If you’re searching for the ultimate sweet treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, look no further than Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes. These heart-shaped pastries are filled with creamy, dreamy cheesecake filling and swirls of strawberry jam, all cradled in golden, flaky puff pastry. With their vibrant colors and irresistible flavor, these danishes are perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or a heartfelt dessert. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a loved one, or simply to brighten your own day, Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are sure to win over anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes so magical is how a handful of simple, quality ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a starring role in taste, texture, and that signature “wow” factor.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): The secret to those irresistible, flaky layers—make sure it’s fully thawed for easy handling.
- Cream cheese (softened): This creates the luscious, tangy base for the filling; let it come to room temperature for smooth blending.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the cream cheese for that classic danish flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A splash brings warmth and depth to both the filling and optional glaze.
- Strawberry jam or preserves: Brings bright, fruity flavor and a lovely ruby hue—use your favorite brand or homemade for extra flair.
- Fresh strawberries (sliced): These add freshness and juicy texture; choose ripe berries for the best taste and color.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Helps the pastry bake up golden and glossy—don’t skip this step for bakery-worthy results.
- Milk: Just a splash in the egg wash and glaze for richness and shine.
- Powdered sugar (for optional glaze): Whisked into a simple icing, it gives the danishes a sweet finishing touch.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the danishes from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet, then cut it into six equal rectangles. Here’s where the magic happens: fold each rectangle in half lengthwise and use a small knife or cookie cutter to cut a heart shape, leaving the edges intact. When you unfold the pastry, a heart cutout will appear right in the center, ready to be filled.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the rich, tangy base that makes these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes utterly irresistible. A hand mixer works wonders here, but a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease do the trick too.
Step 3: Assemble the Danishes
Place the prepared pastry rectangles on your lined baking sheet. Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each heart, then top with a small spoonful of strawberry jam. For a pop of freshness and color, add a couple of thinly sliced fresh strawberries on top. The combination of creamy, jammy, and juicy layers is what sets these danishes apart.
Step 4: Add the Egg Wash
Whisk the beaten egg with a tablespoon of milk, then brush this mixture along the exposed pastry edges. This step ensures the Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes bake up with a beautiful golden sheen that looks straight out of a bakery window.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the danishes are puffed and deeply golden brown. The pastry should be crisp and flaky, with the filling just set and the strawberries glistening. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a rack—if you can resist the temptation to dig in right away!
Step 6: Glaze and Finish (Optional)
If you’d like an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla for a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes for a bakery-worthy finish. Alternatively, a dusting of powdered sugar makes them look especially festive and inviting.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Garnishes
For a truly special presentation, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of vanilla glaze transforms these danishes into a showstopper. You can even add a few extra fresh strawberry slices or a mint sprig on top for a pop of color and freshness that celebrates the flavor inside.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or even a platter of scrambled eggs. Their sweet, creamy filling balances out savory or lighter sides, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable touch, arrange the danishes on a pretty platter lined with parchment or a doily—perfect for Valentine’s Day, bridal showers, or Mother’s Day brunch. You can even box them up as a homemade gift, or serve them in individual cupcake wrappers for easy sharing at a gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes left (though they tend to disappear fast!), let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage, refrigerate them to keep the filling fresh.
Freezing
These danishes freeze surprisingly well. After baking and cooling, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container; they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked taste, reheat Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes in a 300°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven helps restore that irresistible flakiness.
FAQs
Can I use a different jam or fruit?
Absolutely! While strawberry gives these danishes their signature flavor, you can swap in raspberry, cherry, or even blueberry jam. Try matching the fresh fruit topping to your jam of choice for a delicious variation.
Do I need to use homemade puff pastry?
Store-bought puff pastry is a fantastic shortcut and works beautifully for Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes. If you love making pastry from scratch, feel free to use homemade, but it’s not required for great results.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
You can assemble the danishes and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. For best texture and flakiness, bake them fresh the day you plan to serve, then glaze or dust with sugar right before eating.
How do I get the heart shape just right?
Fold each rectangle in half lengthwise and cut a heart shape, leaving the edges intact. When you unfold the pastry, you’ll reveal a perfect heart cutout in the center. A small cookie cutter or a paring knife both work well for this step.
Are these danishes kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the fun shape and sweet, creamy filling. Let little ones help with spreading the filling or arranging the strawberry slices—they’ll feel proud to serve their creations.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like sharing a batch of homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes with people you love. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these pastries are guaranteed to bring smiles and sweet memories. Give them a try—you just might find a new favorite tradition!
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these charming Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes, perfect as a sweet breakfast treat or a lovely dessert. Flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and bursting with strawberry jam and fresh slices, finished with a delicate glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness. Ideal for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion when you want to impress with a visually stunning and delicious pastry.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon milk
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking, and roll out the puff pastry sheet.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Cut the pastry into 6 equal rectangles. Fold each rectangle lengthwise and carefully cut out a small heart shape, keeping the edges intact. Then unfold to reveal a charming heart cutout design on each rectangle. Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture will provide a rich, sweet base for the strawberries.
- Assemble Danishes: Spoon a portion of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry rectangle. Add a small spoonful of strawberry jam on top of the cream cheese, then arrange a couple of fresh strawberry slices over the jam for freshness and texture.
- Apply Egg Wash: Mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush this egg wash gently around the edges of the pastry rectangles. This step helps give the danishes a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and a lovely golden brown color.
- Cool and Glaze: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. For a sweeter finish, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a glaze and drizzle it over the warm or cooled pastries. Alternatively, dust with powdered sugar for a more subtle sweetness.
- Serve: These danishes are best enjoyed warm on the same day they are baked. Share and enjoy this delightful pastry with friends and family.
Notes
- Serve these danishes warm for the best flavor and texture.
- For a festive presentation, dust with powdered sugar instead of using the glaze.
- Feel free to substitute strawberry jam with raspberry or cherry preserves for variation.
- Ensure puff pastry is properly thawed before working to avoid cracking or tearing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
