Strawberry pie hearts are an adorable, sweet treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. These hand pies combine flaky pie crust, a luscious strawberry filling, and a sprinkle of sugar for a dessert that’s as delicious as it is charming.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and fun: Heart-shaped pies are perfect for romantic occasions or gifts.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh or frozen strawberries.
- Portable dessert: Easy to share, serve, and enjoy on the go.
- Customizable: Add your favorite fillings or toppings to make them your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pie Hearts:
- Pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh or frozen strawberries, diced
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar or sanding sugar (for sprinkling)
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate drizzle
Directions
Prepare the Filling:
- Cook the strawberry filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let the filling cool completely.
Assemble the Pie Hearts:
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll and cut the dough:
- Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out even numbers of heart shapes.
- Add the filling:
- Place a small spoonful of strawberry filling in the center of half of the hearts, leaving a border around the edges.
- Seal the hearts:
- Place another heart-shaped piece of dough over the filling. Press the edges together gently, then crimp with a fork to seal.
- Egg wash and sprinkle:
- Brush the tops of the hearts with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar or sanding sugar for a golden, sparkly finish.
Bake:
- Bake the pie hearts:
- Arrange the hearts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
- Cool:
- Let the pie hearts cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optional toppings:
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12-16 pie hearts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Berry blend: Mix strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry filling.
- Chocolate-strawberry: Add a small square of chocolate or Nutella to the filling for a decadent twist.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pie crusts to accommodate dietary needs.
- Savory option: Fill with a combination of cream cheese and fresh herbs for a savory take.
Storage
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pie hearts on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the bake time.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, store-bought crusts save time and work perfectly for this recipe.
2. What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?
Use a round cutter, knife, or any shape you prefer.
3. Can I use jam instead of fresh strawberries?
Yes, strawberry jam or preserves can be used as a quick substitute.
4. How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Don’t overfill the hearts and make sure to seal the edges well with a fork.
5. Can I add spices?
Yes, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the flavor of the filling.
6. What if my dough tears?
Patch small tears with a bit of extra dough and press gently to seal.
7. Can I make mini pie hearts?
Yes, use a smaller cookie cutter and reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes.
8. How do I make the crust extra flaky?
Chill the assembled pies in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking.
9. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate unbaked pie hearts up to 1 day in advance.
10. What can I serve with these pie hearts?
Pair with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or hot chocolate for a delicious dessert.
Conclusion
Strawberry pie hearts are a charming and delicious dessert that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Their flaky crust and sweet strawberry filling make them an irresistible treat for all ages. Customize with your favorite toppings, and enjoy making (and eating) these adorable hand pies!
Print
Strawberry Pie Hearts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 pie hearts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Pie Hearts are adorable, handheld treats with a flaky pie crust and sweet strawberry filling, shaped into festive hearts. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or as a cute dessert for any occasion, they’re easy to make and absolutely delightful to eat!
Ingredients
For the Pie Hearts:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely diced (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For Decoration:
- Granulated sugar or coarse sanding sugar
- Optional: melted white or dark chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crusts:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out an even number of hearts (about 20, depending on the size of your cutter).
- Assemble the Pie Hearts:
- Place half of the heart cutouts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam (and a few diced strawberries, if using) into the center of each heart, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Brush the edges of each heart with the beaten egg.
- Top with the remaining heart cutouts, pressing the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Add the Finishing Touches:
- Brush the tops of the pie hearts with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Cut a small slit or poke holes in the tops of each heart to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the Pie Hearts:
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pie hearts are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Drizzle the cooled pie hearts with melted chocolate for extra flair, if desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use puff pastry instead of pie crust for an extra flaky texture.
- Substitute raspberry or cherry jam if you prefer a different flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.