A sweet, simple pastry that looks like a heart and tastes like a treat.
Introduction
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes recipe makes tender, flaky pastries with a sweet cream cheese center and fresh strawberries. It works well for breakfast, brunch, or a quick dessert. If you like other easy cream cheese sweets, try this lemon cream cheese pancake recipe for more ideas.
Why make this recipe
- It comes together fast with store-bought puff pastry.
- It looks special and festive.
- Kids and adults enjoy the sweet cream cheese and fresh fruit mix.
- You need few ingredients and little prep.
How to make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Roll the puff pastry, cut hearts, add cream cheese mix, and top with diced strawberries. Seal the edges and brush with egg. Bake until golden. For another simple cheese-based bread idea, you can read how to use cottage cheese in flatbreads at this cottage cheese flatbread recipe.
Ingredients :
1 package store-bought puff pastry, 8 oz cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced, 1 egg (for egg wash), Flour (for dusting)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut into heart shapes.
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Place the heart-shaped pastry on the baking sheet and spoon some of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart.
- Top the cream cheese with diced strawberries.
- Fold and crimp the edges of the pastry to seal.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
How to serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Serve warm on a plate. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze. Pair with coffee, tea, or milk.
How to store Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back crispness. Do not leave cream cheese pastries at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Tips to make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
- Keep the pastry cold before baking for better puff.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese so it mixes smooth.
- Do not overfill the centers to avoid leaks.
- Press edges well to seal and use a fork to crimp if needed.
- Brush egg wash gently for even color.
Variation
- Use blueberry or raspberry instead of strawberries.
- Add a little lemon zest to the cream cheese for bright flavor.
- Swap fresh fruit for fruit jam or pie filling.
- Make mini hearts for bite-size treats.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen puff pastry?
A: Yes. Thaw it in the fridge and follow the same steps.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: You can assemble them and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Bake just before serving for best texture.
Q: How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy?
A: Bake on a parchment-lined sheet and avoid overfilling. Preheat the oven fully.
Q: Can I freeze the unbaked danishes?
A: Yes. Freeze them on a tray, then move to a bag. Bake from frozen, you may need to add a few minutes to the bake time.
Conclusion
For a ready reference and step photos, see Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes – Jessie Bakes Treats, which shows an easy version of this pastry. You can also read a different cheese heart danish take at Cheese Heart Danishes | Moribyan for more ideas.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Ingredients
For the pastry
- 1 package store-bought puff pastry 8 oz
- 1 egg egg (for egg wash)
- Flour as needed Flour (for dusting) to prevent sticking
For the filling
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries diced
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut into heart shapes.
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Place the heart-shaped pastry on the baking sheet and spoon some of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart.
- Top the cream cheese with diced strawberries.
- Fold and crimp the edges of the pastry to seal.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.