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
Scale
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
