If you’re on the hunt for something sweet, pretty, and bursting with fresh, fruity flavor, these Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies are an absolute delight. Imagine pockets of flaky golden pastry filled with a vibrant mixture of strawberries and ruby orange, brightened with a hint of zest—it’s a treat guaranteed to win hearts at first bite! Whether you’re crafting dessert for Valentine’s Day, a cozy brunch, or just an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe brings together delicious nostalgia and a playful twist that feels special yet approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons ruby orange juice (or blood orange juice)
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 sheets)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
How to Make Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies
Step 1: Prep and Line Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s nice and hot when your pies are ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this not only prevents sticking but also ensures cleanup is a total breeze.
Step 2: Create the Luscious Fruit Filling
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine those pretty chopped strawberries, ruby orange juice (or blood orange, if that’s what you have), fragrant orange zest, sugar, and a sprinkle of cornstarch. Let it all bubble and thicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to stir now and then until the berries soften and the mix looks jammy—not runny. This step packs every Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pie with flavor!
Step 3: Shape the Heart Pies
Dust your work surface lightly with flour, then roll out the pie crusts. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (around 3–4 inches wide is perfect), cut out as many hearts as you can—aim for 12 in total for 6 pies. If you don’t have a heart cutter, you can always trace around a paper template with a small knife for DIY hearts.
Step 4: Fill, Seal, and Decorate
Place half of the heart cutouts on your lined baking sheet. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the cooled strawberry-orange filling into the center of each one, but leave room around the edges for sealing. Lay the remaining hearts on top. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges snugly, then gently cut a little slit or poke a steam hole in the top of each so all the goodness can bubble and bake beautifully.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Sugar Sparkle
Brush the tops with a beaten egg for glossy shine and rich color. If you’re feeling extra festive, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sugar over each one—this gives your Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies extra sparkle and irresistible crunch!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, keeping an eye out for when the pies turn a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma will let you know when they’re close! Let them cool just a bit before serving, so the filling sets and doesn’t burn eager mouths.
How to Serve Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar gives your hand pies a magical, snowy look, while a drizzle of simple glaze (mix powdered sugar with a splash of ruby orange juice) adds a pop of extra citrus and color. If serving for a special occasion, a few fresh strawberry slices or a twist of orange zest alongside each pie is truly charming.
Side Dishes
Pair these pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert bliss or set them beside a tangy fruit salad for a lighter touch. If you’re hosting brunch, serving with coffee or ruby orange tea makes the moment feel extra pampering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a holiday or celebration, arrange the pies in a heart shape on a beautiful serving tray, or tuck each into a little parchment envelope for guests to grab. You can even add custom tags for a sweet, homemade gift—Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies are as fun to give as they are to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have pies left after your celebration (though don’t be surprised if they vanish fast), simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pastry stays tender, and the filling keeps its bright, fruity flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the unbaked Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies and place them on a lined tray to freeze until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, egg wash and bake straight from frozen—just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Bring refrigerated pies to room temperature, then warm in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes to refresh the crust and reawaken the filling. If frozen, bake as directed above, keeping watch so the pastry toasts up perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the strawberries well first, so the filling doesn’t get too watery. Your Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies will still burst with big berry flavor.
What if I don’t have ruby oranges?
Blood oranges are a wonderful substitute, or even cara cara oranges for a milder, sunset-like hue. The key is fresh, flavorful juice that pairs well with ripe strawberries.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can prep and assemble the pies a day ahead, then refrigerate on the baking sheet, covered, until you’re ready to bake. Serve warm for the ultimate experience.
Is it okay to use homemade pie crust?
Of course! If you’ve got a favorite recipe, homemade crust brings another layer of flaky personality to your Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies. Just roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness for the best results.
What other fruits can I use in the filling?
Raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches work beautifully—just keep the overall volume to about one cup, and pair with your citrus of choice for endless hand pie variations.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cheerful, show-stopping sweet that’s simple to make and even more fun to share, give these Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies a try. They’re loved by both kids and grown-ups, and they have a way of making every bite feel just a little bit magical. Happy baking!
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Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies are a delightful treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy ruby orange, and flaky pie crust will win over any dessert lover.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons ruby orange juice (or blood orange juice)
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 sheets)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan, cook strawberries, orange juice, zest, sugar, and cornstarch until thickened. Let cool.
- Prepare the Crust: Roll out pie crusts, cut out heart shapes, and fill with strawberry-orange mixture.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- These hand pies can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 2 days or frozen unbaked for later.
- You can substitute raspberries or other citrus fruits for different flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
