Chocolate Raspberry Heart Hand Pies
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wonder how to say "I love you" with something tastier than words? These valentines baked goods , particularly our Chocolate Raspberry Heart Hand Pies , are your answer! Honestly, these are a showstopper.
The flaky crust and the sweet tart raspberry chocolate filling? Oh my gosh!
Brief Overview
These adorable hand pies are our take on a classic pastry. They’re perfect for valentines day desserts . While they may look fancy, don’t be intimidated.
This recipe is medium difficulty and yields eight delicious heart shaped desserts in just over an hour. These are awesome desserts for two!
Main Benefits
Think of these little beauties as mood boosters! The dark chocolate releases antioxidants. This makes them more than just tasty, they are also a great way to celebrate love! It will be love at first bite.
Plus, making homemade hand pies shows that special someone you put in the effort. Isn't that what Valentine's day is all about?
Ready to get baking?
The Delicious Details: What Makes These Hand Pies So Special?
What makes these special? Well, they are a twist on a classic. We take the valentines pastry ideas and elevate it.
It's not just jam, it's a rich raspberry chocolate filling recipe nestled inside that buttery crust.
Plus, the heart shape? Totally romantic, right? These aren't just any baked goods; they're romantic dessert recipes perfect for a special occasion.
The Shopping List: Ingredients for Romance
Let's grab our ingredients to create the magic. You'll need flour, sugar, butter and so on. No need to use crazy ingredients. Let’s get baking the perfect easy valentines day treats !
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make these delicious heart shaped desserts! Trust me, once you taste these chocolate raspberry hand pies, you'll be hooked.
Ingredients & Equipment: Making the Magic Happen
You know, baking is a bit like science, but with more delicious results. Having the right tools and ingredients is key for the best valentines baked goods .
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks with the ingredient list. I've included both US and metric measurements for those of you across the pond!
For the Pastry:
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (315g) . Use a good quality unbleached flour.
- Granulated sugar: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g)
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks/226g) . Make sure that is ice cold . Seriously, the colder, the better.
- Ice water: 6-8 tablespoons (90-120ml) . Add gradually.
- Large egg: 1 , beaten, for that golden egg wash.
- Turbinado sugar: For sprinkling (optional, but adds a nice crunch).
For the Chocolate Raspberry Filling:
- Fresh raspberries: 12 ounces (340g) . Plump and juicy raspberries are key!.
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g)
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (7g)
- Water: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Vanilla extract: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) . Adds depth, you know?
- Bittersweet chocolate: 4 ounces (113g) . Chop it up for easy melting.
Seasoning Notes: A Symphony of Flavors
These easy valentines day treats get a real boost from a few key spices and flavors. It's all about balance, innit?
- Chocolate Raspberry Harmony: The combination of rich chocolate and tart raspberries is what makes this chocolate raspberry dessert sing!
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances both the pastry and the filling. Trust me on this one.
- Quick Sub: Don't have vanilla extract? A pinch of almond extract will work in a pinch. You will have romantic dessert recipes
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip up these homemade hand pies. I hate it when recipes require a ton of equipment!. Here's what you will need.
- Food processor: (Optional) This is a lifesaver for the pastry, but a bowl and pastry cutter work just as well.
- Rolling pin: For rolling out that pastry.
- Heart shaped cookie cutter: (Approx. 3-4 inches wide). For those adorable shapes!. Essential for valentines day desserts .
- Baking sheet & Parchment paper: To prevent sticking.
- Small bowl: For the egg wash.
- Fork: For crimping the edges, like a pro.
- Small saucepan: For the raspberry chocolate filling recipe .
Creating these homemade hand pies is more than just baking; it's crafting edible love letters, perfectly suited for desserts for two .
Whether you're making these as part of valentines day baking recipes , or just looking for valentines pastry ideas , they’re sure to impress.
Enjoy creating these delicious valentines day desserts !.
Cooking Method: Baking Your Heart Out with Valentines Baked Goods!
Okay, so you wanna knock their socks off with some valentines day desserts ? Forget the fancy restaurants. We're doing homemade hand pies adorable heart shaped desserts that taste like a hug.
Trust me, these chocolate raspberry dessert wonders are easier than they look. My nan always said, "The way to a person's heart is through their stomach," and she wasn't wrong! Get ready to dive into the world of valentines day baking recipes .
Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row
First things first: mise en place, darling! It's French. Don't be scared. It simply means get organised. Measure out all your ingredients before you even think about touching that oven.
I cannot stress this enough. For speed, pre-chop your bittersweet chocolate while it chills. It saves so much time. Keep your butter super cold - Seriously, cold butter is your friend here.
step-by-step Process: Baking Magic
- Make that pastry! Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the icy cold butter.
- Add water until it just comes together. Chill for 15 minutes .
- Now for the delicious raspberry chocolate filling recipe : Cook raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water till thick. Stir in vanilla and melted chocolate.
- Roll out your pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a heart shaped cutter.
- Fill half the hearts, top with the other half. Crimp edges with a fork!
- Egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly. Try not to eat them all at once.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Baking Game
Honestly, the key to flaky pastry is cold, cold, cold! Don't overwork the dough, mix until just combined. If you’re ahead of schedule, you can make the pastry a day in advance.
The filling can also be made ahead. Remember to avoid these common mistakes for perfect valentines pastry ideas . These are simple, easy valentines day treats for desserts for two , or the whole family.
If you don't have fresh raspberries, frozen will do the trick. Also, use good quality chocolate. This is a romantic dessert recipes and should taste as such.
There you have it: A fantastic batch of valentines baked goods!
Recipe Notes: Nailing Those Valentines Baked Goods!
Right, let's talk shop about these dreamy chocolate raspberry heart hand pies . Honestly, these aren't just valentines day desserts ; they're a full-on love letter in pastry form.
They’re simple and it’s easy to make heart shaped desserts .
Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Pretty!
Okay, so presentation is key, right? Think about this: serve these babies warm. A sprinkle of icing sugar adds that touch of je ne sais quoi .
For plating, arrange them on a cute plate. Perhaps pop a few fresh raspberries around them? If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted white chocolate doesn't hurt.
As for drinks, think bubbly! Prosecco or even a nice raspberry lemonade. Honestly, you've got this.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
If you've got any left (doubtful!), store them in an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge. They'll be good for about 2-3 days .
They are great homemade valentines day baking recipes . Reheating? Easy! Just a quick zap in the microwave, or warm them gently in a low oven.
Freezing? Yeah, you can, but the pastry might lose a bit of its flaky goodness. If you do freeze, wrap them well!
Variations: Mix It Up!
Fancy a twist on these romantic dessert recipes ? Swap out the raspberries for strawberries. Or how about blackberries? Using a gluten-free flour blend will do the trick for a gluten-free version! I think it is such a great raspberry chocolate filling recipe or even a Nutella Filling .
For vegans, use vegan butter. Use plant based milk for the egg wash. Boom!
Nutrition Basics: Sweet Facts
Okay, so each of these little easy valentines day treats is roughly 350-400 calories. They've got around 5g of protein and 20g of fat.
There are also about 40g of carbs. But hey, it's Valentines! They're the valentines pastry ideas . These aren't your daily fuel, but a well deserved desserts for two .
Now you can enjoy this chocolate raspberry dessert . They are great homemade hand pies .
Honestly, making these valentines baked goods is easier than you think. Get in the kitchen, crank up the tunes and have some fun.
You can do it! I believe in you. These are amazing valentines day desserts !
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My pastry is shrinking when I bake these valentines baked goods. What am I doing wrong?
Shrinking pastry is usually down to one of two things: either the gluten in the dough has been overdeveloped, or the butter melted too much before baking. To prevent this, make sure you don't overwork the dough when mixing, and chill it thoroughly before rolling. Using cold butter is key!
Think of it like a proper cuppa the basics are important!
Can I make these chocolate raspberry heart hand pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pastry and the filling separately up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Or, you can assemble the unbaked hand pies and freeze them. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes these valentines baked goods perfect for a busy schedule.
Its similar to preparing for a sunday roast, best to prepare ahead of time!
I'm not a fan of raspberries. What other fillings would work well in these heart shaped hand pies?
No problem at all! You can easily substitute the raspberries with other berries like strawberries, blackberries, or even blueberries. You could also use a cherry pie filling or swap out the fruit entirely for a Nutella filling. Get creative and use whatever flavors you and your valentine enjoy most!
It's your own "Bake Off" challenge!
How should I store leftover hand pies, and how long will they last?
Leftover hand pies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to crisp up the pastry. Just like scones, they are best served fresh!
I'm trying to watch my sugar intake. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe for valentines baked goods?
Yes, you can certainly reduce the sugar! You can decrease the amount of sugar in both the pastry and the filling. For the filling, consider using a naturally sweeter berry like blueberries or using a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
However, keep in mind that reducing the sugar too drastically can affect the texture and browning of the pastry, so adjust gradually. Maybe try some stevia, like the professionals!
My filling is too runny! How can I thicken it up?
If your filling seems too runny, don't fret! A simple fix is to mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Gently stir this into the filling while it's simmering on the stovetop and continue to cook until it thickens.
This should help the filling hold its shape inside the hand pies. Be careful not to add too much at once though! It's best to avoid a disaster like on bake off!
Chocolate Raspberry Heart Hand Pies
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
