The puff pastry hearts with jam are one of those simple desserts that always manage to win everyone over, even before tasting them. Just a few ingredients, a roll of puff pastry and a bit of jam, to bring to the table something spectacular, elegant, and perfect for special occasions.
These twisted little hearts are ideal for Valentine’s Day, but also for Carnival, a special snack, or a last-minute dessert when you have little time but don’t want to give up the ‘wow’ effect. The heart shape makes them romantic and refined, while the visible, shiny, and fragrant jam makes them irresistible at first glance.
Another great advantage of these puff pastry hearts is their versatility: you can choose the jam you prefer, adapting them to the tastes of those who will eat them or simply to what you have in the pantry, we used strawberry and cherry jam (red to recall the color of love!).
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 8 hearts
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Valentine's Day, All Seasons
Ingredients for Puff Pastry Hearts with Jam:
- 1 roll rectangular puff pastry
- 2 1/2 oz jam
- as needed powdered sugar (optional for decoration)
Tools for Puff Pastry Hearts with Jam:
- 1 Knife
- 1 Teaspoon
- 1 Non-stick baking tray
Steps for Preparing and Baking Puff Pastry Hearts with Jam:
Unroll the rectangular puff pastry and divide it into two equal parts. Then cut each half into four rectangles, obtaining a total of eight rectangles of about 3 1/8 x 5 1/8 inches.
On each rectangle, put a heaping teaspoon of jam and gently spread it with the back of the teaspoon, distributing it evenly without reaching the edges.
Take one rectangle at a time and roll it up tightly starting from the long side, forming a tight roll. Fold the roll in half and apply slight pressure on the two ends to secure it.With a sharp knife, make a central cut lengthwise starting from the folded part and stopping about 3/4 inch from the end of the roll, without completely separating it. Gently open the cut with your fingers to form the classic heart shape.
Place the hearts on a non-stick baking tray, leaving a little space between them.Bake in a preheated static oven at 356°F for about 15 minutes, until the hearts are well puffed and golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. If desired, you can finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use a different type of jam?
Yes, you can use any jam you have on hand. Apricot, strawberry, mixed berries, or cherry are the most suitable because they remain compact during baking.
Should the jam be thick?
It’s advisable to use a fairly thick jam. If it’s too runny, it tends to spill out during baking and mess up the pastry.
Can I prepare the puff pastry hearts in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them and store them at room temperature for a few hours. To enjoy them at their best, it’s advisable to consume them the same day.
