Puff pastry hearts are a delightful treat that combines the flaky goodness of puff pastry with sweet vegan cream and fresh strawberries. These sweet pastries are not just easy to make, but they look beautiful on a plate, making them perfect for celebrations, dessert tables, or just to enjoy at home. With their heart shape, they are especially great for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries.
Why Make This Recipe
Making puff pastry hearts is a fun and simple way to impress your friends or family. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also allow you to showcase your baking skills without spending hours in the kitchen. These pastries are also versatile—you can swap out the strawberries for other fruits or even add chocolate for an extra treat. Plus, they’re vegan, making them friendly for those who follow a plant-based diet.
How to Make Puff Pastry Hearts
Ingredients:
- 320 grams ready rolled puff pastry
- 125 ml vegan whipping cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 100 grams fresh strawberries
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a cookie sheet with baking paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle and then fold it in half.
- Use a 4-inch heart cookie cutter to cut out as many hearts as you can. You should be able to make about 8 hearts.
- Place the hearts on the cookie tray and bake in the oven for 9-10 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and allow them to cool.
- In a large bowl, whip the vegan whipping cream with the vanilla extract using an electric whisk until it thickens.
- Take a serrated knife and slice the hearts in half. Pipe a layer of cream on the bottom half, then add sliced strawberries and another layer of cream before placing the top half of the heart back on.
- Finally, sprinkle with icing sugar and serve immediately.
How to Serve Puff Pastry Hearts
Puff pastry hearts are best served fresh, right after assembling them. You can place them on a pretty plate or serve them individually for a lovely presentation. They are perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or as a sweet snack.
How to Store Puff Pastry Hearts
If you have leftovers, store the assembled puff pastry hearts in an airtight container in the fridge. They are best consumed within one day, as the pastry can become soggy over time. If you want to prepare them in advance, consider storing the pastry and cream separately, and assemble them just before serving.
Tips to Make Puff Pastry Hearts
- Ensure your ingredients, especially the vegan whipping cream, are well-chilled for the best whipping results.
- Feel free to use other fruits like raspberries or blueberries to mix things up.
- When cutting the hearts, make sure to press down firmly to achieve a clean cut.
Variation
You can add a layer of chocolate ganache or some nut butter for a different flavor. Additionally, consider using almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular whipping cream instead of vegan?
A: Yes, you can use regular whipping cream if you do not need the recipe to be vegan.
Q: Can I freeze puff pastry hearts?
A: It’s best to freeze the pastry before baking. You can cut the shapes and freeze them, then bake them directly from the freezer when you’re ready.
Q: How do I make the cream thicker?
A: For a thicker cream, you can use chilled coconut cream or add a little cornstarch to the vegan whipping cream while whipping it.
Puff Pastry Hearts
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a cookie sheet with baking paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle and then fold it in half.
- Use a 4-inch heart cookie cutter to cut out as many hearts as you can, about 8 hearts.
- Place the hearts on the cookie tray and bake for 9-10 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Once done, remove from the oven and allow them to cool.
- In a large bowl, whip the vegan whipping cream with the vanilla extract until thickened.
- Take a serrated knife and slice the hearts in half.
- Pipe a layer of cream on the bottom half, add sliced strawberries, another layer of cream, and then place the top half of the heart back on.
- Sprinkle with icing sugar and serve immediately.
