Easy Heart Shaped Pop Tarts (Strawberry Hand Pies for Valentine’s Day)
These easy heart shaped pop tarts are made with store-bought pie crust and strawberry preserves for the perfect flaky Valentine’s Day treat.
If you’ve been searching for strawberry hand pies, a cute Valentine’s Day breakfast idea, or an easy dessert using refrigerated pie crust, this recipe is simple, festive, and completely mom-approved.
Made with packaged pie crust, thickened strawberry preserves, and topped with a soft pink icing, these homemade pop tarts look bakery-worthy but come together in under 40 minutes.
They’re perfect for classroom parties, sweet after-school surprises, or a cozy Valentine’s morning at home.
If you’re building a full Valentine’s dessert board, my Vegan Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies, Vegan Heart-Shaped Churros and Vegan Strawberry Donuts make the perfect festive pairing.
If you love easy seasonal baking without complicated ingredients, these strawberry heart pop tarts are about to become your new favorite shortcut dessert.
Why You’ll Love These Heart Shaped Pop Tarts
Made with store-bought pie crust (no dough from scratch)
Uses simple strawberry preserves
Thickened filling prevents leaking
Easy pink glaze with powdered sugar
Sprinkles optional for a festive touch
Kid-friendly and beginner-friendly
Ingredients
For the Pop Tarts:
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (store-bought)
- ¾ cup strawberry preserves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons almond milk (or milk of choice)
- Small drop red food coloring (optional, for pink)
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles (optional)
How to Make Heart Shaped Pop Tarts
1. Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix strawberry preserves, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
This creates a thicker filling so your homemade pop tarts don’t leak while baking.
3. Cut the Hearts
Roll out pie crust if needed.
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut an even number of hearts.
Place half of the hearts on your baking sheet.
4. Fill
Add about 1 tablespoon of the strawberry mixture to the center of each bottom heart, leaving a border around the edges.
5. Seal
Place a second heart on top.
Press edges together gently, then seal with a fork.
Poke small holes in the top for steam to escape.
6. Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Allow to cool completely before adding icing.
7. Make the Pink Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar and almond milk until smooth.
Add a tiny drop of red food coloring for a soft Valentine pink.
Adjust milk slightly for desired thickness. It should be spreadable but not runny.
8. Decorate
Spread icing over cooled pop tarts.
Top with Valentine’s sprinkles if desired.
Let icing set before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pie crust for homemade pop tarts?
Yes! Refrigerated pie crust makes these heart shaped pop tarts quick, flaky, and beginner-friendly.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Mixing strawberry preserves with cornstarch creates a thicker filling that stays inside while baking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I use a different flavor?
Absolutely. Raspberry, cherry, or even blueberry preserves work beautifully.
Storage Tips
Store cooled pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature.
For a slightly crisp texture the next day, warm them briefly in the oven.
These easy heart shaped pop tarts are perfect if you’re looking for:
- Valentine’s Day breakfast ideas
- Strawberry hand pie recipes
- Easy desserts with store bought pie crust
- Homemade pop tarts without yeast
- Cute Valentine’s Day desserts for kids
💘 More Valentine’s Day Dessert Ideas
If you’re planning a full Valentine’s spread, pair these heart shaped pop tarts with:
🍪 Vegan Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft, bakery-style red velvet cookies loaded with dairy-free chocolate chunks. Perfect for Valentine’s Day dessert trays or classroom parties.
👉 Grab the full recipe for my Vegan Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies here.
🍓 Vegan Strawberry Donuts
Baked strawberry donuts topped with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles — an easy Valentine’s Day breakfast idea that feels extra special.
👉 See how I make these Vegan Strawberry Donuts here.
Easy Heart Shaped Pop Tarts (Strawberry Hand Pies)
Ingredients
For the Pop Tarts:
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts store-bought
- ¾ cup strawberry preserves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 –2 tablespoons almond milk or milk of choice
- Small drop red food coloring optional
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix strawberry preserves, cornstarch, and water until smooth. This helps thicken the filling and prevents leaking.
- Cut the hearts: Roll out pie crust if needed. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut an even number of hearts.
- Fill: Place half the hearts on the baking sheet. Add about 1 tablespoon of filling to the center of each, leaving a small border.
- Seal: Place a second heart on top. Press edges together gently and seal with a fork. Poke small holes in the top for steam to escape.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Make icing: Whisk powdered sugar and almond milk until smooth. Add a tiny drop of red food coloring for pink (optional).
- Decorate: Spread icing over cooled pop tarts and add sprinkles if desired. Let icing set before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Swap strawberry preserves for raspberry, cherry, or blueberry.
- Milk choice is flexible — almond, dairy, oat, etc.
- Sprinkles are optional for a festive touch.
More Recipes To Try:
If you loved these vegan heart shaped pop tarts, here are a few more fun and easy treats to try next:
- Heart Shaped Churros – crispy, sweet, and perfect for special occasions
- Vegan Red Velvet Chocolate Chunk Cookies – soft, rich, and bakery-style
- Strawberry Glazed Donuts – light, fluffy, and full of fresh flavor
- Homemade Vegan Sweet Potato Pie – a cozy classic dessert
- 25+ Fall Baking Recipes – warm, comforting treats for any season
- Valentine’s Day Dessert Ideas – festive sweets everyone will love
