If you’re searching for a dessert that combines flaky, buttery pastry with a luscious, fruity, and creamy filling, look no further than this Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe. It’s a charming treat that bursts with fresh strawberry sweetness and silky cream cheese richness, wrapped in a perfectly golden puff pastry shaped like a heart. Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch, a special holiday surprise, or just a delightful snack, these danishes are a joyful way to impress your taste buds and your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully simple, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the vibrant taste and irresistible texture. From the flaky puff pastry that forms the delicate base to the creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and the bright pop of strawberry jam, each element shines in perfect harmony.
- Puff pastry sheet: The flaky, buttery canvas that puffs up beautifully and gives these danishes their signature lightness.
- Cream cheese: Softened to a spreadable texture, this adds creaminess and a mild tang that balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a smooth, subtle sweetness without any grittiness, perfect for mixing into the cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract: Just a hint to deepen the flavor and round out the cream cheese mixture.
- Strawberry jam: For that juicy, fruity burst of pure strawberry goodness right in the center.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on the edges to create a beautiful golden-brown finish after baking.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven nice and hot ensures that the puff pastry will rise properly and become irresistibly golden and flaky.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet. This helps to even out the thickness and makes it easier to cut into perfect heart shapes. Use a cookie cutter or a sharp knife to carefully cut out hearts—each one is a little edible love note.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir them together until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what turns these danishes from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 4: Assemble Your Danishes
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry heart. Be generous but careful not to overfill so it doesn’t spill over during baking. Then, add a teaspoon of strawberry jam right on top of the cream cheese for that signature strawberry burst.
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
Lightly brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg. This step helps to give the danishes a glossy, golden crust that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled danishes into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll want to watch for that beautiful puffing and golden color that tells you they’re ready. Be patient—they smell irresistible straight from the oven!
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, allow your danishes to cool slightly. This helps the cream cheese filling to set just enough so you can enjoy that perfect balance of warm pastry and creamy strawberry center in every bite.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe look even more adorable and taste divine, consider dusting them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh strawberry slices or a few mint leaves add a pop of color and a fresh contrast. Drizzling a bit of melted white chocolate over the top can also turn these into a fancy treat for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Serve these danishes alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a bright herbal tea to complement their sweetness. For a brunch spread, pair them with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness with some savory and juicy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond a platter—arrange the danishes on a tiered stand to create a beautiful visual centerpiece, or stack them in a basket lined with a pretty cloth for a casual picnic vibe. You can also place a single heart danish on a small dessert plate, garnished with edible flowers for romantic celebrations like Valentine’s Day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry from drying out while maintaining the soft and creamy filling perfectly.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked hearts on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For baked leftovers, freeze after they have cooled completely, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your danishes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes. This revives the crispiness of the puff pastry and gently warms the filling without drying it out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will work beautifully and add a personal touch, though store-bought keeps this recipe quick and easy without sacrificing flaky texture.
What type of cream cheese works best?
Regular full-fat cream cheese is best for the creamiest texture and richest flavor, but you can also use low-fat versions if you prefer a lighter filling.
Can I substitute strawberry jam with fresh strawberries?
You can, but keep in mind fresh strawberries won’t have the same concentrated sweetness or spreadable consistency. If using fresh, consider tossing them with a little sugar to macerate before adding on top.
Is it possible to make these danishes gluten-free?
Yes! Look for a good-quality gluten-free puff pastry and follow the recipe as written. The filling is naturally gluten-free, so just ensure your pastry matches your dietary needs.
How should I store leftover cream cheese filling?
Keep any leftover cream cheese filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it thickens, give it a gentle stir before using again.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably delightful about making and sharing the Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe. It’s simple enough for a spontaneous sweet treat but special enough to wow anyone lucky enough to take a bite. Next time you want to impress your family or friends, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll fall in love with the perfect blend of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and sweet strawberry goodness every single time.
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these charming Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes, perfect for a sweet breakfast or a festive dessert. Made with flaky puff pastry, smooth cream cheese filling, and a sweet strawberry jam topping, these danishes bake up golden and irresistible in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping & Finishing:
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the danishes.
- Cut Pastry Shapes: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Fill Pastry Hearts: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each heart-shaped pastry.
- Add Strawberry Jam: Spoon about a teaspoon of strawberry jam on top of the cream cheese filling for a sweet fruity layer.
- Apply Egg Wash: Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the edges of each pastry heart with the beaten egg to achieve a golden brown finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the prepared danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the danishes to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry sheet is fully thawed but still cold to handle easily and puff up nicely when baked.
- You can substitute strawberry jam with any fruit preserves of your choice.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
- These danishes can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to two days; reheat slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
