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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry heart
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: strawberry puff pastry, heart-shaped pastry, strawberry dessert, easy dessert recipe, puff pastry dessert
