When my friends and I gathered for a cozy Galentine’s Day celebration, I wanted to whip up something that would make hearts flutter and taste buds dance. That’s when I discovered this delightful heart-shaped Nutella pull-apart dessert. Imagine the enchanting aroma of warm, flaky pastry mingling with the rich scent of chocolate hazelnut filling—it’s absolutely irresistible! The best part? This dessert not only looks stunning but is a breeze to make, allowing you to spend more quality time with your loved ones, instead of being stuck in the kitchen. With a subtle raspberry glaze that adds a touch of sweetness, this treat is perfect for any romantic occasion or just to brighten your day. Get ready to indulge in a dessert that’s as fun to pull apart as it is to share!
Why is Pull-Apart Heart Dessert a Must-Try?
Deliciously Flaky: This dessert delivers a perfect contrast between its flaky exterior and gooey Nutella center that melts in your mouth.
Effortlessly Elegant: Impress your guests with a stunning heart shape that’s ideal for romantic occasions or friendly gatherings without extensive baking experience!
Sweet & Tangy Finish: The raspberry glaze adds a delightful touch that elevates the overall flavor profile, making it an unforgettable dessert experience.
Perfect for Sharing: This pull-apart masterpiece encourages fun interaction as you and your loved ones share the deliciousness, making sweet memories together.
Customizable Treat: Want to switch it up? Experiment with different fillings or jams to create a unique version that suits your taste! For more easy dessert ideas, don’t forget to check out my collection of quick and delicious desserts.
Pull-Apart Heart Ingredients
For the Dough
- Crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8-oz each) – The base of the pastry that provides delightful flakiness; can be substituted with puff pastry for a different texture.
- All-purpose flour – Crucial for dusting to prevent sticking when rolling out the dough.
For the Filling
- Nutella (½ cup) – This rich, chocolate-hazelnut spread fills the pastry and makes each pull wonderfully indulgent.
For the Glaze
- Confectioners’ sugar (30 g or ¼ cup) – Adds a necessary sweetness to the glaze; substitute with stevia for a lower-calorie option.
- Whole milk (1 Tbsp) – Adds richness to the glaze; use almond milk for a dairy-free choice.
- Raspberry jam (1 Tbsp) – Enhances both flavor and color; feel free to substitute with your favorite fruit preserves.
- Pink food coloring – For a fun pop of color in the glaze, this is optional based on your preference.
Tools Required
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter (2-inch) – Essential for shaping the pastry into adorable hearts; a cupcake cutter could work for a different design.
How to Make Pull-Apart Heart Dessert
Prep Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to bake the pastry to perfection while you prepare the dough.
Dust Surface: Sprinkle a light dusting of all-purpose flour on your clean work surface. This prevents the dough from sticking and allows for easy rolling.
Roll Out Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto the floured surface and gently roll it out until it is smooth and about ¼ inch thick for the ideal texture.
Cut Shapes: Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts from the dough. Place a heart cutout in your hands and spread a spoonful of Nutella in the center, leaving some space for sealing.
Layer and Pinch: Stack another heart cutout on top of the Nutella-filled one. Pinch the edges together gently to seal, ensuring that the delicious filling stays inside as it bakes.
Bake: Place the assembled hearts on a lined baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
Prepare Glaze: While the pastries are baking, in a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, raspberry jam, whole milk, and pink food coloring until the mixture is smooth and shiny.
Glaze & Cool: Once baked, drizzle the raspberry glaze over the warm pastries. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set a bit.
Optional: Serve with fresh raspberries on the side for an extra fruity twist!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Pull-Apart Heart Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delightful dessert to match your taste buds!
Nut-Free: Swap Nutella for sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free alternative that still delivers creamy goodness.
Fruit Boost: Add sliced strawberries or raspberries between the dough layers for a fresh, fruity surprise that brightens each bite. The contrast of rich chocolate and zesty berries is divine!
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in mini chocolate chips alongside the Nutella for added texture and a double dose of chocolatey delight. Each pull will be even more indulgent!
Spice it Up: Incorporate a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper into the Nutella for a warm, spicy kick that elevates the dessert to new heights!
Vegan Version: Use vegan crescent roll dough and almond milk for the glaze, ensuring everyone can enjoy this heartwarming treat without dairy.
Zesty Twist: Substitute raspberry jam with orange marmalade to introduce a citrusy flavor that balances beautifully with the chocolate.
Layered Delight: Instead of hearts, create a layered pull-apart loaf by stacking dough, Nutella, and jam in a loaf pan for a unique presentation that’s just as delicious!
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough for a gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy while still being fabulously flakey.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Pull-Apart Hearts are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time while still impressing their guests! You can prep the pastry shapes filled with Nutella up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the initial steps, cut out the hearts, and layer them with Nutella, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, preheat your oven and bake straight from the fridge, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed. To ensure your hearts remain flaky and delicious, store them in an airtight container, and enjoy fresh, gooey goodness with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Pull-Apart Heart Dessert?
Looking to create a complete meal that perfectly complements this delightful heart-shaped treat?
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla finds a match in the Nutella’s richness, enhancing the dessert’s overall experience.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet, warm pastry, making each bite more dynamic.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream offers the perfect topping, accentuating the gooey center while providing a lovely texture.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce elevates the indulgence and creates a decadent experience that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Coffee or Espresso: A cup of freshly brewed coffee balances the sweetness, providing a cozy moment of relaxation as you enjoy this dessert.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon: For a light, refreshing pairing, sparkling water cuts through the richness and cleanses the palate between sweet bites.
- Cozy Hot Chocolate: When served warm, hot chocolate matches the dessert’s cozy vibes, offering a comforting sweetness that makes it a perfect pairing.
Each of these suggestions enhances the flavors and textures of the Pull-Apart Heart Dessert, creating a truly memorable experience for you and your loved ones!
How to Store and Freeze Pull-Apart Heart Dessert
Room Temperature: Keep any leftover pull-apart hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week; just be sure to seal them well to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pastries individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through, to revive their fresh-baked goodness.
Expert Tips for Pull-Apart Heart Dessert
Prevent Dough Sticking: Use a generous amount of flour when rolling out the crescent roll dough to avoid any sticking issues during assembly.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pastries as they bake; overbaking can lead to a dry texture that detracts from the delightful pull-apart experience.
Seal Carefully: Make sure to pinch the edges of the heart shapes well to keep the Nutella from leaking out during baking, so each pull is filled with gooey goodness.
Cool Before Glazing: Allow the pastries to cool slightly before drizzling with the raspberry glaze—this ensures the glaze adheres beautifully without sliding off.
Creative Fillings: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings like peanut butter or fruit jams—these variations can add a new twist to your Pull-Apart Heart dessert!
Pull-Apart Heart Dessert Recipe FAQs
What type of crescent roll dough is best for this recipe?
I recommend using standard refrigerated crescent roll dough, as it provides the perfect balance of flakiness and ease. You can also substitute with puff pastry if you prefer a different texture, but be sure to handle it gently!
How should I store leftover pull-apart hearts?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a week, you can refrigerate them, but remember to seal them well to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze the pull-apart hearts? How do I do it?
Yes, you can freeze these delightful pastries! For best results, wrap each cooled heart individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy them later, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and delicious.
What should I do if the Nutella leaks out while baking?
To prevent this from happening, make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly when sealing them around the Nutella. If it does leak out, no worries! Just scoop it up and enjoy the gooey goodness.
Is this dessert suitable for individuals with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, this recipe may not be suitable for those with nut allergies due to the inclusion of Nutella. However, you can easily switch it out with sunbutter or a creamy fruit spread to create a safe alternative that still delivers delicious flavor!
What can I use as a substitute for raspberry jam in the glaze?
Feel free to get creative! You can use any fruit jam you like, such as strawberry, cherry, or even blueberry. These swaps will still give a lovely color and flavor to the glaze, ensuring your Pull-Apart Heart dessert is both beautiful and tasty.
Delicious Pull-Apart Heart Dessert to Share with Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for baking.
- Dust Surface: Sprinkle a light dusting of all-purpose flour on your clean work surface.
- Roll Out Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough on the floured surface and roll it out until smooth and about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut Shapes: Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts from the dough. Spread a spoonful of Nutella in the center.
- Layer and Pinch: Stack another heart cutout on top and pinch the edges together to seal.
- Bake: Place the hearts on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together confectioners' sugar, raspberry jam, whole milk, and pink food coloring in a small bowl.
- Glaze & Cool: Drizzle the raspberry glaze over the warm pastries. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.