Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread Hearts are the ultimate sweet treat to celebrate love on Valentine’s Day. These delightful bread pieces shaped like hearts combine the freshness of strawberries with a creamy filling, creating a perfect balance of flavors. As I take a bite, the soft texture and the sweetness envelop my senses, making it a memorable experience. This recipe is not only easy to make but also a great way to show affection to someone special.

Why You’ll Love This Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese

This recipe is a true winner for several reasons. First, it’s visually stunning—heart-shaped bread is an adorable way to express love. Second, the combination of cream cheese and strawberries creates a sweet strawberry cream cheese filling that’s irresistible. Third, it’s perfect for special occasions, especially as a Valentine’s Day strawberry treat. Fourth, you can serve it as a dessert or even a strawberry cream cheese appetizer. Fifth, it’s vegetarian-friendly, making it a great choice for everyone. Last, the recipe is straightforward, making it an easy strawberry cream cheese recipe for novice bakers!

Ingredients for Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese

Gather these items:

3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs, room temperature
8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup (40 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
Optional glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese Step-by-Step

Step 1: Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together warm milk with sugar and instant yeast. Allow to sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then add melted butter and foamy yeast mixture, stirring until combined.
Step 3: Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in sifted flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 5: First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
Step 6: Prepare filling: Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth, and fold in chopped strawberries.
Step 7: Roll out dough: After rising, punch down the dough and roll into a 12″x16″ rectangle.
Step 8: Spread filling: Spread strawberry cream cheese mixture over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
Step 9: Shape hearts: Roll dough tightly into a log, slice into 1-inch pieces, and shape into hearts.
Step 10: Second rise: Place hearts on a parchment-lined sheet, cover, and let rise for 30-40 minutes.
Step 11: Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 12: Glaze (optional): Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm bread hearts.
Step 13: Cool: Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese

Keep these in mind:

Adjust the sweetness of the filling according to your taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
These can also be frozen for future enjoyment.
For an added flavor boost, consider using a strawberry cream cheese frosting for topping!

Best Ways to Serve Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese

These heart-shaped treats are perfect for various occasions. Here are some delightful serving ideas:

Serve warm with a dollop of strawberry cream cheese dip for extra flavor.
Pair with fresh fruit and whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
Use as a creative way to elevate your breakfast by serving them with cream cheese and strawberries combination on bagels.

How to Store and Reheat Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese

To store your delicious creations, keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For reheating, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will keep them soft and flavorful while maintaining the luscious taste of the cream cheese strawberry dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions About Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese

What is strawberry cream cheese?

Strawberry cream cheese is a delicious blend of cream cheese and fresh strawberries, often sweetened for desserts or spreads. It works wonderfully in recipes, like our bread hearts, enhancing flavors and textures.

Can I make Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, then assemble and bake when ready. This makes it a convenient option for busy Valentine’s Day schedules.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise. Also, don’t skip the resting periods, as they are crucial for developing the dough’s texture and flavor.

Variations of Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese You Can Try

Feel free to get creative! Here are a few variations:

Substitute strawberries with other berries for a mixed berry treat.
Try adding chocolate chips to the filling for an indulgent twist.
Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or lemon in the cream cheese filling.

Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread Hearts - Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe category, or try making easy cinnamon rolls for a sweet breakfast treat. If you’re looking for a savory option, our Mediterranean chickpea salad is a great choice!

Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread Hearts

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A delightful bread shaped into hearts, combining fresh strawberries and creamy textures for a sweet treat on Valentine’s Day.

Author: Robert
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 12 heart-shaped bread pieces 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs, room temperature
8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup (40 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
Optional glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together warm milk with sugar and instant yeast. Allow to sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then add melted butter and foamy yeast mixture, stirring until combined.
Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in sifted flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
Prepare filling: Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth, and fold in chopped strawberries.
Roll out dough: After rising, punch down the dough and roll into a 12″x16″ rectangle.
Spread filling: Spread strawberry cream cheese mixture over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
Shape hearts: Roll dough tightly into a log, slice into 1-inch pieces, and shape into hearts.
Second rise: Place hearts on a parchment-lined sheet, cover, and let rise for 30-40 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Glaze (optional): Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm bread hearts.
Cool: Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool slightly before serving.