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Perfect Valentine’s Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread Hearts

strawberry cream cheese bread hearts - featured image
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Delicious and easy-to-make sweet bread hearts filled with a creamy strawberry and cream cheese mixture, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

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 the warm milk (110°F/43°C) with sugar and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add melted butter and the foamy yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
  3. Add dry ingredients: Gradually add sifted flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix with dough hook on low speed or stir by hand until shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if too wet, but do not overdo.
  5. First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare filling: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in finely chopped strawberries gently.
  7. Roll out dough: Punch down dough and roll out on floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle.
  8. Spread filling: Evenly spread strawberry cream cheese mixture over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
  9. Shape hearts: Roll dough tightly from long side into a log. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces. Pinch bottom edges and press top edges inward to form hearts.
  10. Second rise: Place hearts on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  11. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and set in center.
  12. Glaze (optional): Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to drizzle consistency. Brush or drizzle over warm bread hearts.
  13. Cool: Transfer to cooling rack and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

If fresh strawberries are not in season, use thawed frozen berries drained of excess juice. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend but expect denser texture. Brush bread hearts with melted butter after baking for a shiny crust. Dough should be soft but not sticky; add flour carefully during kneading. Let dough rise fully for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Valentine's Day, strawberry bread, cream cheese bread, sweet bread, heart-shaped bread, easy baking, breakfast, dessert

Find it online: https://avabake.com/perfect-valentines-strawberry-cream-cheese-bread-hearts-recipe-easy-and-delicious-step-by-step/