Strawberry Heart-Shaped Upside Down Puff Pastries

Nothing shows that special someone in your life how much you love them as much as these heart-shaped puff pastries (turned upside down).

Today, I’d like to introduce you to my take on this sweet recipe, which will leave you craving it even after Valentine’s Day is over. Yes, you read that right.

This is the ultimate upside-down puff pastry recipe and the one that will add the right amount of sweetness to any party or occasion.

For more Valentine’s-themed appetizer recipes, why not check out my Heart-Shaped Valentine’s Berliners recipe or these delicious Valentine’s Day Oreo Cookie Pops?

What is a Strawberry upside-down puff pastry?

This tasty puff pastry dough dessert features a golden-brown puff pastry with flaky layers, covering a bunch of fresh strawberries, and finished with a delicate topping of powdered sugar.

If you ask me, what makes this puff pastry recipe so unique is its upside-down presentation.

As opposed to a regular heart-shaped puff pastry, these baked tarts are carefully flipped up-side down to form an indulging and delightful sight.

So, not only will your taste buds adore them, but your eyes (and the eyes of your special person) will be all over them!

Is It Better to Cook Frozen or Thawed Puff Pastry?

Frozen puff pastry is a very good alternative to homemade puff pastry, but you do need to spend a bit more time on it since you can’t bake it when it’s frozen.

Before you bake these yummy treats, your puff pastry needs to be thawed, and doing this overnight in the fridge is the best approach you can use.

Heart-Shaped Upside Down Puff Pastry Recipe Ingredients – What You Need

• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Honey
• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Variations for This Strawberry Puff Pastry Tart

Experimentation is at the heart of all my recipes, and these heart-shaped upside-down puff pastries are no exception.

Right when you thought they couldn’t get a more irresistible flavor combination, keep reading to find out just how unique you can make them!

• If you’re not a huge fan of strawberries, place a piece of dark chocolate or a few chocolate chips at the center of each heart before topping with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of sugar. The chocolate will melt, creating a gooey, delicious center in your puff pastry.
• Maybe you’re in the mood for a savory version. If so, you will need cherry tomatoes, fresh thyme leaves, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, flaky sea salt, and cheese (and I mean a lot of cheese). Place some of your favorite cheese (I highly recommend goat cheese, feta cheese, parmesan cheese, gruyere cheese, or any creamy Italian cheese) on each puff pastry heart, and enjoy!
• To maintain an extra sweet flavor, add a sweet honey drizzle or hot honey onto your puff pastry tarts.
• Lastly, these puff pastries don’t have to be heart-shaped per se. You can make pastry squares or a puff pastry rectangle for just about any occasion or social gathering!

How To Serve Your Upside Down Buttery Puff Pastry

Just before serving and after you carefully flip each puff pastry, lightly dust your cooled tarts with powdered sugar, which adds a touch of sweetness and a visually appealing finish.

You can also serve your puff pastry with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, perfectly complementing the flaky pastry and adding a luxurious touch.

Also, consider drizzling a complementary sauce over the pastries. For example, a simple berry compote, chocolate ganache, or caramel sauce can add so much more flavor and visual appeal.

Finally, you can serve your heart-shaped puff pastry with a beverage of your choice that complements all the flavors – I recommend a refreshing Cantaloupe Melon Juice , Bay Leaf Tea, or a delicious Dominican Oatmeal Juice, whether that be a cup of hot tea, a juice, or even a glass of champagne for a special occasion.

Tips for Making Heart-Shaped Up-Side Down Puff Pastry

Puff Pastry Hack #1

Investing in a high-quality puff pastry is the basis of creating these delicious heart-shaped upside-down puff pastries.

In your favorite grocery stores, try and explore brands known for their buttery and flaky pastries.

Read reviews, and don’t shy away from premium options, as these pastries often contain quality ingredients, and the careful layering during production contributes to that puff we are all after.

Puff Pastry Hack #2

Whether you decide to go for store-bought puff pastry or make it from scratch, paying attention to the temperature of your pastry is so important.

A chilled puff pastry is not only easier to handle, preventing excessive sticking, but it also responds better to the heat of the oven, and it is precisely this cold-to-hot transition that creates the characteristic rough puff in puff pastry.

Puff Pastry Hack #3

Prep your fruits properly. For berries, gently rinse them under cold water and allow them to air dry or pat them dry with a paper towel.

For larger stone fruits like peaches or apples, peel and slice them into uniform pieces. Not only does this remove any dirt or pesticides, but getting rid of excess moisture from the fruit helps prevent sogginess in the pastry.

FAQs On Heart-Shaped Up-Side Down Puff Pastry

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

You certainly can! Simply thaw your puff pastry as per the package instructions, and you’re ready to place it on a baking sheet, puff pastry sheet, or parchment paper to bake.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes and no. Puff pastry is best enjoyed when you eat it fresh out of the oven when it’s hot and crispy.

But you can still prep all the ingredients for this recipe beforehand, like preparing your fruits ahead of time. Doing this means your recipe will be ready in a few minutes!

Why do you brush the top of the puff pastry with an egg wash?

Brushing the top of your puff pastry with an egg wash gives it a warm, golden brown finish on the top that lets you know it’s ready and baked!

How to store upside-down tarts?

Filled pastries like these upside-down tarts are best eaten straight away, but if you can’t finish a batch in one go, let your pastries cool and place them in an airtight container, and enjoy them the next day.