Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to surprise your loved ones with something sweet, and what better way to celebrate than with these delightful Valentine’s Day Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts? These elegant pastries are made from golden, flaky puff pastry filled with silky vanilla pudding and sweet strawberry jam. Topped with fresh strawberries, sprinkles, or mint, they are an irresistible treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

These pastries are surprisingly easy to make, yet they look like something straight from a fancy bakery. Whether you’re planning a romantic dessert for two or a fun baking project with friends and family, these puff pastry hearts will make Valentine’s Day extra special.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Puff Pastries

• Easy to Make – With store-bought puff pastry and simple ingredients, this recipe is stress-free.
• Crispy & Creamy – Flaky golden layers combined with smooth vanilla pudding create the perfect bite.
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings, like berries, chocolate, or powdered sugar.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – While ideal for Valentine’s Day, these pastries are great for anniversaries, birthdays, or any time you want to impress someone with a homemade treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts:

For the Pastry:

• Puff Pastry Sheets – The base of the pastry, creating a light, flaky texture.
• Egg Yolk – Used to brush the pastry, giving it a golden, shiny finish.

For the Filling:

• Vanilla Pudding – A smooth, creamy layer that pairs beautifully with the crisp pastry.
• Strawberry Jam – Adds a fruity sweetness that complements the vanilla pudding.

For Toppings:

• Fresh Strawberries – A bright, fresh contrast to the rich filling.
• Sprinkles or Powdered Sugar – For a decorative and festive touch.
• Mint Leaves – Optional, but adds a pop of color and a refreshing finish.

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Here are the essential tools you’ll need for making the Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts:

• Rolling Pin – To gently roll out the puff pastry if needed.
• Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutters – One large and one smaller to create the pastry shape and border.
• Baking Sheet – To bake the pastries evenly.
• Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Pastry Brush – For applying the egg wash to give the pastry a golden finish.
• Mixing Bowl – To prepare the pudding and whisk ingredients.
• Whisk – For mixing the pudding smoothly.
• Spoon or Piping Bag – For adding the jam and pudding into the pastries.
• Knife or Small Spoon – To press down the center after baking, if needed.
• Serving Dish – You can use individual plates or a large platter to share.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 275 g (1 sheet) puff pastry1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
• 200 ml (¾ cup) milk (for pudding)
• 25 g (2 tbsp) sugar (for pudding)
• 15 g (2 tbsp) cornstarch (for thickening pudding)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (for pudding flavor) OR 1 pack of vanilla pudding mix + required ingredients from package
• 100 g (⅓ cup) strawberry jam
• 50 g (⅓ cup) fresh strawberries (for topping)
• 1 tbsp sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
• A few mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry Hearts

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 6 large hearts. Take 3 of the hearts and use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out the center, leaving a heart-shaped border.
2. Place the full hearts onto the lined baking sheet. Brush the edges of these hearts with beaten egg yolk. Carefully place the heart-shaped borders on top of the full hearts, aligning them perfectly. This creates the raised edges.
3. Brush the tops with more egg yolk for a golden finish.

2. Bake the Pastry

1. Bake the puff pastry hearts for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown and puffy. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes.
2. Once cooled, gently press down the center of each heart to create a small well for the filling.

3. Prepare the Pudding

Option 1: Homemade Vanilla Pudding:

1. In a small saucepan, heat 150 ml of milk over medium heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 50 ml of cold milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
3. Slowly pour the mixture into the hot milk, whisking constantly.
4. Keep stirring until the pudding thickens, then remove from heat.
5. Let it cool, stirring occasionally to avoid a skin forming.

Option 2: Store-Bought Pudding Mix:

1. Follow the instructions on your pudding mix package.
2. Let it cool to room temperature before using.

4. Assemble the Pastries

1. Spread 1-2 teaspoons of strawberry jam into the center of each heart.
2. Spoon or pipe the cooled vanilla pudding on top of the jam, filling the pastry wells.

5. Decorate & Serve

1. Top with fresh strawberry slices.
2. Add sprinkles or powdered sugar for extra decoration.
3. Garnish with a mint leaf for a fresh touch.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Puff Pastry Hearts:

• Use chilled puff pastry: If the dough gets too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes before cutting the shapes.
• Don’t overfill the hearts: Too much filling can spill over when serving.
• Make ahead: You can bake the pastry hearts in advance and fill them right before serving.
• Experiment with flavors: Try raspberry jam, Nutella, or lemon curd instead of strawberry jam!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use store-bought pudding? Yes! If you’re short on time, a store-bought vanilla pudding mix works perfectly. Just prepare it according to the package instructions and let it cool before using.
• Can I use a different jam? Absolutely! Raspberry, cherry, or apricot jam would all work beautifully in this recipe.
• Can I store the pastries? These pastries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Can I make the pastry dough myself? Yes! If you prefer homemade puff pastry, you can use that instead of a store-bought sheet.

More Recipes:

• Mini Protein Cheesecakes – These creamy and indulgent mini cheesecakes are packed with over 9g of protein per serving! Made with a graham cracker crust, Greek yogurt, and light cream cheese, they’re the perfect guilt-free dessert.
• Double Chocolate Protein Cookies -Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness, these cookies have a secret: chickpea flour and protein powder! Each bite is rich in flavor and protein.
• Healthy Peanut Butter Brownies – Fudgy, gooey, and swirled with creamy peanut butter—these brownies are paleo-friendly, refined sugar-free, and made with almond flour. A healthier spin on a classic treat!
• Strawberry Matcha Clusters – Sweet, tangy, and refreshing! These frozen yogurt clusters are coated in matcha white chocolate and sprinkled with strawberry powder for a vibrant, healthy snack.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: