If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s both delightfully cute and bursting with bright, sunny flavors, look no further than these Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies! Imagine tender, golden pastry hugging a jewel-toned, fruit-packed filling—each pie a sweet little parcel just begging to be shared (or devoured solo). The combination of ripe strawberries and zesty ruby orange makes these hand pies a sensational treat, perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anytime you want to spread a little love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a hand pie that’s flaky, jammy, and full of vibrant flavor. Each one brings something special, whether it’s fresh fruitiness, citrus zing, or that all-important golden crust.
- Fresh strawberries: Their natural sweetness and juiciness form the core of the filling—choose ripe berries for the boldest flavor.
- Ruby orange (zested and juiced): The ruby orange infuses a floral brightness and adds a tangy twist that complements the berries beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to highlight the fruits’ natural sweetness without overpowering the citrus notes.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the filling to jammy perfection—no runny hand pies here!
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the fruit flavors and adds a touch of comforting warmth to the filling.
- Refrigerated pie dough (2 sheets): Quick, flaky, and fuss-free—the perfect shortcut with delicious results every time.
- Egg (for egg wash): Gives your pies that irresistible glossy, golden finish.
- Coarse sugar: Adds a sparkly crunch on top; turbinado or demerara sugar work beautifully.
- Flour (for dusting): Prevents the dough from sticking as you roll and cut out those adorable hearts.
How to Make Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies
Step 1: Prepare Your Filling
Start by combining those luscious strawberries, zippy ruby orange zest and juice, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Let everything simmer over medium heat, stirring every so often, until you have a thick, glossy, bubbling fruit mixture—it only takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s thickened nicely (think the consistency of homemade jam), spread it out on a plate or shallow bowl to cool quickly. This way your hand pies won’t get soggy.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough and Cut the Hearts
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out both sheets of pie dough just a little thinner than they come out of the package—this makes for a delicately crisp crust. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 3 to 4 inches across works well) to cut an even number of hearts. Gather any scraps and re-roll if needed; waste not, want not!
Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies
Place half your pie dough hearts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a generous teaspoonful of the cooled strawberry ruby orange filling into the center of each. Be careful to leave a nice border all around so you can seal them properly—nobody likes a leaky hand pie!
Step 4: Seal and Decorate
Set the remaining hearts on top and gently press the edges closed with your fingertips. For that perfect, classic hand-pie look, crimp the edges with the tines of a fork. It’s so satisfying! Brush the tops with your beaten egg to ensure a shiny, golden crust, and scatter a pinch of coarse sugar over each. Don’t forget to cut a tiny slit or poke a hole in the top of each pie to let steam escape—this keeps them from bursting open in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop those beauties in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and sugar-kissed, and your kitchen smells like a summer berry patch. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before serving—you want the filling warm, not molten!
How to Serve Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar makes these Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies look extra magical. For a real showstopper, drizzle a simple orange glaze over the top (just powdered sugar mixed with a splash of ruby orange juice), or add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to the side. A few fresh mint leaves also add a lovely, fragrant touch.
Side Dishes
While these hand pies are glorious on their own, they pair beautifully with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream, a small bowl of lightly sweetened Greek yogurt, or even a fresh fruit salad. For a holiday or brunch spread, serve alongside coffee, tea, or a sparkling orange mimosa.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies on a wooden board with fresh berries and orange slices for a rustic dessert platter, or slip them into cute paper bags tied with twine as edible gifts. For parties, nestle them in cupcake liners and display on a tiered cake stand so guests can help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies (lucky you!), just let them cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, move them to the fridge for another couple of days to keep them perfectly fresh.
Freezing
These hand pies freeze beautifully. Once cooled, layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To recapture that “just-baked” magic, pop the hand pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–8 minutes. The crust will crisp right back up, and the filling will turn gorgeously jammy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on that flaky crunch!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely, frozen strawberries work perfectly for Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies. Just thaw them first and drain off extra liquid so your filling isn’t watery. The color and flavor will still shine through with that delightful ruby orange touch!
What if I can’t find ruby oranges?
No problem at all—blood oranges or even regular navel oranges make a great substitute. While ruby oranges add a gorgeous color and a subtle berry-like note, any sweet, juicy orange will deliver bright citrus flavor to your pies.
Can I make these hand pies in different shapes?
Definitely! While heart shapes are extra charming for special moments, stars, circles, or any fun cutter you have on hand will work. Customize for holidays or parties—the taste of Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies is the real star.
Is it necessary to use an egg wash?
The egg wash isn’t strictly required, but it gives the pies a beautiful golden color and helps the coarse sugar stick that little bit better. For an egg-free version, use a splash of milk or cream instead.
Do I need to serve these pies warm?
Not at all! Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies are scrumptious at any temperature. Serve them warm for extra cozy vibes, or at room temp when packing up for picnics, school lunches, or party platters.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies truly are a labor of love, but one that rewards you with flavor and charm in every bite. Whether you’re baking for someone special or treating yourself to a little homemade joy, I hope you’ll give these a try—and share the sweet results with the ones you love most!
Print
Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies are a perfect treat for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day. The sweet and tangy filling wrapped in a flaky crust is sure to impress your loved ones.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 ruby orange, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust:
- 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- coarse sugar, for sprinkling
- flour, for dusting
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 small saucepan, combine the strawberries, ruby orange zest and juice, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Cook until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Let cool.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pie dough. Cut out heart shapes.
- Assemble the pies: Place filling on half the hearts, top with remaining hearts, seal edges, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 18–22 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let the pies cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- If ruby oranges are not available, you can use blood oranges or regular oranges as a substitute.
- These hand pies can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and are delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
