There’s an enchanting aura that fills the kitchen when I treat myself to a sweet creation like this Pull-Apart Heart with Nutella. The moment the warm dough is pulled apart, it unveils a gooey, chocolatey center that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. As the rich aroma of Nutella mingles with the fruity hint of raspberry glaze, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me—reminding me of cozy gatherings celebrating love and friendship.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day or a Galentine’s brunch, this adorable pastry is not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make. The best part? You don’t need a culinary degree to whip up this delightful dessert; it’s a simple yet impressive treat that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your loved ones around the table and get ready to indulge in a baking adventure that’s as delightful to share as it is to eat. Let’s get started!
Why is this Pull-Apart Heart irresistible?
Perfect for sharing: This delightful pastry is designed for communal enjoyment, making it a great centerpiece for any gathering.
Visual appeal: The charming heart shape instantly adds a festive touch that’s ideal for romantic occasions.
Simplicity: No need for advanced baking skills—just roll, cut, stack, and bake!
Decadent flavors: The rich Nutella paired with a fruity raspberry glaze creates an irresistible combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Versatile option: Feel free to customize the filling or glaze to match your personal preferences or the tastes of your guests. Enjoy making memories with this enchanting recipe and your loved ones!
Pull-Apart Heart Ingredients
For the Dough
• All-purpose flour – Perfect for dusting to ensure easy rollout and prevent sticking.
• Crescent roll dough (2 cans) – The pastry’s main structure; can substitute with puff pastry for extra flakiness.
For the Filling
• Nutella (1/2 cup) – Provides a rich, chocolatey sweetness; any chocolate spread may work as a substitute.
For the Glaze
• Confectioners’ sugar (30 g or 1/4 cup) – Adds sweetness and makes for a lovely dusting on top.
• Raspberry jam (1 Tbsp) – Infuses fruity flavors into the glaze; swap with strawberry or your favorite jam for variety.
• Whole milk (1 Tbsp) – Helps thin the icing for easy application; non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk work too.
• Pink food coloring – Optional, but it adds a festive touch to the glaze.
For Shaping
• Heart-shaped cookie cutter (2”) – Perfect for creating adorable, heart-shaped pastries; feel free to experiment with different shapes!
How to Make Pull-Apart Heart
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Prep Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour. Roll out the crescent roll dough until it forms a large rectangle, spreading the dough evenly for easy separation.
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Add Filling: Generously spread ½ cup of Nutella across the rolled-out dough, ensuring every corner is covered with its rich chocolatey goodness for an irresistible flavor.
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Shape: Use a 2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes from the dough. Be sure to get creative! You can use different shapes if desired.
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Arrange: Place the heart shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, stacking them as you go. This pull-apart style will make for a fun, shareable treat!
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Bake: Put your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, filling your kitchen with a heavenly aroma.
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Glaze & Serve: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of raspberry jam, 1 tablespoon of whole milk, and a few drops of pink food coloring. Brush the glaze over the warm pastries for a lovely finish. Serve them warm to make everyone’s heart melt!
Optional: Sprinkle with some extra powdered sugar for a delightful touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Pull-Apart Heart?
Looking to complete your delightful dessert experience? These pairings will elevate your sweet treat to an unforgettable memory.
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Fresh Berries: These delightful and juicy fruits add a refreshing contrast to the rich Nutella pastry, making each bite a burst of flavor. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries are all excellent choices.
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Velvety Hot Chocolate: Warm, rich hot chocolate brings a cozy touch to your dessert. Serve it on the side for that perfect dip into chocolatey bliss.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of light and airy whipped cream enhances the pastry’s textures while adding a creamy sweetness that balances the chocolate and raspberry flavors beautifully.
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Coffee or Espresso: The bold notes of coffee complement the sweetness of the pull-apart heart, creating a delightful pairing for a relaxed afternoon at home.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Imagine pulling apart the warm pastry, with melting vanilla ice cream oozing over it. The combination of warm and cold creates a dreamy indulgence that everyone will adore.
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Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Perfect for celebrations, a flute of bubbly pairs elegantly with this sweet treat, elevating the entire experience to something truly special.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For the ultimate chocolate lover’s paradise, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the glaze adds an extra layer of decadence. It’s a fun treat that everyone can personalize!
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Gourmet Tea: A delicate herbal or floral tea offers a soothing contrast while adding sophistication—great for an evening gathering with loved ones.
These pairing ideas will not only complement your Pull-Apart Heart but also create a cozy atmosphere filled with warmth and cheer. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for Pull-Apart Heart
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Dough Thickness Matters: Ensure your dough is rolled out to about 1/4 inch thick. Too thick and it won’t bake evenly, resulting in a dense pastry.
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Warm Nutella: Warm the Nutella slightly before spreading; it makes for a smoother application and ensures every heart has that ooey-gooey center.
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Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your pastry as it bakes. Over-baking can lead to a dry texture, while under-baking may result in a soggy center.
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Cool Before Glazing: Allow the pull-apart heart to cool for a few minutes post-baking before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting away.
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Get Creative: Experiment with different fillings or glazes! Use almond butter or swap the raspberry jam for your favorite flavors to personalize the pull-apart heart experience.
Pull-Apart Heart Variations
Enhance your delightful pull-apart heart with these fun twists for a truly personalized treat!
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Nutty Swap: Replace Nutella with almond or peanut butter for a different flavor profile that adds a little nutty crunch. Imagine the richness of almond butter oozing out, adding a new depth to every bite.
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Jam Jam: Switch raspberry jam for apricot, fig, or even orange marmalade. Each will bring a unique fruity flair that complements the chocolate. The surprise of flavors creates a lovely contrast that’s sure to delight!
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Sprinkle Fun: Add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the glaze for a festive touch. It not only increases visual appeal but also makes every nibble feel like a celebration!
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Dairy-Free Delight: Opt for a dairy-free chocolate spread and almond milk for the glaze to create a vegan-friendly option. This way, everyone can indulge without holding back on taste.
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Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the Nutella for a subtle heat. The warmth from spices elevates the classic flavors, making every pull more exciting!
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Flaky Variation: Use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough for a flakier texture. Each layer will create an exquisite contrast with the gooey center, reminiscent of a classic French pastry.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For extra decadence, drizzle melted chocolate on top of the glaze. This creates a lovely layer of chocolatey goodness, elevating your heart pastry into a true dessert masterpiece.
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Flavor Infusion: Mix a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the glaze for added depth and richness. This little twist brings a delightful warmth to the raspberry glaze that ties everything together perfectly.
Make Ahead Options
These Pull-Apart Heart pastries are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to surprise your loved ones without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the heart shapes and stack them on the baking sheet up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to bake, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping them into a preheated oven. The Nutella filling will still be just as gooey and delicious, and baking them straight from the fridge ensures they puff beautifully. Enjoy the time-saving benefits of this charming dessert while still delighting everyone with a warm, homemade treat!
How to Store and Freeze Pull-Apart Heart
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Room Temperature: Store any leftover pull-apart hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft, ready for snacking anytime!
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Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the dessert in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just be aware that the texture might become slightly denser.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled pull-apart heart in a tightly sealed freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: To enjoy the pastry warm again, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring that gooey Nutella filling is reclaimed!
Pull-Apart Heart Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to choose the ripeness of my ingredients?
When selecting your ingredients, particularly the raspberry jam, aim for a jam that looks vibrant and free from dark spots or excessive separation. A well-blended jam will provide the fruity flavor we love in this pastry.
How should I store my leftover pull-apart hearts?
Leftover pull-apart hearts should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them wonderfully soft and ready for snacking. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate them for up to 5 days—but be mindful that the pastry may become a bit denser.
Can I freeze the pull-apart heart pastry? How?
Absolutely! To freeze your pull-apart heart, first ensure it has cooled completely. Place it in a tightly sealed freezer bag or container, and it can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What should I do if my dough is too thick during preparation?
If you find that your dough is too thick, it won’t bake evenly. Aim to roll the dough out to approximately 1/4 inch thick. If it has already been cut, you can gently press or roll out the shapes again to reach the desired thickness, ensuring soft, fluffy pastries when baked.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets, allergies, or specific diets?
When preparing the pull-apart heart, keep in mind potential allergies to nuts, dairy, or gluten. If serving to loved ones with dietary restrictions, consider using alternatives like gluten-free crescent dough and nut-free spreads such as sunflower seed butter. Avoid allowing pets to indulge in sweets with chocolate; it can be harmful to them!
Sweet Pull-Apart Heart Pastry Filled with Nutella Bliss
Equipment
- Oven
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cans Crescent roll dough Can substitute with puff pastry for extra flakiness.
- All-purpose flour For dusting to ensure easy rollout.
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup Nutella Any chocolate spread may work as a substitute.
For the Glaze
- 30 grams Confectioners' sugar Adds sweetness.
- 1 Tbsp Raspberry jam Swap with strawberry or your favorite jam.
- 1 Tbsp Whole milk Non-dairy alternatives work too.
- Pink food coloring Optional for a festive touch.
For Shaping
- 2 inches Heart-shaped cookie cutter Perfect for creating adorable pastries.
Instructions
How to Make Pull-Apart Heart
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour. Roll out the crescent roll dough until it forms a large rectangle.
- Generously spread ½ cup of Nutella across the rolled-out dough.
- Use a 2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes from the dough.
- Place the heart shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, stacking them as you go.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of raspberry jam, 1 tablespoon of whole milk, and a few drops of pink food coloring. Brush the glaze over the warm pastries.