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
- 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
- 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.
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg