Treat yourself and your loved ones to these captivating heart-shaped pastries, a perfect blend of flaky puff pastry filled with luxurious diplomat cream and adorned with fresh strawberries. These pastries are not only visually appealing with their lovely heart shapes but also irresistibly delicious, making them a delightful indulgence for any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This: These heart-shaped pastries are the epitome of elegance and taste. The crisp texture of the puff pastry complements the smooth and creamy diplomat cream, while the fresh strawberries add a burst of freshness. The addition of sliced almonds provides a subtle crunch, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe offers a straightforward way to create a gourmet dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for romantic celebrations such as Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or as a special treat during a date night at home. They’re also wonderful for bridal showers, Mother’s Day, or any occasion where you want to express love and appreciation through something sweet and homemade.
Decoration Tips: To elevate the appearance of these pastries, consider arranging the strawberries in a fan shape or cutting them into small hearts before placing them on the cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also enhances the visual appeal, making these pastries look like they came straight from a bakery. For a festive touch, edible gold leaf can be added to the cream for an extra hint of luxury.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 200 ml milk
- 50 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 25 g cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 150 g cream
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
- Sliced almonds, for garnish
- Egg yolk, mixed with a little cream for brushing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Start by preparing the custard. In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir in the egg yolks and heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens into a custard.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, whip the cream to stiff peaks and carefully fold it into the custard to create diplomat cream. Refrigerate this mixture to chill.
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Roll out the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out six heart shapes. Create a smaller heart within each shape without cutting all the way through.
- Arrange the pastry hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick the centers with a fork to prevent excessive puffing. Brush the edges with the egg yolk and cream mixture, then sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Place a small oven-safe object in the center of each heart to help them rise evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and gently press down the center of each heart to form a small well. Let them cool slightly.
- Fill each heart with chilled diplomat cream. Top with fresh strawberries cut into decorative shapes and dust the edges with powdered sugar.
Enjoy these delightful heart-shaped puff pastries, a perfect treat that combines the elegance of fine baking with the simplicity of fresh ingredients!
