If you are on the lookout for a delightful treat that brings a burst of fruity sweetness and a pop of color, then you must try this Heart Shaped Pastries with Strawberry or Cherry Jam and Colored Frosting Recipe. These charming pastries are not only visually stunning but also perfectly balanced with a flaky crust, luscious jam filling, and a creamy, vibrant frosting that will brighten up any breakfast, brunch, or snack time. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to share some love, this recipe is a fun and rewarding way to bring smiles to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is easier than you might think. The ingredients are simple staples, but each plays a special role in achieving that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal in your Heart Shaped Pastries with Strawberry or Cherry Jam and Colored Frosting Recipe.
- Refrigerated pie crust: The foundation of your pastries, providing a flaky and buttery base that bakes up beautifully golden.
- Strawberry or cherry jam: Choose your favorite for a sweet, fruity filling that brings each pastry to life.
- Egg white: Used for brushing, it helps seal your pastries and gives them a glossy finish.
- Confectioners sugar: The key to creating smooth, sweet frosting that complements the tartness of the jam.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting, ensuring it’s luscious and silky.
- Food coloring: The secret to colorful frosting that turns these pastries into festive works of art.
How to Make Heart Shaped Pastries with Strawberry or Cherry Jam and Colored Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pastry and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400º Fahrenheit to ensure it’s nice and hot for baking. While it warms, unroll your refrigerated pie crusts on a flat surface and smooth them out gently. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat liner to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cut and Fill the Pastries
Using a heart-shaped cutter (about 3 to 4 inches), cut out your pastry shapes from the rolled crust. Half of these will become the bottom layer filled with jam. Spoon 1½ tablespoons of your chosen strawberry or cherry jam right into the center of each bottom heart, making sure not to overfill to avoid messy leaks during baking.
Step 3: Vent and Seal the Tops
For the top pieces of pastry, use a fork to poke small vent holes in the center—this helps steam escape during baking so your pastries don’t get soggy. Brush a little water around the edges of each bottom pastry, then carefully place the tops on. Press gently to align and run your finger around the edges to initially seal, then use a fork to crimp and fully secure the union.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Mix 1 tablespoon of egg white with 1 tablespoon of water and brush this mixture over the pastry tops. This step ensures a beautiful golden, shiny finish once baked. Bake your pastries for 15 minutes at 400º Fahrenheit until they’re puffed and golden brown. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack and allow to cool for about 15 minutes before frosting.
Step 5: Make and Apply the Colored Frosting
Whisk together the confectioners sugar and heavy cream until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Add a drop of your chosen food coloring—red is perfect for a lovely pink tint! Then, either frost the pastries generously or drizzle the frosting artistically over the tops for that signature pop of color and sweetness.
How to Serve Heart Shaped Pastries with Strawberry or Cherry Jam and Colored Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your heart shaped pastries with a bit of finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds for subtle crunch and a nutty contrast. Alternatively, a few edible flower petals or a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation to something truly special and Instagram-worthy.
Side Dishes
These pastries pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee for a perfect morning treat. If you want to turn this into a fuller brunch experience, add a side of fresh seasonal berries or a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange several heart shaped pastries on a rustic wooden board or a colorful ceramic platter for a charming look. You can serve them alongside small bowls filled with extra strawberry or cherry jam and bowls of different colored frostings for dipping, making it a fun and interactive treat for guests of all ages.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will still maintain a tasty texture if eaten within this timeframe.
Freezing
If you want to save these delightful treats for later, wrap each pastry individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to one month. Just be sure to thaw them fully at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop your pastries in a 350º Fahrenheit oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. This method keeps the crust flaky and the jam gooey—just like when they came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated crust?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust adds an extra touch of love and freshness, and it works beautifully with this recipe. Just make sure your dough is well-chilled before rolling and cutting for clean edges.
What other fillings can I use besides strawberry or cherry jam?
Feel free to experiment with apricot, raspberry, blueberry jams, or even lemon curd. Each option will add its own unique flavor and color—perfect if you want to customize your pastries.
How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?
Don’t overfill your pastries with jam, and be sure to dampen the edges of the bottom pastry before sealing the top layer. Crimping with a fork also helps create a strong seal to lock in all that delicious filling.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the frosting a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before applying, as it may thicken slightly when chilled.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?
Definitely. Kids love using cookie cutters and decorating with colorful frosting. Just supervise steps involving hot ovens and knives for a fun and safe baking experience together.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about making and sharing Heart Shaped Pastries with Strawberry or Cherry Jam and Colored Frosting Recipe. Their playful shape, sweet jam filling, and pretty frosting make them a crowd-pleaser every time. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—it’s guaranteed to fill your kitchen with warmth, love, and plenty of smiles.
Print
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 as 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 of red for pink frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400º Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the pastries.
- Prepare Pie Crust: 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 Shapes: Cut the rolled pie crust into either 3 x 4.5-inch strips or use heart-shaped cutters to form 3 to 4-inch heart shapes. These will become your pastries.
- Add Jam Filling: Place about 1½ tablespoons of strawberry or cherry jam in the center of half of the cut pastries. These will serve as the bottom layers.
- Prepare Top Pastries: For the top pieces without jam, use a fork to poke venting holes in the center to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Seal Pastries: Brush water around the edges of the jam-filled pastries using a pastry brush or your finger. Gently place the top pastry onto the bottom one, aligning edges carefully. Press your finger around the edges to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure they are secure.
- Egg Wash: Mix 1 tablespoon of egg white with 1 tablespoon of water and brush this mixture over the tops of the pastries to promote a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake Pastries: Place the pastries in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Frosting: Combine the confectioners sugar and heavy cream, mixing until smooth and creamy. Add one drop of your chosen food coloring—in this recipe, red is used to tint the frosting pink.
- Frost Pastries: Once cooled, frost or drizzle the colored frosting over the pastries for a festive and sweet finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the strawberry or cherry jam with any other jam flavor you prefer.
- Make sure to seal the pastries well to prevent the jam from leaking during baking.
- Use a wire rack for cooling to keep the bottoms crisp.
- Food coloring can be adjusted to create different frosting colors for various occasions.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based milk thickened with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
