These Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cream Puff Pastries are flaky, buttery, and filled with smooth vanilla cream, then topped with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. They are the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert, brunch treat, or special-occasion pastry. Made with store-bought puff pastry, this recipe looks bakery-level fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pastries are light, crispy, creamy, and not overly sweet. The heart shape makes them instantly festive, the cream filling is silky and rich, and the fresh strawberries add brightness and color. They’re quick to assemble, easy to customize, and perfect for parties, holidays, or gifting.
Ingredients
For the Pastries
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Cream Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
For the Topping
- Fresh strawberries, sliced and halved into heart shapes
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cut the Puff Pastry Hearts
Unfold the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out an even number of hearts. On half of the hearts, cut a smaller heart shape from the center to create a border.
Step 3: Assemble the Pastries
Place the full hearts on the prepared baking sheet. Brush lightly with egg wash. Carefully place the heart frames on top, aligning the edges. Brush the tops again with egg wash, avoiding the center opening.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. If the center puffed up, gently press it down with a spoon.
Step 5: Make the Cream Filling
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fluffy.
Step 6: Fill the Pastries
Pipe or spoon the cream filling into the center of each cooled pastry.
Step 7: Top and Finish
Top each pastry with a strawberry heart. Dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Puff pastry must be cold when cutting for best rise
- Do not overfill or the cream will spill out
- Let pastries cool fully before filling
- Press down centers gently if they puff too much
- Assemble shortly before serving for best texture
Variations
- Use white chocolate pastry cream instead of cream cheese filling
- Add lemon zest to the cream for a fresh flavor
- Top with raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries
- Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate
- Use Nutella or strawberry jam under the cream layer
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with coffee or tea for brunch
- Add to a Valentine dessert platter
- Serve with chocolate-dipped strawberries
- Pair with sparkling juice or champagne
- Dust with extra powdered sugar right before serving
Tips
- Chill filled pastries briefly for cleaner presentation
- Use a piping bag for a bakery-style look
- Cut strawberries neatly for heart shape definition
- Store cream filling separately if making ahead
- Use high-quality puff pastry for best layers
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Pastry)
Approx. 260 calories
18g fat
22g carbohydrates
4g protein
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Bake the pastries in advance and fill them the same day for best texture.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best because frozen release too much moisture.
Why didn’t my puff pastry rise?
Pastry may have been too warm or egg wash may have sealed the edges.
Can I freeze them?
Freeze baked pastry shells only, then thaw and fill before serving.
What if I don’t have a heart cutter?
Cut hearts carefully using a knife or use round shapes instead.
Conclusion
Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cream Puff Pastries are the ultimate romantic dessert. With flaky layers, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries, they look elegant but are simple to make. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, brunches, or any time you want a dessert that truly impresses.