not essential to the flavor.

Can I make these pastries vegan?

Yes, you can swap the puff pastry for a vegan version and use a plant-based milk or agave syrup in place of the egg wash to achieve a golden crust. The strawberry filling stays naturally vegan, so with these minor swaps, everyone can enjoy the Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts.

How long do the pastries keep fresh?

Best enjoyed the same day for maximum crispiness, but stored properly at room temperature, the strawberry puff pastry hearts stay tasty for up to 2 days. Beyond that, the texture starts to degrade.

Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Absolutely! Strawberries pair beautifully with blueberries, raspberries, or even finely chopped peaches. Just keep the fruit quantity the same to maintain the right moisture balance and avoid soggy pastries.

Final Thoughts

Making Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts is not just about baking; it’s about crafting little moments of joy that brighten any day. Their flaky, golden crust combined with a sweet, fresh strawberry filling is the kind of treat that brings smiles and bites of happiness. So grab your puff pastry, some juicy strawberries, and start baking—these hearts are sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen, just like they are in mine.

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Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 29 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 puff pastry hearts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these charming Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts, a simple yet elegant dessert featuring flaky puff pastry filled with juicy, sweetened fresh strawberries and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for any occasion, these heart-shaped pastries are baked to golden perfection and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation and a burst of fruity flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Filling

1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their natural juices, creating a sweet and fragrant filling.
Roll and Cut Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth any creases. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out about 8 hearts from the pastry sheet.
Arrange Base Hearts: Place 4 of the cut heart shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow for puffing during baking.
Add Strawberry Filling: Spoon a small amount of the strawberry mixture into the center of each heart on the baking sheet, leaving a small border around the edges to help seal the pastry.
Seal Pastry Hearts: Top each filled heart with another heart-shaped piece of puff pastry. Press the edges lightly to seal the pastries, and crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative and secure seal.
Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it evenly over the tops of the pastry hearts to achieve a glossy, golden finish while baking.
Bake: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they have puffed up and turned a beautiful golden brown color.
Cool and Serve: Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Notes

Ensure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed before rolling for easier handling.
Use fresh, firm strawberries to avoid excess juice that could make the pastry soggy.
For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the strawberry mixture.
Serve these pastries warm or at room temperature for best taste.
These can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for up to a day; reheat briefly before serving.
For a dairy-free option, use vegan puff pastry and substitute the egg wash with a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American