When the candy hearts start lining the store shelves and the scent of fresh blooms fills the air, I can’t help but crave something sweet to celebrate the season of love. This Valentine’s Day, I wanted to create a dessert that was not only quick to whip up but also captured the heartfelt essence of the holiday. Enter my Strawberry Love Notes—a delightful combination of flaky, buttery crust and luscious strawberry jam that are as easy to make as they are to share.
Picture this: a golden-brown pastry shaped like an envelope, filled with sweet goodness, and just waiting for a sprinkle of sugar on top. These charming treats can be ready in under an hour and are perfect for surprising your sweetheart or brightening up a friend’s day. With customizable fillings, from classic strawberry to tangy raspberry or even fresh fruit, you can make them uniquely yours. So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into a baking experience that’s bound to spread love all around!
Why love Strawberry Love Notes so much?
Effortless preparation: These treats come together in under an hour, making them perfect for those last-minute surprises.
Customizable fillings: Delight in the versatility as you can swap in your favorite jams or fresh fruits to suit any taste.
Impressive presentation: Shaped like charming envelopes, these desserts are sure to catch everyone’s eye and heart.
Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just a sweet gesture for friends, these love notes are a crowd-pleaser.
Kid-friendly fun: Involve the little ones in crafting these love-filled pastries; it’s a delightful way to bond and create lasting memories!
For more sweetness, don’t miss out on other quick dessert ideas to keep your baking adventures exciting!
Strawberry Love Notes Ingredients
For the Crust
- Refrigerated Pie Crusts – A buttery base that makes these treats quick and easy; homemade crust adds fantastic flavor.
- Flour – Ensures easy rolling of the dough and prevents sticking.
For the Filling
- Strawberry Jam – A sweet center that embodies the spirit of these love notes; try raspberry, peach, or even spicy jams for different flavors!
For the Glaze
- Egg Wash – Provides a beautiful golden sheen to the crust, enhancing both appearance and texture.
- Granulated Sugar – A sprinkle on top adds sweetness and sparkle, making these treats visually appealing.
How to Make Strawberry Love Notes
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Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to give your strawberry love notes that perfect golden-brown finish.
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Roll out crust: On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts until they’re about ¼ inch thick. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into envelope shapes that measure roughly 4×5 inches.
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Prepare for baking: If you prefer a clean bake, use folded foil to create a neat base inside each envelope shape. This step is optional but can help in retaining shape during baking.
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Fill with jam: Spoon a generous amount of strawberry jam into the center of each envelope shape. Be sure to leave enough space at the edges for sealing—about ½ inch should do.
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Seal edges: Fold the top of each envelope over to meet the bottom and press down to seal the edges firmly. Use a fork to create a decorative edge, helping to secure the filling while adding visual charm.
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Brush and sprinkle: Gently brush the tops with egg wash for a golden sheen and sprinkle a light dusting of granulated sugar over each to add a sweet crunch.
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Bake until golden: Place the love notes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky.
Optional: For added sweetness, top with a drizzle of melted chocolate after baking.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Love Notes
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Seal Well: To prevent leaks during baking, ensure your edges are pressed down securely and crimped with a fork.
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Chill Dough: If your pie crust becomes too warm while rolling, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to maintain its flakiness.
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Filling Variations: While strawberry jam is delightful, experiment with raspberry or peach for a fun twist on these love notes.
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Fresh Fruit Addition: If using fresh strawberries, only add them after baking to maintain their texture and avoid sogginess.
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Serving Style: Presentation matters! Serve these strawberry love notes on a decorative plate or in a gift box to impress your loved ones.
What to Serve with Strawberry Love Notes?
Treat your loved ones to a delightful spread that captures the sweet essence of romance!
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Whipped Cream: The airy lightness of whipped cream pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey center, enhancing each bite. Consider adding a dash of vanilla for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries adds a refreshing contrast, making for a delightful dessert duo. They’re not just pretty to look at; the tartness complements the sweet love notes beautifully.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate your love notes with a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top, creating an indulgent contrast to the fruity filling. It transforms them into a luxurious treat that’s sure to impress!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm strawberry love notes alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience. The melting ice cream balances the warmth of the pastry, creating a taste sensation!
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Sparkling Beverage: Pair your treats with a light sparkling drink, like a fruit-infused soda or champagne, adding to the celebratory vibe of the occasion. The bubbles make everything feel a bit more festive!
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Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: For a cozy twist, sprinkle the finished love notes with cinnamon sugar for added flavor. The warmth of cinnamon enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful aroma.
With these touches, your Strawberry Love Notes will shine as the star of your romantic gathering or special occasion!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Love Notes
Airtight Container: Store leftover strawberry love notes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their flaky texture.
Refrigerator: If you want to keep them for an additional day, move the container to the fridge, but be aware that this may affect their crispness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the love notes in a single layer, wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, restoring some of that flaky goodness.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Love Notes are a fantastic choice for meal prep and can save you time on busy days! You can prepare the pie crust up to 24 hours in advance by rolling it out and cutting it into envelope shapes, then refrigerating them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The filling can also be prepped ahead; simply spoon in the strawberry jam and seal the edges, then refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. To achieve the best results, it’s important to brush with egg wash right before baking for that golden finish. When you’re ready to enjoy your treats, just pop them in the oven and savor the sweet rewards of your planning!
Strawberry Love Notes Variations
Feel free to switch things up and make these delightful treats uniquely yours.
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Jam Swaps: Substitute strawberry jam with raspberry, peach, or apricot for unexpected flavor profiles. Each jam adds its own sweet twist, ensuring your love notes stay fresh!
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Fresh Fruit Twist: For a burst of flavor, fill with fresh strawberries or blueberries after baking. The juicy fruit provides a delightful contrast to the warm pastry.
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Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to sugar before sprinkling on top. This cozy twist warms up the heart while enhancing the aroma!
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Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pastries for a decadent touch. Your dessert will be elevated to a new level of indulgence!
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate crushed nuts, like almonds or pecans, into the filling for added texture. This delightful crunch blends wonderfully with the softness of the fruit filling.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to your jam for a surprising spicy note. This unexpected flavor profile balances sweet and heat beautifully!
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Coconut Flakes: Mix in some toasted coconut flakes with your jam for a tropical flair. This addition not only enhances flavor but also adds a fantastic texture!
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Lavender Infusion: A hint of dried culinary lavender mixed into the filling can provide a lovely floral note. Perfect for those looking to impress with a unique twist!
Strawberry Love Notes Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right jam for the filling?
Absolutely! The best jam for your strawberry love notes is one that you love. Strawberry jam is classic, but feel free to experiment with raspberry, peach, or spicy jams. Just ensure your jam is thick enough to hold up inside the pastry without leaking.
What’s the best way to store leftover Strawberry Love Notes?
After enjoying these treats, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’re looking to keep them fresh for a longer period, placing them in the refrigerator can extend their shelf life to about 3 days, but keep in mind that this may affect their crispiness.
Can I freeze Strawberry Love Notes?
Yes! To freeze your strawberry love notes, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their flaky texture.
What if my crust is too warm or sticky to work with?
Very! If you find that your pie crust becomes too warm while rolling out, it’s best to pop it into the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will help it firm up and make it much easier to handle. Always flour your surface well to prevent sticking, which helps maintain that flaky crust we all love.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
It’s great that you’re thinking about this! Strawberry love notes are primarily made with common ingredients. If you’re concerned about allergies, be cautious with the jam and any toppings. Also, ensure you keep these treats away from pets, as certain ingredients like chocolate (if used) can be harmful to them.
Strawberry Love Notes: Quick Treats to Sweeten Your Day
Equipment
- Oven
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- - Fork
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 crusts Refrigerated Pie Crusts Buttery base for quick and easy treats.
- 1 cup Flour For rolling and preventing sticking.
For the Filling
- 1 cup Strawberry Jam Sweet center, can substitute with other jams.
For the Glaze
- 1 large Egg Wash For golden sheen on the crust.
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar For sprinkling on top.
Instructions
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts to about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut into envelope shapes measuring roughly 4x5 inches.
- Spoon strawberry jam into the center of each envelope shape, leaving about ½ inch at the edges.
- Fold the top of each envelope over and press down to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
- Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.