Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a delightful and romantic pastry that combines flaky puff pastry, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and fresh strawberry jam. These heart-shaped treats are perfect for Valentine’s Day, special occasions, or simply indulging in a delicious homemade pastry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – Uses store-bought puff pastry for a quick and simple process.
Beautiful and Festive – The heart shape makes these pastries perfect for special occasions.
Delicious Combination – Creamy filling and fruity jam create a delightful taste.
Customizable – Use different jams or add fresh fruit toppings.
Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert – Great with coffee or as a sweet treat after a meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Puff pastry sheets
Cream cheese
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Egg yolk
Strawberry jam
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Egg wash (egg mixed with a bit of water)

Directions

Preheat and Prep – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the Hearts – Roll out the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out heart shapes.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling – In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth.
Assemble the Danishes – Place half of the hearts on the baking sheet. Add a small dollop of cream cheese mixture in the center and top with strawberry jam. Use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the center of the remaining hearts and place them on top.
Seal and Brush – Lightly press the edges to seal and brush with egg wash.
Bake – Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and Serve – Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes

Variations

Different Jams – Try raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jam for variety.
Fresh Fruit – Add sliced strawberries or raspberries on top before baking.
Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted chocolate over the baked pastries for extra indulgence.
Cinnamon Sugar – Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for a spiced twist.
Vegan Option – Use dairy-free cream cheese and an egg substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked danishes for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Yes, but store-bought saves time and works just as well.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate before baking.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat gives the best creamy texture.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Avoid overfilling with jam and let the pastries cool before storing.

Can I make these without a heart cutter?

Yes, simply cut the pastry into squares or circles.

Why did my pastries puff up too much?

Make sure to press the edges together well and chill the assembled pastries before baking.

Can I use a different type of pastry?

Yes, but puff pastry gives the best flakiness.

What’s the best way to serve these?

Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?

Yes, but cook them down slightly with sugar for a thicker consistency.

How long do these stay fresh?

Best enjoyed the same day, but they can be stored for a few days in the fridge.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a simple yet elegant pastry perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat. With a flaky crust, creamy filling, and fruity topping, these danishes will impress your loved ones and satisfy your cravings. Try them today!