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
Scale
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
