Description
Strawberry ruby orange heart-shaped hand pies bring romantic charm to dessert tables with their adorable design. Delicate pastry pockets filled with sweet-tart fruit capture love’s essence, promising delightful moments of pure culinary pleasure you’ll savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package pre-made pie crusts
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 1 egg
Fresh Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) ruby orange juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) orange zest
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (8 grams) cornstarch
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 milliliters) ruby orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) vanilla extract
- Pink or red food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Craft the vibrant strawberry and ruby orange compote by simmering diced strawberries with ruby orange juice, zest, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Gently stir until the mixture transforms into a thick, glossy consistency, then set aside to cool completely.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet. Carefully roll out pie crusts on a flour-dusted surface, then meticulously cut out heart-shaped dough pieces using a precise cookie cutter.
- Strategically arrange half of the heart-shaped dough on the baking sheet, leaving ample space between each piece. Delicately spoon the cooled strawberry-ruby orange filling into the center of each heart, maintaining a small perimeter for sealing.
- Carefully paint the dough edges with egg wash, then tenderly layer a second heart-shaped dough piece on top. Firmly press and crimp the edges using a fork to create a decorative seal that prevents filling leakage.
- Apply a final egg wash to the pie tops and create a small steam vent using a sharp knife. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake until the hand pies achieve a golden, crisp exterior, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Transfer the baked pies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, ruby orange juice, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, glossy glaze.
- Once cooled, artfully drizzle or brush the glaze over the hand pies. For an extra touch of whimsy, sprinkle with sanding sugar or festive decorative elements.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Bottoms by preheating the baking sheet and using parchment paper to ensure crisp, golden crusts that won’t stick or become wet.
- Adjust Fruit Consistency by cooking the filling until it reaches a thick, jammy texture, which prevents runny centers and helps the hand pies maintain their shape during baking.
- Create Dietary Variations by substituting gluten-free pie crust for those with wheat sensitivities or using alternative sweeteners like monk fruit for a lower-sugar version.
- Enhance Flavor Depth by adding a pinch of cardamom or a splash of almond extract to the filling, which will complement the strawberry and ruby orange notes without overpowering the delicate fruit profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg