Introduction
Few desserts capture the essence of romance as perfectly as Strawberry and Cream Puff Pastry Hearts. Golden, buttery layers of puff pastry are cut into heart shapes, baked until crisp and flaky, then filled with lightly sweetened whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The result is a dreamy pastry that looks as if it came straight from a French bakery, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
This dessert is especially perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any celebration of love. The heart shape adds a charming, festive touch, while the combination of strawberries and cream makes every bite refreshing and indulgent. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a treat that not only delights the taste buds but also impresses visually.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it feels both elegant and approachable. The puff pastry gives a bakery-style finish without hours of labor, and the whipped cream with strawberries adds a light, fruity sweetness. I also love how customizable it is—swap strawberries for raspberries, add a drizzle of chocolate, or even make mini versions for bite-sized indulgence. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people say, “Wow, did you really make this?”
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Beautiful presentation – heart-shaped, golden pastries that impress at first glance.
- Simple ingredients, big impact – made with puff pastry, cream, and strawberries.
- Versatile – serve as dessert, afternoon tea treat, or romantic surprise.
- Perfect for gifting – wrap individually and give as homemade Valentine’s sweets.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
Servings & Nutritional Info
- Servings: 6 puff pastry hearts
- Calories (per serving): ~280 kcal (varies by cream and pastry used)
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: European / French-inspired
- Course: Dessert / Pastry
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed, if frozen)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar (divided)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling, extra powdered sugar for dusting
Simple Cooking Directions
- Cut puff pastry into heart shapes.
- Brush with egg wash and bake until golden.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Slice pastries in half, fill with cream and strawberries.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet slightly on a floured surface.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes.
Step 2: Bake the Pastry
- Place hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush lightly with beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool completely before filling.
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream
- In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Step 4: Assemble the Hearts
- Slice each puff pastry heart in half horizontally (like a sandwich).
- Spoon or pipe whipped cream onto the bottom half.
- Add sliced strawberries.
- Place the top half of pastry over the filling.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
How to Serve
- Serve on a dessert platter garnished with fresh mint.
- Pair with coffee, champagne, or a glass of rosé for a romantic meal.
- Wrap individually in boxes or bags for a sweet homemade gift.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Work quickly with puff pastry—keep it cold for best puff.
- Use a sharp cutter for clean heart edges.
- Pipe cream instead of spooning for a neat, bakery-style look.
- For extra flavor, brush pastry before baking with a little sugar water for a shiny, sweet glaze.
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a layer of Nutella or chocolate ganache.
- Berry Medley: Use raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries instead of just strawberries.
- Mini Hearts: Make bite-sized puff pastry hearts for party desserts.
- Savory Twist: Fill with cream cheese and smoked salmon instead of sweet cream.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Best enjoyed the same day. Filled pastries can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Freezing: Unfilled baked puff pastry hearts can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw and re-crisp in the oven before filling.
Special Equipment Needed
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
- Parchment paper and baking sheet
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Piping bag (optional, for filling neatly)
Conclusion
Strawberry and Cream Puff Pastry Hearts are a delightful mix of elegance, flavor, and festivity. With their flaky layers, sweet cream, and juicy strawberries, they’re the perfect romantic dessert for Valentine’s Day or any occasion where you want to impress. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare yet look like something from a patisserie. Serve them fresh, enjoy the compliments, and celebrate love in the sweetest way.
Strawberry and Cream Puff Pastry Hearts
Description
Few desserts capture the essence of romance as perfectly as Strawberry and Cream Puff Pastry Hearts. Golden, buttery layers of puff pastry are cut into heart shapes, baked until crisp and flaky, then filled with lightly sweetened whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry sheet slightly on a floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes.
-
Step 2: Bake the Pastry : Place hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with beaten egg wash for a golden finish. Bake 15–20 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Cool completely before filling.
-
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream : In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream,2 tbsp powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
-
Step 4: Assemble the Hearts : Slice each puff pastry heart in half horizontally (like a sandwich). Spoon or pipe whipped cream onto the bottom half. Add sliced strawberries. Place the top half of pastry over the filling.
-
Step 5: Finish and Serve : Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. Serve immediately for the best texture.
