Description
Berry Love Pop-Tarts bring romantic sweetness to Valentine’s Day desserts, promising delightful homemade pastry perfection. Passionate bakers and sweet lovers will adore these handcrafted treats that blend tender pastry with luscious berry filling and charming heart-shaped design.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, cold & cubed
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/4 fluid ounces (125 milliliters) ice water
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup (150 grams) mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration and Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons berry puree (from mixed berries)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink or red food coloring (optional)
- Valentines sprinkles
- Freeze-dried berry crumbles
Instructions
- Transform mixed berries into a luscious jam by simmering over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
- Incorporate honey and chia seeds, allowing the mixture to gently simmer for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and set aside to cool completely; the jam will continue to set as it reaches room temperature.
- Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a delicate dry foundation for the pastry.
- Integrate cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter, working until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly texture.
- Gradually introduce ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough cohesively binds without overworking.
- Partition the dough into two equal discs, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll out one dough disc on a generously floured surface, aiming for a thin, uniform thickness.
- Utilize a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create symmetrical dough hearts, ensuring an even number for pairing.
- Arrange half of the hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a base for the pop-tarts.
- Carefully deposit a teaspoon of cooled berry chia jam into the center of each heart-shaped base.
- Delicately brush the edges with egg wash to help seal the pastry.
- Crown each jam-filled heart with a matching dough heart, pressing edges together with a fork to create a decorative seal.
- Puncture small ventilation holes on the top of each pop-tart to prevent steam buildup.
- Brush the surface with additional egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-18 minutes until the pop-tarts achieve a rich, golden-brown color.
- Allow the pastries to cool completely before applying icing.
- Craft a vibrant berry icing by whisking powdered sugar, berry puree, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Optional: Enhance the icing with a drop of pink or red food coloring for a festive touch.
- Generously spread the berry icing over the cooled pop-tarts.
- Embellish with Valentine’s sprinkles and crushed freeze-dried berries for a romantic presentation.
- Permit the icing to set for 10-15 minutes before serving these delectable treats.
Notes
- Choose ripe, sweet berries for the most vibrant and intense jam flavor, ensuring a delightful filling.
- Adjust honey or maple syrup quantity based on the sweetness of the berries to maintain a balanced taste.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent shrinkage and create a flaky, tender crust that holds its shape during baking.
- Use a fork to create decorative edges and ensure a tight seal, preventing the jam from leaking during baking.
- Make the pop-tarts gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
- Create a vegan version by using coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based milk in the icing.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 271 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 132 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg