Go Back

Heart-Shaped Puff Pastries with Custard and Cherries

Delightful heart-shaped pastries filled with rich custard and tart cherries, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Pâtisserie
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Puff Pastry
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade) Light and flaky, this forms the perfect base for your pastries.
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash) To give that beautiful golden hue to your pastry.
For the Custard
  • 2 cups whole milk Creamy and rich for a luxurious custard.
  • 4 large egg yolks They add richness and depth to the custard.
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar Just the right amount to sweeten the custard.
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch For thickening the custard to the perfect consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For a lovely aromatic note.
For the Cherry Topping
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted) Juicy and tart, bringing a fresh burst of flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons sugar To sweeten the cherries for the topping.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Balances the sweetness of the cherries.
  • 1 tablespoon water To help cook down the cherry mixture.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening the cherry sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons apricot jam or honey (optional) For an optional glossy finish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface, allowing its buttery layers to unfold. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out charming heart shapes from the pastry.
  3. Place the heart-shaped pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Brush them lightly with the egg wash (a beaten egg) to create a beautiful golden crust.
Baking
  1. Bake your pastries for 12-15 minutes, or until they are perfectly golden and puffed. When done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Making the Custard
  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent any curdling.
  4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened to a custard-like consistency.
  5. Remove from heat and let the custard cool slightly.
Cooking the Cherries
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and syrupy.
  2. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Assembly
  1. Once the puff pastry hearts have cooled, spoon a generous portion of custard onto each pastry.
  2. Top with the cherry mixture and, if desired, brush with apricot jam or honey for an optional glossy finish.

Notes

For the best results, ensure your puff pastry is cold before using; this will create an even flakier texture. Try adding almond extract to the custard for a nuttier aroma. You can customize the toppings with other fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries.