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Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread Hearts

Valentines Strawberry Cream Cheese

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

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

Instructions

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

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