Puff Pastry Hearts are a sweet treat made from flaky pastry shaped like hearts. They’re easy to make and perfect for any celebration or just a fun dessert at home!
I love how these little hearts come out crispy on the outside and soft inside. They look fancy but are surprisingly simple! Just sprinkle some sugar, bake, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! Frozen puff pastry is super convenient, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own from scratch. Just remember, homemade takes more time and patience!
Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives your hearts their creamy filling. If you prefer a lighter option, whip up some coconut cream instead, or for a dairy-free twist, choose almond or soy cream. Both will give a different flavor but still delicious!
Powdered Sugar: It’s great for sweetening the cream. If you’re watching your sugar intake, try using a sugar substitute like erythritol or a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, though remember it may change the consistency a bit.
Egg Wash: Brushing with beaten egg gives that lovely golden color. If you prefer a vegan option, you can use almond milk or even a mixture of water and a bit of cornstarch.
How Do I Work with Puff Pastry for the Best Results?
Working with puff pastry can seem tricky, but here are some tips to make it easier:
- Always thaw the pastry in the refrigerator overnight for better texture. Don’t rush it by defrosting in the microwave.
- Keep your surfaces lightly floured to prevent sticking. Too much flour can toughen the pastry.
- Don’t overwork the dough! Roll it out gently and don’t knead it, or you might lose that flaky texture.
- Ensure your puff pastry shapes are evenly cut for uniform baking. Use a sharp, clean cookie cutter, and press down firmly to get a good shape.
- Let your baked hearts cool completely before filling. This helps maintain their structure and prevents the whipped cream from melting.
With these tips and ingredient insights, you should be all set to make delicious Puff Pastry Hearts! Enjoy the baking process and the delightful results!
Puff Pastry Hearts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh strawberries (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of baking time. Plus, you’ll want to allow time for the puff pastry to cool completely before adding the whipped cream—so about 45 minutes total, including cooling. Perfect for a sweet treat any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the pastry from sticking.
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
Next, place the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out with a rolling pin to smooth out any creases. You want it to be even and ready for cutting.
3. Cut Out Heart Shapes:
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many heart shapes as you can. Try to keep them uniform in size so they bake evenly!
4. Assemble the Hearts:
Take half of the heart cutouts and place them on your lined baking sheet. Lightly brush the edges of these hearts with the beaten egg—this will help to seal them together later.
5. Create the Sandwich:
Now, take the remaining heart cutouts and place them on top of the first ones, pressing the edges gently to seal them. Be careful not to squish them too much; we want that lovely puff!
6. Brush and Sprinkle:
Brush the tops of the hearts with the beaten egg wash for that golden color as they bake. Sprinkle them lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness!
7. Bake Them:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let the hearts bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffy and golden brown. Once done, take them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Whip the Cream:
While the hearts are cooling, grab a chilled bowl and whip the heavy cream, adding the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until you see stiff peaks—this means your cream is ready!
9. Slice and Fill:
Once the puff pastry hearts are cool, gently slice each one in half horizontally. Be careful to maintain their shape while doing this.
10. Add the Cream:
Now, pipe or spoon a generous dollop of your whipped cream onto the bottom half of each heart. Then, place the top half back on to finish them off.
11. Dust and Serve:
For a final touch, dust the tops of your puff pastry hearts with extra powdered sugar. Serve them up with fresh strawberries on the side if you like!
Enjoy these light, flaky, and creamy Puff Pastry Hearts as a delightful dessert or special treat! They’re sure to impress!
Can I Use Store-Bought Whipped Topping Instead of Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can! Store-bought whipped topping is a great time-saver. Just make sure to choose one that you enjoy the flavor of, as it will be the filling in your hearts.
What Can I Use Instead of Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, you can try using phyllo dough for a different texture. Just layer a few sheets with melted butter in between, then cut out heart shapes. Keep in mind the baking time may vary.
How Do I Store Leftover Puff Pastry Hearts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If they start getting soft due to the whipped cream, you can re-crisp them briefly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes before serving.
Can These Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the puff pastry hearts and bake them a day in advance. Just fill them with whipped cream right before serving to keep them fresh and flaky!
