If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, the Heart Shaped Pastries with Strawberry or Cherry Jam and Colored Frosting Recipe is an absolute must-try. These charming pastries are filled with luscious jam and topped with a vibrantly tinted frosting that instantly cheers up any gathering or cozy afternoon tea. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just craving a little homemade joy, this recipe combines simplicity with beautiful results that bake up golden, sweet, and incredibly inviting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each element plays a crucial role, from the flaky pie crust providing that perfect tender texture to the bright jam bursting with fruity flavor, and the colored frosting adding a playful pop.
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust: This is your buttery, flaky base that makes the pastries irresistibly tender.
- 1/2 cup strawberry or cherry jam: Choose your favorite to create that juicy, sweet heart at the center.
- 1 egg, white only: Used for brushing the pastry edges to help seal and create a golden finish.
- 1 cup confectioners sugar: Essential for a smooth, sweet frosting that melts in your mouth.
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream: Adds creaminess to your frosting, making it luxuriously smooth.
- Food coloring: A tiny drop transforms your frosting into a cheerful color, lifting the whole presentation.
How to Make Heart Shaped Pastries with Strawberry or Cherry Jam and Colored Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pastry Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 400º Fahrenheit. This temperature will give you beautifully golden, crisp pastries. Meanwhile, unroll the pie crusts from their package and smooth them out so they’re ready to cut. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat liner to ensure your pastries come off cleanly and bake evenly.
Step 2: Cut and Fill the Pastries
Using a heart-shaped cutter (or a knife if you prefer), cut the pie crust into hearts about 3 to 4 inches wide. Half of these will be your bottom layers where you’ll place about 1½ tablespoons of strawberry or cherry jam in the center. For the top halves, use a fork to poke a few venting holes in the middle so steam escapes while baking — this keeps the pastry from puffing too much and locks in jam flavor perfectly.
Step 3: Seal and Brush the Edges
Lightly brush water around the edges of each jam-filled bottom piece. Then gently place the top pastry heart over it, aligning the edges as best you can. Press your finger around the edges to seal, and use a fork to crimp the border for that classic look and extra hold. Mix 1 tablespoon of egg white with 1 tablespoon of water and brush it over each pastry’s top—this egg wash gives a gorgeous golden sheen after baking.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the pastries turn golden and puff slightly. Let them cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before moving on to frosting so they don’t lose their shape or get soggy underneath.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Frosting
Whisk the confectioners sugar together with heavy cream until the texture is smooth and creamy; this is your frosting base. Add just a drop of food coloring to create your chosen shade—pink, red, or any color that sparks joy. Then either drizzle this frosting generously or spread it carefully over your cooled pastries to add a sweet, colorful finishing touch.
How to Serve Heart Shaped Pastries with Strawberry or Cherry Jam and Colored Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle a tiny pinch of finely grated lemon zest or a few small edible flowers atop the frosting. This adds freshness and a hint of contrast that will impress any guest or family member.
Side Dishes
These pastries burst with sweetness, so pairing them with lightly whipped cream or a small bowl of fresh berries can balance the flavors beautifully. A cup of your favorite tea, coffee, or even a chilled glass of milk complements their cozy feel perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these pastries on a rustic wooden board or a charming vintage plate for an inviting touch. You could also arrange them in a heart-shaped pattern on your platter to echo the theme, making them perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or birthdays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will preserve their flaky texture and flavorful jam without the frosting getting too sticky.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, place the unbaked, assembled pastries on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to one month. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm your pastries in a preheated oven at 350º Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispness without melting the frosting too much. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust works wonderfully if you want a more personalized touch. Just make sure it’s well chilled before cutting and filling so it handles the jam filling without getting soggy.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?
No worries at all! You can simply cut the pastries into rectangles or any shape you like using a knife. The charm of the Heart Shaped Pastries with Strawberry or Cherry Jam and Colored Frosting Recipe is in the flavor, not just the shape.
Can I use other types of jam?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jams also pair beautifully with the flaky pastry and sweet frosting. Just be mindful that very watery jams might make the pastry soggy.
How do I make the frosting thicker or thinner?
Adjust the frosting consistency by adding a bit more confectioners sugar if you want it thicker, or a splash more heavy cream to thin it out. The goal is a smooth glaze that holds its shape but is easy to drizzle or spread.
How long do these pastries keep their freshness?
Best enjoyed within two days at room temperature. After that, they might lose their crisp edge and fresh taste, but reheating as described can help bring them back to life if needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about making Heart Shaped Pastries with Strawberry or Cherry Jam and Colored Frosting Recipe—they bring warmth, sweetness, and a bit of whimsy to any day. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these pastries are a perfect bite of happiness. I can’t wait for you to try them and enjoy the smiles they bring!
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Heart Shaped Pastries with Strawberry or Cherry Jam and Colored Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Delightful heart-shaped pastries filled with sweet strawberry or cherry jam, baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy, colorful frosting. Perfect for special occasions or a charming treat to share with loved ones.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust
- 1/2 cup strawberry or cherry jam
- 1 egg, white only
Frosting
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- food coloring (1 drop, red recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400º Fahrenheit. Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and smooth them out until flattened. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat baking liner to prevent sticking.
- Cut the Pastries: Cut the rolled pie crust into strips measuring approximately 3 x 4.5 inches or use heart-shaped cutters that are between 3 to 4 inches. These will form the shape of your pastries.
- Add Jam Filling: Place about 1½ tablespoons of your chosen strawberry or cherry jam in the center of half of the cut pastry shapes. These will serve as the bottom layers of your pastries. For the top layers (those without jam), poke venting holes in the center using a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Seal the Pastries: Lightly brush water around the edges of each jam-filled pastry using a pastry brush or your finger. Carefully place the top pastry pieces over the bottoms, aligning them precisely. Press your finger gently around the edges to seal, then crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish. Mix 1 tablespoon of egg white with 1 tablespoon of water, and brush this mixture evenly over the tops to create a glossy finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pastries for about 15 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Once baked, transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely for about 15 minutes before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a small bowl, mix the confectioners sugar with heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add one drop of food coloring (red recommended) to achieve a lovely pink tint, or adjust for your preferred color.
- Frost and Serve: Drizzle or spread the colored frosting over the cooled pastries. Allow the frosting to set slightly before serving for a perfect finish.
Notes
- Use refrigerated pie crust for convenience, but homemade crust can be used for a more rustic texture.
- Poking holes in the top pastry layer prevents it from puffing up during baking.
- Seal edges well to prevent jam leakage while baking.
- Customize frosting color with different food coloring drops to match various occasions.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep pastries fresh for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
