Puff Pastry Hearts

Puff Pastry Hearts are a delightful treat that perfectly combines crisp, flaky pastry with the sweet freshness of strawberries and the airy lightness of whipped cream. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests at a brunch or simply craving a charming dessert, these heart-shaped pastries make every occasion a little more special. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a batch of these beautiful, delicious Puff Pastry Hearts that look as good as they taste.

The Upside of Puff Pastry Hearts

Puff Pastry Hearts offer a wonderful balance of texture and flavor. The buttery, flaky layers of the puff pastry contrast beautifully with the juicy strawberries and smooth whipped cream. They are visually stunning and versatile enough to serve for a romantic breakfast, a festive party, or a casual afternoon tea. Plus, making these hearts is incredibly fun and rewarding — cutting out the pastry shapes and assembling them feels like a mini celebration in the kitchen. Because they are made from store-bought puff pastry sheets, the prep time is minimal, but the result is undeniably impressive.

Ingredient Notes

• 2 Puff pastry sheets: Use high-quality frozen puff pastry sheets for the best rise and flakiness. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or for a few hours before use to make cutting easier.
• 1 egg, beaten: This egg wash gives the pastry a gorgeous golden-brown color and a slight sheen once baked. You can use an egg substitute if preferred.
• 1 to 1 ½ cups sliced strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are essential for juicy flavor. Slice them thinly for easier layering and to keep the hearts neat.
• 1 cup whipped cream: Use either store-bought or homemade whipped cream. Homemade whipped cream allows you to control sweetness and texture, while store-bought is a convenient shortcut.
• Powdered sugar, sifted: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and an elegant finish to the Puff Pastry Hearts.

Must-Have Equipment

• Baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet is perfect for holding the puff pastry hearts during baking and catching any stray juices.
• Heart-shaped cookie cutters: Choose two sizes—a larger one for the base and a smaller one to cut out the top layer, allowing room for the filling.
• Pastry brush: Essential for applying the egg wash evenly over the pastry surface.
• Mixing bowl: For whipping cream or combining ingredients if making your own whipped cream.
• Cooling rack: Allows the puff pastry hearts to cool evenly without becoming soggy.

Step-by-Step: Puff Pastry Hearts

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using the larger heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out an even number of hearts from each sheet. These will be the base and top layers of your pastries.

Step 2: Cut Out the Centers

With the smaller heart-shaped cutter, carefully cut out the center from half of the hearts you just made. These will be the top layers that showcase the filling. Transfer all cutouts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Apply the Egg Wash

Using your pastry brush, lightly brush the edges of the base hearts with the beaten egg. This helps the top and bottom layers stick together and gives a beautiful golden finish once baked.

Step 4: Assemble the Hearts

Place a generous spoonful of sliced strawberries on each base heart, spreading them evenly but leaving a small border around the edges. Top the strawberries with a dollop of whipped cream. Carefully place the heart-shaped tops with cut-out centers over the filling, pressing gently on the edges to seal.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the tops of the puff pastry hearts with more egg wash. This is key for that golden, glossy appearance. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once baked, transfer the Puff Pastry Hearts to a cooling rack. After they’ve cooled slightly, sift powdered sugar over the tops for a delicate, sweet finish. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Seasonal Flavor Boosts

• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the strawberries for a warm, cozy twist.
• Incorporate fresh mint leaves finely chopped into the whipped cream for a refreshing note.
• Swap strawberries for fresh blueberries or raspberries in summer for a berry medley.
• Try a drizzle of honey or a spread of Baked Feta Cheese on the base for a savory-sweet contrast.
• For a decadent touch, add a layer of your favorite jam—like fig or apricot—beneath the strawberries. The Brie Black Fig Jam Phyllo Bundles recipe can inspire similar flavor combinations.

What Could Go Wrong

• Puff pastry not rising: This often happens if the pastry is too warm before baking or the oven isn’t hot enough. Make sure the pastry is cold and the oven is fully preheated.
• Filling leakage: Overfilling or placing filling too close to the edges can cause juices to leak and make the pastry soggy. Leave a good border around the edges when assembling.
• Uneven browning: Inconsistent egg wash application or oven hotspots can cause uneven color. Brush the egg wash evenly and rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
• Whipped cream melting: If assembled too far in advance, the whipped cream may lose its shape. It’s best to add whipped cream just before serving.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

Allow the Puff Pastry Hearts to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving so the pastry layers set and remain crisp. If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain their flakiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes rather than microwaving. Always add whipped cream fresh after reheating to keep the texture light and airy.

Reader Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Frozen strawberries tend to release extra moisture when thawed, which can make the pastry soggy. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly, then pat dry with paper towels before assembling your Puff Pastry Hearts.

Is it possible to make these Puff Pastry Hearts vegan?

Yes! Swap the egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and maple syrup for color, and use a dairy-free whipped cream alternative. Just make sure the puff pastry sheets you choose are made without butter or animal products.

Can I prepare Puff Pastry Hearts ahead of time?

You can assemble the pastries without the whipped cream and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Add the whipped cream right before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.

What’s a good alternative to powdered sugar for dusting?

If you prefer less sweetness, a light dusting of finely grated lemon zest or cocoa powder can add a unique touch without overwhelming the flavors.

Reader Favorites

• Baked Feta Cheese – A savory dish that pairs beautifully with puff pastry treats.
• Mediterranean Baked Feta Dip – Perfect for entertaining alongside your Puff Pastry Hearts.
• Brie Black Fig Jam Phyllo Bundles – Another elegant pastry-inspired recipe to try.

Save & Share

If you loved making these Puff Pastry Hearts, don’t forget to bookmark this recipe for your next special occasion or share it with friends who appreciate a charming, easy-to-make dessert. These pastries bring a touch of elegance to any table and are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Puff Pastry Hearts are a simple yet stunning way to celebrate fresh fruit and flaky pastry. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a dessert that delights the eye and the palate. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet finish to dinner, these hearts are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!

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